Motsepe Under Pressure as Eto’o Considers CAF Presidency Bid

Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is under increasing scrutiny regarding his leadership, particularly after his decision to reverse plans to hold the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, reinstating the traditional two-year cycle. This change is expected to be confirmed at an executive committee meeting in Abidjan next month, just ten months after the initial announcement for a four-year cycle.

Reports indicate that many national association presidents were unaware of Motsepe's intentions until a recent strategic conference in Cape Verde. Motsepe has stated he will not seek a third term when his tenure ends in 2029.

At the Cape Verde conference, he pledged support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino's re-election in March, although 10 to 15 member associations may vote against him. Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation and a member of CAF's executive committee, is among those considering a presidential challenge, alongside potential candidates from Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, and Djibouti.