SITEKI – The battle for control of CAF is intensifying, as President Patrice Motsepe faces a strong challenge from Samuel Eto’o.
According to the Guardian newspaper, the power struggle has triggered governance changes, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee now to be convened only after a written request from at least two-thirds of its members.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is thought to have fallen out with Motsepe after the latter allowed Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, to take charge of UEFA’s Super Cup final in August amid growing tensions with European football’s governing body.
However, sources have indicated their relationship has improved in recent weeks as Infantino has sought to solidify his support in Africa, where Eto’o is rallying support.
In a bid to consolidate support, Motsepe promised annual distributions of about E12 million ($700,000) from CAF to each association at the conference in Cape Verde – an increase of over E8 million ($500,000).
He is also understood to have increased payments to executive committee members for attending meetings from E2 600 ($150) to E6 000 ($350), and introduced an annual bonus payment of about E138 000 ($8,000).
Meanwhile, Eswatini Football Association President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane has reportedly said the EFA remains fully behind Motsepe, crediting him for bringing stability and improved financial support to member associations.
