Patrice Motsepe Retains CAF Presidency for Another Term

South African billionaire and football administrator, Patrice Motsepe, has been re-elected unopposed as the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), securing another four-year term. His reappointment was confirmed during CAF’s extraordinary general assembly in Cairo on Wednesday, an event attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Motsepe first assumed the role in 2021, following the suspension of Ahmad Ahmad due to financial misconduct. His leadership has since been credited with restoring financial stability and governance within the continental football body.
CAF’s Secretary-General, Veron Mosengo-Omba, praised Motsepe’s impact, stating:
“Patrice was a much-needed leader for African football. CAF was in crisis in 2021, but under his leadership, good governance has been restored at all levels.”
In another key development, Cameroon football legend Samuel Eto’o has been elected to the CAF Executive Committee. His appointment was unopposed as he was the sole candidate from the Central Africa region.
Eto’o’s candidacy was initially uncertain due to a CAF ban, but last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the decision, making him eligible.
The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President now steps into a major leadership position, further solidifying his influence in African football governance.
Eto’o’s rise in CAF leadership has not been without controversy. In 2023, he was banned by CAF over alleged ethics violations, specifically for his role as a brand ambassador for a betting company.
The four-time African Footballer of the Year was initially fined $200,000, but the penalty was later revoked.
Additionally, Eto’o has faced disciplinary issues with FIFA, including a six-month ban from attending Cameroon’s national team matches over an incident at the Women’s U-20 World Cup in Colombia.
His tenure as FECAFOOT President has been marked by disputes, including a public clash with Belgian coach Marc Brys, who was appointed as Cameroon’s national team coach last year.
Despite the controversies, Eto’o remains one of Africa’s greatest football icons. His career boasts:
Four World Cup appearances and six AFCON tournaments
Two AFCON titles (2000, 2002)
2000 Olympic gold medal
Record 18 goals in AFCON history
With Motsepe continuing as CAF President and Eto’o stepping into an executive role, African football’s leadership landscape is set for another dynamic phase.