Why Africa Might Back FIFA's Controversial Investment Plan

The global football community is divided over FIFA's proposal to create a commercial subsidiary and sell stakes in its major competitions to private investors. While European governing body UEFA has voted to boycott FIFA competitions, including World Cups, if the plan proceeds, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has remained largely silent, raising questions about whether Africa might become a lone voice of support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Close Ties Between CAF and FIFA

Much of CAF's stance can be attributed to the close relationship between CAF, FIFA, and Infantino. CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised Infantino for his "excellent work" after this year's World Cup and described the Swiss as "a good friend." "He is loyal to Africa," Motsepe said on 22 July. "When people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back."

This relationship has deepened since Motsepe and Infantino assumed their respective positions in 2016. Veron Mosengo-Omba, who served as Motsepe's deputy from 2021 until March this year, was previously FIFA's chief member associations officer and is a friend of Infantino, having studied law alongside him in Switzerland. Mosengo-Omba was elected head of DR Congo's football federation in May. Together, he and Motsepe have undeniably improved CAF's financial balance sheet, notably by increasing revenues from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), its flagship tournament, while Infantino has contributed to developing the game on the continent.

The Proposal and Its Financial Lure

FIFA's plan involves creating a commercial subsidiary, tentatively named FIFA Forward Enterprise, to manage its main events and allow external investors to buy stakes. FIFA estimates the subsidiary could raise $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion) later this year, with net benefits reinvested into the global game. For many African football federations that struggle financially, the prospect of receiving $40 million (£30 million) from FIFA may prove enticing, especially as an initial $20 million (£15 million) could be received as early as 1 January, provided the plans are approved by 19 September.

CAF says its executive committee will meet next week to "assess and evaluate" the proposal, encouraging its member associations to do the same. African countries have already benefited from previous FIFA funding, and the new sums at stake could continue to transform the footballing landscape on the continent.

Support and Criticism Within Africa

Rogers Byamukama of Uganda's football federation told the BBC: "Football is a very expensive venture, especially on the African continent where resources are not easy to come by. What is wrong with making more money and sharing that money with those that need it most?"

However, Isha Johansen, a former president of the Sierra Leonean FA who also served on CAF's executive committee and the FIFA Council, says the proposal "does not sit well." "I think people have got to be really realistic here in knowing where we want to see football going in the coming years," she added. "Should football be commercialised in the manner in which it potentially could be if this proposal were to go through? As a businessman or woman you want something out of it. You're not just doing it out of generosity. What price does one have to pay in order to get to this elevated development for football in Africa? I think it's going to take a lot of soul searching [but] I do hope that they (CAF) go along with all the other confederations."

Opposition from Other Confederations

So far, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, which runs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, have all opposed Infantino's plan. The proposal has sparked a broader debate about the commercialization of football and the potential risks of private investment in the sport's governance.

As the September deadline approaches, CAF's decision will be closely watched, with implications for the future of football governance and investment worldwide.