FIFA president Gianni Infantino will have his future decided by member associations at an election in March next year, according to Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe.
Infantino, who is seeking re-election as head of world football's governing body, faces open revolt after three continental confederations criticized his conduct and demanded his resignation.
The opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF followed a failed attempt by Infantino to attract private investment for FIFA competitions, including the men's World Cup.
Motsepe stated that it is up to all 211 FIFA member associations to determine whether Infantino remains in office during the organization's 77th Congress, scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.
Governance and election process
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, Motsepe said that elections would take place next year and insisted that the democratic process must be allowed to run its course to let the full membership decide.
The African football leader added that any prospective candidates wishing to challenge Infantino for the presidency should formally present their names, describing that step as the right thing to do.
Motsepe explained that he preferred to concentrate on unity and cooperation, questioning how administrators could continue developing and growing the sport while navigating the challenges facing football.
Addressing administrative accountability, Motsepe stated that football leaders must remain open to questioning, emphasizing that FIFA possesses established internal procedures to address grievances.
He noted that if he as a president acted in a manner that failed to reflect due process or good governance, he would expect to be subject to questioning and required to answer those queries.
Motsepe added that anyone holding an issue with Infantino or any other official should follow established FIFA channels, stating that those seeking to remove the president should contest the election.
African backing and global governance
He asserted that the upcoming ballot among the 211 member associations would show whether the global membership retains confidence in Infantino's leadership.
Motsepe stressed that every individual is entitled to fair treatment, a fair trial, and the opportunity to be heard, adding that due process, governance, and legality are non-negotiable standards.
Motsepe also confirmed that Infantino retains the full support of CAF, stating that the FIFA chief has been loyal to African football and continues to hold the backing of the continent.
The Confederation of African Football, known as CAF, is the governing authority for African association football, representing 54 national football associations across the continent.
UEFA represents European football, the AFC governs Asian football, and CONCACAF oversees football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Together with CAF, they form part of FIFA's six global regional confederations.
FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, serves as the international governing body for association football, with supreme legislative authority held by its annual congress where each of the 211 member nations holds one vote.
Infantino, a Swiss sports administrator, has served as FIFA president since February 2016, when he was elected to succeed former president Sepp Blatter.
The 77th FIFA Congress on March 18 in Rabat, Morocco, will bring together delegates from across global football to determine the leadership of the international governing body.
