Patrice Motsepe Re-Elected Unopposed as CAF President Until 2029

Mar 12, 2025 - 12:15

CAF President Patrice Motsepe (CAF)

LAUSANNE, March 12, 2025 - South African business entrepreneur Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), extending his leadership of the continent’s footballing body until 2029.

The announcement was made during CAF’s Extraordinary General Assembly held at the foot of the iconic Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt - a symbolic location for a meeting focused on the future of African football.

During the gathering, Egyptian Football Association President and CAF Executive Committee candidate Mr. Hany Abou Rida delivered a speech warmly welcoming delegates and prominent figures, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Motsepe, alongside representatives from all 54 African member nations: “Egypt is proud of its African identity and honours its role as the long-standing home of CAF since 1957,” said Abou Rida. “We’ve always extended love, respect, and support to our African brothers, and we continue to do so with full dedication.”

He highlighted Egypt’s historic and modern ties with the continent, calling Africa the “continent of talent” that has, in recent decades, broken free from external dependencies and embraced a collective renaissance through unity and shared ambition.

Call for Hosting 2034 FIFA World Cup Group
Abou Rida took the opportunity to propose that Egypt be granted the right to host one of the groups in the 2034 FIFA World Cup, coinciding with the centenary of its first participation in the tournament in 1934: “Our passionate football fans understand the love Africa holds for them,” he said, emphasising the deep bonds between Egypt and the continent. “We trust that our brothers in Saudi Arabia, who have earned the honour of hosting the 2034 edition, will welcome this idea with open arms given the historic relationship between our nations.”

He expressed hope that FIFA President Infantino would inaugurate the group matches hosted on Egyptian soil.

Praise for Infantino and Morocco’s 2030 World Cup Bid
Abou Rida also applauded FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s continued commitment to Africa, citing his efforts over the past nine years to ensure the continent has a real stake in global football progress.

He commended Infantino’s decision to involve Latin America in the centennial 2030 World Cup by awarding Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay the chance to host matches. He also celebrated Morocco’s successful bid to co-host the 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Portugal, noting that: “Morocco is more than capable of delivering an exceptional tournament. Egypt was also among the earliest supporters of the World Cup, having been invited to the original 1930 edition and proudly becoming Africa’s first representative at the 1934 tournament in Italy.”

Unity, Talent, and a Bright Future for Africa
Wrapping up his address, Abou Rida spoke with optimism about Africa’s sporting future, saying the continent’s true wealth lies in its people and their potential. He urged continued investment, collaboration, and opportunity to help African talent shine on the global stage.

He concluded with a heartfelt message to the guests: “May your stay in Egypt be pleasant, may this meeting be fruitful, and may all candidates succeed in serving the future of African football.”