FIFA President Gianni Infantino may be facing a growing challenge from within one of his most important support bases: Africa.
Senior figures from several African football federations have reportedly begun sounding out possible alternatives to Infantino ahead of the next FIFA presidential election, amid mounting concerns about his leadership and the direction of world football.
According to reports, as many as 15 African federations could be prepared to withdraw their support from the FIFA president, despite the Confederation of African Football, CAF, publicly maintaining that its leadership remains behind him.
Some African football officials are also reported to have approached FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström about the possibility of emerging as a challenger.
If confirmed, the development would be significant.
Africa controls 54 votes in FIFA’s 211-member electorate, making it one of the largest and most influential voting blocs in world football. Infantino has historically enjoyed strong backing from the continent, and any serious split among African federations could reshape the battle over his future.
Pressure on Infantino is also growing outside Africa.
CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani has reportedly asked him not to attend a Caribbean youth tournament, citing concerns over what he described as a governance crisis surrounding FIFA.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have also been applying increasing pressure over governance concerns.
The emerging African dissent therefore raises a major question: if Infantino begins losing the continent that helped sustain his power, how secure is his position really?
For African football, the debate is equally important. Will the continent continue voting as a largely unified bloc, or are national federations beginning to pursue their own interests?
If 15 African federations walk away from Infantino, could Africa once again become the kingmaker in FIFA politics?