How FIFA intends to keep CAF on a tight leash

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The first question I would ask is; would Gianni Infantino get away with the meddling and interference he has orchestrated in CAF with UEFA?

A little background would set the tone in explaining the crisis that has befallen African football. Upon ascending the lofty position of FIFA President, the script was well laid for the ouster of those termed as Sep Blatter’s men.

Corruption charges duly instituted across the various continental federations; next thing was to set the stage to acquire the necessary legitimacy to steer the agenda for the next four years. In came Ahmad Ahmad; the chosen one, the Infantino led FIFA’s golden boy, handpicked to kick out one of the few Blatter men left, Issa Hayatou.

Ahmad Ahmad was elected in 2017, ending the close to the 30-year reign of Issa Hayatou at the helm of African Football. Ahmad quickly set to rock the boat; canceling contracts signed by his predecessor whilst struggling to replace them adequately. Corruption allegations, FIFA’S imposition, employee dissatisfaction, sexual molestation allegations, and misappropriation of funds have been the hallmarks of the Madagascar national’s three-year reign as CAF President.

Now Africa has a chance to break free and set a new course in administering its football, but still, FIFA’s shadow through Infantino looms large over the affairs of the confederation. Baring no late surprises from the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS); Ahmad Ahmad cannot stake a claim for reelection; so technically Africa has four men vying for the top position in African Football, here are the candidates:

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Patrice Tlhopan Motsepe
Once again, just like in 2017; FIFA has a chosen one and they aren’t hiding it with the trips across Africa campaigning for the South African Billionaire. Motsepe is a mining billionaire and brother-in-law to South Africa’s President; he is also currently President of one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs; Mamelodi Sundowns.

Many believe his election as CAF President will herald an influx of corporate partnerships and sponsorships for African Football. Whilst this is a welcome development; many observers are wary as to how much of a part he will play in the day-to-day running of CAF affairs with his huge business empire.
It is alleged that several concessions have been agreed to with other candidates which would lead to Motsepe empowering his Vice Presidents to take the lead in running CAF.

Jaques Anouma
The Ivorian is the most experienced of all the contestants; at 69, it’s the last chance saloon for him as he is just a year off the age limit. He was a member of the executive committee and also President of the Ivorian Football Federation during their golden generation that had the likes of Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure.

He has prior experience of contesting for this position even though he was disqualified on a technicality. His campaign has been hugely affected by his fight against COVID 19.

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Augustin Senghor
Senegal’s football federation President since 2009, hugely experienced with a legal background. Many believe that he is Ahmad’s anointed choice and his experience managing at club football and federation level sets him up differently.

Senghor’s main election promise is to limit the departure of African youngsters to Europe at a very young age, improve the value of club football and make the CAF Champions League more attractive. He also presents himself as a Pan Africanist; something that makes him an unattractive choice to FIFA.

Ahmad Yahya
The President of the Mauritanian Football Federation and the youngest contestant of the lot. He has turned around Mauritarian football, improved their Fifa ranking, and also ensuring the hosting of a major CAF competition.
An astute businessman, dedicated to infrastructural development and a keen eye for acquiring economic and commercial partners. Though many say he is the least experienced candidate; he suits the mold of the new FIFA.

Now, the last two contenders (Ahmad Yahya and Augustin Senghor) are alleged to have conceded to Motsepe accepting the roles of Vice President in the expected CAF Executive Committee of the future.

So as it is currently, the stage is set for the crowning of Patrice Motsepe as the next CAF President, but this modern-day style of colonialism/imperialism is one that many observers in African football are worried about. It is implied that this is Gianni Infantino’s play to position for his re-election bid at FIFA; we may have to wait to see how things pan out.

 

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