FIFA President Gianni Infantino promises more funding for African football at Cape Verde conference

On October 8, 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed football association presidents from all 54 African nations at a strategy symposium in Cape Verde. He promised further financial support for African football, highlighting that FIFA had invested one billion dollars in the continent over the past decade. The speech was his first major public appearance since his plan to sell a stake in FIFA tournaments collapsed in July. Infantino emphasized open dialogue and continued investment to help African football grow. The conference was seen as an opportunity to win back support ahead of next year's FIFA presidential elections.