Abdoulaye Thiam, a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee, has publicly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino's increasing influence over African football. In a statement reported by multiple media outlets, Thiam expressed concerns about the direction of football governance on the continent.
Thiam, who also serves as the president of the Mauritanian Football Federation, argued that Infantino's involvement in CAF affairs undermines the autonomy of African football bodies. He specifically pointed to FIFA's financial and administrative support, which he says comes with conditions that limit CAF's decision-making power.
The criticism comes amid ongoing debates about FIFA's role in regional confederations, particularly in Africa, where Infantino has been a frequent visitor and has pushed for reforms. Thiam's remarks highlight a growing tension between FIFA's centralized approach and the desire for more local control.
Neither FIFA nor CAF has officially responded to Thiam's comments as of August 5, 2026. The issue is expected to be a topic of discussion at upcoming CAF meetings.
