CAF President Patrice Motsepe Announces His Intention To Run Again

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has announced his intention to seek re-election in March 2025.

This decision comes after receiving significant endorsements from a multitude of CAF Member Association Presidents and Zonal Union Presidents, reflecting strong support within the football community.

Motsepe, a prominent South African billionaire, first ascended to the presidency of CAF on March 12, 2021, in a notable election held in Rabat, Morocco.

His recent announcement regarding his re-election bid was made public on Friday, October 25, following months of speculation and discussions about his plans for the future of African football governance.

During Motsepe’s current term, which has been marked by substantial financial improvements in CAF’s operations, stakeholders have praised his leadership.

These advancements were highlighted at the 46th CAF Ordinary Assembly convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where various initiatives for the development of African football were discussed.

Nevertheless, Motsepe’s bid for a second term is not without challenges. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has put forth Hany Abo Rida as a competitor for the presidency.

A FIFA council member, Abo Rida, with a distinguished background in the sport, has garnered significant backing from his federation.

An EFA member, Ehab El-Komy, expressed strong confidence in Abo Rida’s capabilities, stating, “Hany Abo Rida is a strong candidate to assume the presidency of the Confederation of African Football. He brings great value to football, and those seeking support from FIFA President Gianni Infantino should look to Abo Rida first. He possesses the skills necessary to lead the African Union in the upcoming years.”

Motsepe’s rise to leadership in 2021 was facilitated when he replaced the ousted former president Ahmad Ahmad. Notably, he entered office unopposed, thanks in part to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s intervention, which led to the withdrawal of several rival candidates, including Augustin Senghor from Senegal, Ahmed Yahya from Mauritania, and Jacques Anouma from Ivory Coast.

As the race for the presidency heats up, it remains to be seen how the dynamics will shift leading up to the election in 2025.