October 1 – No rival candidate has yet come forward to challenge Gianni Infantino when he bids for re-election next year but if anyone does, African football will stand firmly behind the present incumbent.
Infantino announced in June he would run for a second term in Paris in June 2019 and CAF officially endorsed his candidacy at its regional Congress in Egypt on Sunday.
This is no proven guarantee of votes with many African associations traditionally breaking ranks, as occurred in the last FIFA presidential election
But CAF president Ahmad Ahmad, who in turn was supported by Infantino when he ousted the long-time CAF president Issa Hayatou in March 2017, told delegates: “I feel it is my duty… to announce this support from Africa.”
Moroccan football federation boss Fouzi Lekjaa added: “We are not only backing you but we will be travelling with you to publicise your ideals and the great work you have done since you took over.”
Infantino expressed his gratitude for the African backing.
“It means a lot to me,” said the Swiss. “Since long before my election, I had said, and since I have done everything, to make sure that the future really is Africa.”
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