The leader of African football has stated that the FIFA presidential election is the only legitimate avenue through which to challenge Gianni Infantino's position.

Patrice Motsepe, who also serves as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), cautioned against any attempts to prematurely remove the FIFA president.

Motsepe's remarks, made in an interview with Sky News, suggest that any opposition to Infantino should follow established electoral processes within the global football governing body. He emphasized that the FIFA election is the designated mechanism for leadership contests.

This stance implies that efforts to oust Infantino outside of the formal election cycle would not be supported by the African football bloc. The comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Infantino's leadership.

Motsepe, a prominent figure in African business and sport, has previously been seen as a potential future leader within FIFA. His current position on challenging the incumbent president carries significant weight.

The FIFA presidential elections are held every four years. The next election is scheduled for 2027, providing a clear timeline for any potential challengers.

Infantino, first elected in 2016, secured a third term in March 2023. His leadership has been marked by significant reforms and expansion of FIFA tournaments, alongside facing various controversies.

Motsepe's comments underscore the importance of procedural legitimacy in international sports governance, suggesting that stability and adherence to FIFA's statutes are paramount.