By Andrew Warshaw
November 30 – Without a presidential candidate of their own, the South American confederation CONMEBOL says it will back Gianni Infantino (pictured) to succeed Sepp Blatter in February’s ballot, an early indication of the support the current UEFA general secretary may receive in addition to his own European members.
Juan Angel Napout, president of 10-strong CONMEBOL, says it will vote “as a block” for Infantino even though he only entered the race to make sure Europe had a credible candidate once Michel Platini was suspended by FIFA’s ethics committee.
Previously Napout had said he would support Platini and presumably believes Infantino has just as strong a portfolio as the UEFA president himself and can give his members what they want.
“We have spoken with Gianni to set out what is needed,” Napout said.
With five candidates in the running there promises to be all manner of twists and turns over the next few months as they jostle for position and try to pick up votes from outside their own comfort zone.
As things stand now it hard to see any of them winning in the first round with a two-thirds majority of FIFA’s 209 members. South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale, whose confederation comprises the most individual members, is pinning his hopes on all of them voting for him to give him a fighting chance.
But he will need a whole lot more support than just Africa and won’t be encouraged that his own country’s players’ union declaring its opposition to his candidacy.
Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe, secretary general of SAFPU, believes Sexwale hasn’t done enough for those in South Africa – let alone the wider world.
“We remain convinced that he (Sexwale) is not a balanced candidate who will deliver what we need as footballers globally,” Gaoshubelwe said. “Sexwale is no different from his backers at the South African Football Association. The decision to stand was not informed by the needs and interests of the players because there was no consultation and engagement with SAFPU.”
“Before Sexwale ascends to the global pedestal that is the FIFA presidency, we would like to advise him to start at home and get SAFA in order.
“We are on record that, while we enjoy cordial relations with SAFA, we are unhappy with them because they operate their organisation in ways that are not consistent with the statutes of FIFA. It is impossible to lead football globally when you can’t lead at home. Sexwale should rather start with leading SAFA.”
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