Africa’s football progress seen as key factor in future support for Infantino

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has stated that the proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors could have generated more funding for poorer football federations across the globe. Benin Football Federation president Marcellin Bocove emphasized the importance of African progress in football development over disputes surrounding Infantino's leadership during an interview ahead of the Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland.

The tournament, marking the first global Fifa competition since the governance row, is set to run from August 28 through September 27.

The Swiss administrator, Infantino, abandoned the controversial proposal in late July after facing backlash from European governing body Uefa and other stakeholders. Infantino apologized for errors made during the proposal but defended it as a means to distribute more money to poorer national football federations. Despite calls for his resignation, Infantino remains the Fifa president and has announced his intention to seek a fourth term in March 2027.

He faces criticism but continues to receive support from the African and South American confederations.

Bocove believes that Africa's football progress should guide future leadership decisions and that more investment is needed. He noted that there has been investment in the past few years, but more is required to maintain the current trajectory. Similar views were expressed by Gideon Fosu, a member of the Ghana Football Association's executive committee, who admires Infantino's intentions to develop football in Africa.

Fosu believes that support for Infantino should be based on his genuine desire to advance the sport, particularly the women's game, in the continent. Four African teams—Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania—are set to compete in the upcoming Under-20 Women's World Cup.