South Africa Sports Minister Sends Strong Message to Critics Demanding Infantino's Resignation

• South Africa's sports minister has urged African football associations to resist pressure to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino
• Infantino travelled to Morocco for crisis talks after his proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup sparked fierce backlash
• Wales became the first association to officially withdraw backing for the FIFA president, with Serbia and Sweden following suit

South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has urged Africa's 54 football associations to stand behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning against joining calls for his resignation.

McKenzie believes Infantino has been a strong supporter of African football and argued that removing him could pave the way for a return to an old system that offered the continent less influence.

Writing on X, he said:

"Africa should be cautious in joining the public lynching of Infantino. He has been very good to African football. We can debate his ideas but let's not forget who has been a friend to us. Many of those calling for his head want the old status quo back too."

Read also

Liverpool legend predicts Premier League favourites ahead of 2026/27 season

Why South Africa's sports minister is defending Infantino

McKenzie's intervention comes as Infantino faces one of the biggest political challenges of his presidency.

The dispute centres on the proposed "FIFA Forward Enterprise" plan, which would involve selling a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup.

The proposal was criticised because FIFA's 211 member associations were reportedly not consulted beforehand.

Infantino travelled to Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, August 5, for crisis talks. After a seven-hour meeting, FIFA's management board reaffirmed its "full support" for the president, according to Sky Sports.

Infantino has also admitted that 'mistakes' were made during the process.

African football's stake in Infantino's FIFA battle

The controversy has already cost Infantino support. Wales became the first association to withdraw its backing, followed by Serbia and Sweden.

England is also considering a similar position, while UEFA said it had "lost confidence in the current FIFA leadership".

Read also

FIFA president accused of 'blackmail' by long-term rival

However, Indonesia publicly backed Infantino on Tuesday, August 4, providing some relief amid the growing opposition.

For McKenzie, Africa's position is also about protecting the financial benefits that have come under Infantino's leadership.

Under the proposed framework, each FIFA member association could receive up to $40 million during the next cycle, with total funding projected to exceed $86 million through 2038.

For developing football nations, particularly across Africa, those figures could be difficult to ignore.

McKenzie's message is therefore clear: Africa should weigh the potential consequences carefully before joining the campaign against Infantino.

Gianni Infantino faces blackmail allegations

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing blackmail allegations amid growing pressure on the world governing body.

The Jordan FA president claims FIFA verbally linked outstanding prize money to his association’s support for Infantino.

Source: YEN.com.gh