African football leader urges election to decide Infantino's FIFA future

Patrice Motsepe, head of the Confederation of African Football and FIFA vice-president, insisted that Gianni Infantino’s tenure should be settled at the March election rather than through resignations or external pressure. Speaking to one outlet from Salzburg during the UEFA Super Cup, Motsepe said the proper channel is a ballot of the 211 FIFA member associations. He met with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, whose federation has warned it may boycott the World Cup and Club World Cup over Infantino’s controversial plan to sell World Cup stakes.

Motsepe defended the proposal, stating it would still require final approval by FIFA members and that Infantino has apologized for the handling. Meanwhile, the Football Association of Ireland has withdrawn its earlier endorsement of Infantino, citing concerns over governance and lack of consultation, following similar moves by the English and Welsh FAs.