Patrice Motsepe Re-Elected as CAF President, Samuel Eto’o Secures Executive Committee Seat
South African mining magnate Patrice Motsepe has been re-elected unopposed as the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during the organization’s congress held in Cairo on Wednesday. The 63-year-old businessman, who owns Mamelodi Sundowns through his family trust, will serve another four-year term, extending his leadership after first being elected in 2021. His candidacy was once again strongly backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Motsepe’s re-election highlights his continued influence in African football governance, where he has sought to bring stability and financial improvements to the organization. His leadership has been instrumental in CAF’s partnership developments and football expansion strategies across the continent.
In a significant development, Cameroon football legend and four-time African Footballer of the Year, Samuel Eto’o, secured a place on the CAF Executive Committee. Eto’o, who is also the president of the Cameroon Football Federation, was elected unopposed as the representative for the central African region. His election came less than a week after he successfully appealed a decision that had initially barred him from standing for the post.
CAF’s governance committee had excluded Eto’o in January, but he challenged the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled in his favor. Despite previous disciplinary issues, including bans from FIFA and CAF, Eto’o’s appeal was successful, clearing his path to leadership at the continental level.
Eto’o faced disciplinary action twice last year. In September, FIFA banned him from attending Cameroon’s national team matches for six months following allegations of verbal abuse directed at match officials during the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. Earlier, CAF had banned and fined him $200,000 over alleged ethical breaches related to his role as an ambassador for a betting company, but the decision was later overturned on appeal.
Alongside Eto’o, five other officials were elected unopposed to the CAF Executive Committee. Mustapha Ishola Raji of Liberia retained his seat, while new members include Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (Democratic Republic of Congo, female representative), Wallace Karia (Tanzania), Kurt Simeon-Okraku (Ghana), and Sadi Walid (Algeria).
Motsepe’s continued tenure as CAF president is expected to focus on financial transparency, structural reforms, and fostering stronger partnerships to elevate African football on the global stage. With Eto’o now part of the executive committee, his presence adds another layer of experience and footballing insight to the governing body’s leadership.
