South African billionaire elected as "football chief"

The Patrice Motsepe has been confirmed as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Rabat without having to vote after a FIFA-mediated agreement drew his three challengers.

Motsepe takes over an organization that is still in control after Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad became the first CAF president banned by FIFA in November last year, with a five-year suspension due to 'government issues' cut to two years in appeal to the Arbitration Court for Sport.

Just a few weeks ago, Motsepe, Ivory Coast Jacques Anouma, Mauritanian Ahmed Yahya and Senegalese Augustin Senghor were locked up in an interesting battle for the presidency.

But the FIFA mediation meetings of the candidates in Morocco and Mauritania led to Motsepe becoming the only candidate. Senghor and Yahya got the first and second vice president roles.

Anouma, a former member of the FIFA executive committee, initially declared the treaty 'undemocratic', but is now a special adviser to Motsepe.

As some CAF officials opposed the alleged interference with the world body, FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed the role of his organization.

"I am delighted that FIFA, even if only a little, was able to contribute to this important moment for football on this great continent," he said.

Former Africa Cup of Nations coach Claude Le Roy doubts FIFA's involvement in the Motsepe election, as they "would not risk it in Europe or South America".

"Infantino, stop the massacre with African football ... introduce your law on Africa during the election," Le Roy told AFP news agency.

Ahmad's exit

After a promising start, Ahmad stumbled from one crisis to another, which eventually led to him leaving the presidency in disgrace.

FIFA became so concerned about government issues at CAF that it sent its secretary general Fatma Samoura to Cairo for six months to help run the confederation.

Motsepe is the ninth richest man in Africa with a personal wealth estimated by Forbes magazine at $ 2.9 billion.

He owns the 2016 CAF Champions League winner Mamelodi Sundowns.

The South African mining magnate is pleading for unity while trying to rectify the troubled organization.

"Africa needs collective wisdom, but also the extraordinary talent and wisdom of every president (national football association) and every member state," Motsepe said.

"If we all work together, football in Africa will experience success and growth that it has not enjoyed before."

Motsepe said there was a 'feeling of extreme urgency' to stabilize CAF's financial position.

However, he also emphasized the need to improve the performance of African teams on the world stage.

"Football is a powerful tool to reaffirm the pride, dignity, global respect of Africans, and to enable Africa to produce and compete at the highest level in the world, both during the World Cup and the FIFA Club Championship," he said. he said.