The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously endorsed FIFA’s joint statement acknowledging mistakes in the handling of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), while reaffirming its commitment to good governance, transparency and due process.
The decision was reached during a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, which also unanimously renewed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA’s FFE proposal
PUNCH Online reported that FIFA introduced the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise on July 28, 2026, as a FIFA-owned commercial subsidiary designed to oversee the organisation’s commercial and event operations, including the FIFA World Cup, while raising $4.2 billion through the sale of minority stakes to investors.
FIFA said the initiative was intended to generate more funding for football development across its 211 member associations. However, the proposal was later withdrawn following criticism over the consultation process.
The plan faced backlash after concerns emerged that the FIFA Council and member associations were not adequately consulted before it was unveiled.
On August 6, 2026, FIFA apologised for the handling of the proposal, admitting that mistakes had been made.
In a joint statement, Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström acknowledged that the FIFA Council and member associations should have played a greater role in the process. They confirmed the proposal had been withdrawn and announced a review, while maintaining that all actions complied with FIFA’s regulatory framework.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CAF said it had endorsed the “Joint Update” issued by Infantino and Grafström on the FIFA Forward Enterprise.
According to CAF, the continental football body welcomed FIFA’s admission that mistakes were made during the process leading to the proposed establishment of the FFE.
The statement quoted FIFA as saying: “We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (‘FFE’).”
“It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and it should have been handled differently. We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again.”
FIFA also stated: “With this in mind, we will conduct a necessary review, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting.”
“Furthermore as already known, the proposal which would have been subject to the approval of the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, is now off the table.”
The world football governing body added that lessons had been learnt from the episode.
“There are always lessons to be learned, and we will continue to improve our processes in light of this experience.”
“In this instance however, it is important to stress that although mistakes were made, everything that was done, was done in full compliance with the FIFA Regulatory Framework.”
CAF reaffirms commitment to transparency
Reacting to the development, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the organisation welcomed FIFA’s position and remained committed to governance, transparency and accountability.
“CAF welcomes and endorses the ‘Joint Update’ by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström. CAF will continue to focus on making African football amongst the best in the world and is reaffirming its commitment to adhering to global governance, transparency and auditing best practices,” Motsepe said.
He added that governance, due process and transparency remain fundamental principles for African football.
“For us in Africa, adherence to governance, due process and transparency is crucial and non-negotiable, as this is the practice and conduct we expect from our governments, business and other institutions and organisations. This is also the conduct that is expected from CAF.”
Motsepe said CAF would continue working closely with FIFA, member associations, other confederations and stakeholders to strengthen governance and promote the growth of football globally.
He also said the organisation would maintain its focus on developing players, coaches, national teams and both amateur and professional leagues across its 54 member associations.
According to him, discussions with existing and prospective sponsors and investors are progressing to ensure CAF remains financially sustainable while improving stadiums and football infrastructure across the continent.
CAF also disclosed that preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (“PAMOJA”) are progressing well.
The Executive Committee further reaffirmed its support for Infantino and thanked him, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and the FIFA administration for organising what it described as a successful FIFA World Cup 2026.
CAF also praised the standard of football at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco, describing the tournament as a major success.