The Confederation of African Football has unanimously endorsed FIFA’s joint statement acknowledging mistakes in the handling of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, while reaffirming its commitment to governance, transparency and due process.
The resolution was reached at a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, which also unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA’s FFE controversy
PUNCH Online reports that FIFA unveiled the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise on July 28, 2026, as a new FIFA-owned commercial subsidiary to manage its commercial and event operations, including the World Cup, and to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to investors.
FIFA said the initiative was designed to increase funding for football development for its 211 member associations, but it was later withdrawn after criticism of the consultation process.
It drew criticism after concerns that FIFA’s Council and member associations were not adequately consulted during its development.
Meanwhile, FIFA apologised on August 6, 2026, after acknowledging that mistakes were made in how the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise was presented.
In a joint statement, Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said the FIFA Council and member associations should have been more involved in the process, withdrew the proposal, and announced a review while maintaining that all actions complied with FIFA’s regulatory framework.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CAF said it had endorsed the “Joint Update” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström on the FIFA Forward Enterprise.
According to CAF, the continental football body took note of FIFA’s admission that mistakes were made during the process leading to the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The statement quoted FIFA as saying, “We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (‘FFE’).
“It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and it should have been handled differently. We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again.”
It further quoted FIFA as saying, “With this in mind, we will conduct a necessary review, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting.
“Furthermore as already known, the proposal which would have been subject to the approval of the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, is now off the table.”
FIFA added, “There are always lessons to be learned, and we will continue to improve our processes in light of this experience.
“In this instance however, it is important to stress that although mistakes were made, everything that was done, was done in full compliance with the FIFA Regulatory Framework.”
CAF welcomes FIFA’s position
Reacting, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the continental football body welcomed FIFA’s position and remained committed to governance and transparency.
Photo: CAF
Motsepe said, “CAF welcomes and endorses the ‘Joint Update’ by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström. CAF will continue to focus on making African Football amongst the best in the world and is reaffirming its commitment to adhering to global governance, transparency and auditing best practices.”
He added, “For us in Africa, adherence to governance, due process and transparency is crucial and non-negotiable, as this is the practice and conduct we expect from our governments, business and other institutions and organisations. This is also the conduct that is expected from CAF.”
The CAF president further stated, “We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its Member Associations, other Football Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practices and to contribute to the development and growth of Football worldwide.”
On CAF’s priorities, Motsepe said, “CAF will also continue to focus on developing our boys and girls football players, coaches and trainers, the National Teams of our 54 Member Associations and the amateur and professional leagues on the African Continent.”
He continued, “Good progress is being made in discussions with our current and new sponsors, partners and investors to ensure that CAF continues to be financially self-supporting and independent and that stadiums and other Football infrastructure is constructed and upgraded.”
CAF backs Infantino, FIFA
Motsepe also said, “Progress is also being made in the preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (‘AFCON’) Kenya Tanzania Uganda (‘PAMOJA’) and other CAF Competitions.”
CAF also announced that its Executive Committee unanimously reaffirmed support for Infantino and thanked him for his continued backing of African football.
The committee also thanked Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and the FIFA administration “for organising a very successful FIFA World Cup 2026.”
CAF further stated that the quality of football at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco “is very high” and described the tournament as “a huge success.”
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