The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously endorsed FIFA’s joint statement admitting mistakes in the handling of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), while reaffirming its commitment to governance, transparency, and due process.
The resolution was adopted during a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, which also reiterated its unanimous support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Background to the FFE Controversy
On July 28, 2026, FIFA announced the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial subsidiary intended to manage FIFA’s commercial and event operations—including the World Cup—and to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to investors. FIFA stated that the initiative aimed to boost funding for football development across its 211 member associations. However, the proposal faced immediate criticism over insufficient consultation with the FIFA Council and member associations, prompting FIFA to withdraw the plan.
On August 6, 2026, FIFA issued an apology, acknowledging the lack of adequate involvement of key stakeholders in the FFE’s development. In a joint statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström admitted that “mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise,” adding, “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.”
The statement further announced a review of the process, with a report to be presented to the FIFA Council at its next meeting. The FFE proposal has now been formally withdrawn, and FIFA reaffirmed its commitment to operating within its regulatory framework, stating, “There are always lessons to be learned, and we will continue to improve our processes in light of this experience.”
CAF’s Endorsement and Commitment
CAF welcomed FIFA’s position, with President Patrice Motsepe emphasizing the organization’s dedication to governance and transparency. “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 among the best in the world and is reaffirming its commitment to adhering to global governance, transparency, and auditing best practices,” Motsepe said.
He stressed that governance, due process, and transparency are non-negotiable for CAF, mirroring expectations for governments, businesses, and institutions across Africa. Motsepe added, “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.”
Highlighting CAF’s ongoing priorities, Motsepe noted continued efforts to develop football talent, coaches, and teams across Africa, as well as securing financial independence and investment in stadiums and infrastructure.
CAF Reaffirms Support for FIFA Leadership
In addition, CAF’s Executive Committee expressed appreciation for Infantino, Secretary General Grafström, and the FIFA administration, particularly for the successful organization of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
CAF also celebrated the high quality and success of the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco, describing it as “a huge success.”
