The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has commended Gianni Infantino for his remarkable 10-year tenure as FIFA President, recognizing his contribution to the growth of football globally and within Africa.

In an official statement on the CAF website, President Patrice Motsepe praised Infantino’s leadership and commitment to advancing football worldwide.

“African football and world football have a loyal and trustworthy friend and partner in Gianni Infantino,” Motsepe said.

He further wished the FIFA President good health and continued success in his ongoing tenure.

Infantino, who assumed office in February 2016 following the departure of Sepp Blatter, was re-elected unopposed for a second term in June 2019, a four-year term extending until 2023.

His presidency came at a pivotal time for FIFA, as the organization sought to recover its credibility after high-profile scandals.

The Swiss-Italian football administrator, formerly UEFA General Secretary, secured 115 votes in the second round of the 2016 FIFA presidential election, defeating his main rival, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who garnered 88 votes.

Other candidates, including Prince Ali bin al Hussein of Jordan and Jerome Champagne, received minimal support, while Tokyo Sexwale withdrew before the election began.

CAF’s congratulatory statement emphasizes the global reach of Infantino’s initiatives, noting that his leadership has positively impacted football across all continents.

African football authorities view him as a reliable ally, reinforcing collaborative efforts between FIFA and regional football bodies.

Over the past decade, Infantino has steered FIFA through major reforms, expanded tournaments, and strengthened grassroots football development programs, including initiatives targeting African nations.

His tenure has left a lasting impression on global football governance and continues to shape the sport’s future.