Patrice Motsepe was re-elected unopposed as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday, pledging to work with private financiers to help federations build national stadiums in countries with tight government budgets.
The 54 CAF member federations, 12 of which currently lack certified stadiums for international competitions, confirmed Motsepe for a second four-year term by acclamation. His re-election also secures his $300,000-a-year role as a FIFA vice president, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the event.
Motsepe, a South African billionaire with extensive mining interests and owner of Mamelodi Sundowns, emphasized the need for alternative funding sources, citing discussions with African leaders who prioritize essential services over stadium construction.
“Many of the heads of state I meet say, ‘We love football, but should we build a stadium or a hospital? Should we spend on education?’” Motsepe told CAF delegates.
He noted progress in stadium certification, with only 12 CAF members now unable to host international matches, down from 38 in recent years. Many affected teams have played home games in neutral venues, such as Morocco.
“But for us, 12 is still too many,” he said, vowing to engage more with private investors. “You cannot develop football in Africa if national teams and clubs do not play in front of their supporters.”
CAF has a record nine guaranteed spots in the expanded 48-team FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco made history as the first African team to reach the semifinals.
Four African clubs will also compete in the upcoming 32-team FIFA Club World Cup.