PRAIA, Cape Verde, Oct 8 (Reuters) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino promised further resources for African football on Thursday as he addressed the presidents of the continent’s football associations, in a rare public appearance since his plan to sell a stake in FIFA tournament rights collapsed in July.
Infantino shelved the proposal, which included selling a stake in the World Cup, after opposition from mainly European and North American football nations. Some have since withdrawn their support for him ahead of next year’s FIFA presidential election.
The presidents of all 54 associations belonging to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) were due to attend the conference, the first strategy symposium of its kind for African football.
The gathering also gave Infantino an opportunity to address more than a quarter of the voters ahead of the FIFA election.
He reminded CAF presidents of the financial support FIFA has provided to African football since he was elected in 2016.
“As FIFA president, I am proud to have contributed with you a little bit in this revolution (in African football) in the last 10 years,” Infantino said.
“With the FIFA Forward programme we have invested one billion dollars in 10 years in Africa, with 124 different projects and many other actions.”
Without directly referring to the failed proposal, Infantino called for open dialogue when disagreements arise.
“When you go through a journey, sometimes concerns are raised,” he said. “When they are raised, we have to address them. As far as we are concerned at FIFA, we address them always with the spirit of dialogue and with open arms, an open heart and an open mind. We can always be better and do better.”
Infantino reiterated his support for African football and said FIFA would continue investing in the continent.
“Our commitment is to make sure that your football is going to continue to improve and grow, give you more opportunities. Ten countries at the (last) World Cup has been a success for the entire continent,” he said.
“We need to continue together on this path, because it is up to you as CAF to tell us what you want. How we can make you stronger and better.
“We will continue to look for the resources and the increases (in funding) that are necessary to boost the African game to the top of world football.”
