Nigeria’s Amaju Melvin Pinnick has fallen short in his attempt to retain a seat on the FIFA Council, losing by a single vote during the elections held at the 14th CAF Extraordinary Congress in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday.
The former Nigeria Football Federation president received 28 votes, finishing just behind Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Souleman Hassan Waberi, who both secured 29 votes to claim spots on the esteemed council.
Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa emerged as the top vote-getter with 49 votes, while Egypt’s Hany Abou Rida and Niger Republic’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou each garnered 35 votes to earn their seats.
Comoros’ Kanizat Ibrahim also joined the FIFA Council as Africa’s women’s representative, securing 30 votes. She outpaced former FIFA Council and IOC member Lydia Nsekera, who finished with 13 votes, and incumbent Isha Johansen, who received just seven.
Other candidates who were unsuccessful in their bids included Zambia’s Andrew Kamanga (19 votes), Côte d’Ivoire’s Yacine Idriss Diallo (18 votes), and Senegal’s Augustin Senghor (13 votes). Benin Republic’s Mathurin De Chacus withdrew from the race before voting commenced.
Motsepe Retains CAF Presidency Unopposed
South African businessman and football administrator Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second four-year term.
Motsepe, who first took office in 2021, confirmed his re-election at the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in attendance.
During his tenure, CAF has experienced notable financial growth, with the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) generating a record-breaking $72 million in profit—18 times more than the 2022 tournament.
Reflecting on the progress made, Motsepe highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly in football infrastructure across the continent, “In 2021, there were 36 African countries unable to host international football matches in their own stadiums. That number has dropped to 12, but it remains a major concern,” Motsepe stated. “At CAF and FIFA, it is our responsibility to continue investing in sports infrastructure development.”
Eto’o Secures CAF Executive Committee Position
One of the standout moments from the elections was Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o securing a seat on CAF’s Executive Committee unopposed.
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker, who has served as president of the Cameroon Football Federation since 2021, initially faced a roadblock in his candidacy due to governance concerns. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the ruling, allowing him to contest.
Eto’o’s influence within African football remains strong, as his election was met with a warm reception from delegates.
Key FIFA Council and CAF Executive Committee Appointments
FIFA Council Representatives (Africa):
Patrice Motsepe (South Africa) – CAF President
Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)
Hany Abou Rida (Egypt)
Djibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger Republic)
Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania)
Souleman Hassan Waberi (Djibouti)
Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros) – Women’s Representative
CAF Executive Committee Members:
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon – UNIFFAC)
Wallace Karia (Tanzania – CECAFA)
Sadhi Walid (North Africa – UNAF)
Mustapha Ishola Raji (Liberia – WAFU A)
Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku (Ghana – WAFU B)
Sobha Mohamed Ally Samir (Mauritius – COSAFA)
Feizal Ismael Sidat (Mozambique – COSAFA)
Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (DR Congo – Female Representative)
A New Chapter for African Football
The results of the 14th CAF Extraordinary Congress mark a fresh phase for African football, emphasizing governance, development, and financial stability.
With Motsepe at the helm and a blend of seasoned and emerging leaders on both the FIFA Council and CAF Executive Committee, the continent is poised to build on recent progress while addressing critical challenges in the years ahead.
