South African billionaire businessman and CAF president since 2021
FIFA has scrapped its plan to sell a minority stake in World Cup assets after broad, global backlash. UEFA and other confederations had threatened boycotts and demand reforms. The leadership faces renewed scrutiny as talks to rebuild trust begin.
Artan has become the first non-European official to referee the UEFA Super Cup, guiding Paris Saint‑Germain to a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in Salzburg. His appointment follows UEFA’s CAF cooperation and comes after a US entry denial that sparked international scrutiny. The match confirms Artan’s place among Africa’s top referees and marks a historic moment for Somali football.
European football bodies, joined by Concacaf and the AFC, are pushing for an independent review of FIFA’s governance amid Infantino’s contested bid and a plan to sell World Cup stakes. A coalition is drafting a new framework to guide world football’s future, with European nations weighing boycott options and potential policy shifts.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing intensified scrutiny as UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC demand accountability over a private-investment plan for World Cup assets. CAF backs Infantino, while Ireland withdraws support amid governance concerns. Motsepe says decisions should come from elections, not behind closed doors.
Cameroon has defeated Malawi in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw to win the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing the title and a first continental trophy for Cameroon as both sides seal spots at the 2027 World Cup.
Motsepe has defended Africa’s stance on AFCON, saying Africa’s interests are protected as CAF weighs returning to a two-year cycle. The plan has broad African support but faces leadership tensions while Infantino’s influence looms. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are set to host the next edition.
CAF has reversed its December plan to run AFCON on a four-year cycle, reinstating a biennial schedule after an executive decision. Motsepe says the move advances African football and players, while concerns linger about the Africa Nations League timeline and funding. Next editions are set for 2027, 2028, 2031 and 2033 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with no AFCON in 2030.