African federations eye Grafström to challenge Infantino

African football federations have reportedly approached Fifa’s general secretary, Mattias Grafström, to gauge his willingness to oppose Gianni Infantino’s bid for re‑election as president. According to the Guardian, up to fifteen national associations across the continent are prepared to withdraw their support for Infantino if he seeks another term next year, signalling a potential shift in the continent’s stance on the governing body’s leadership.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) maintains that its executive committee has “unanimously reconfirmed” backing for the 56‑year‑old president, a claim that stands in contrast to the emerging reports of dissent. While CAF’s position underscores continued loyalty, the outreach to Grafström suggests that senior African officials are exploring alternatives that could reshape the power dynamics within Fifa, particularly if Infantino’s re‑election is contested.

If the outreach to Grafström proves fruitful, it could mark a significant realignment in Fifa’s governance, potentially influencing the organization’s future policies and the representation of African football on the global stage. The outcome will depend on the responses from both Grafström and Infantino as the election cycle approaches.