FIFPRO Europe calls for Fifa reform after Infantino’s failed proposal

Danny Jordaan, re-elected as president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), has expressed his support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino's re-election bid and defended the concept of private investment in football. Jordaan, who secured a fourth term at SAFA's elective congress, stated that he disagrees with the lack of consultation with FIFA members regarding Infantino's FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

The proposal aims to attract private investment into football-related businesses. Jordaan cited examples such as English clubs owned by corporate entities and La Liga in Spain being partly owned by a private investment company. He also highlighted that PSG in France is owned by a country. Despite his support for Infantino, Jordaan criticized the insufficient consultation process.

Infantino and CAF president Patrice Motsepe were among the first people to contact Jordaan after his re-election. Jordaan dismissed the criticism of SAFA's regional structures, pointing to South Africa's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as evidence of their effectiveness. The election debate also focused on Jordaan's decision to seek another term after initially stating in 2022 that his third term would be his last.

He emphasized that his continued leadership was determined by SAFA regions and not by himself, as SAFA is a democratic organization. Jordaan also revealed that SAFA will collaborate with FIFA on its Vision 2030 program as the association enters another four-year cycle.