FIFA favours Motsepe for CAF Presidency

World football governing body, FIFA has asked three candidates to back South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe in the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidential election.

The previous incumbent Ahmad Ahmad was banned for breaches of FIFA’s ethical code, but has had the ban suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

”FIFA keen for a fresh start in Africa,” a source close to one of the candidates said.

Motsepe is a South African mining billionaire and owner of reigning domestic champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

According to the source, Augustin Senghor of Senegal and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania are open to the idea of backing Motsepe and becoming vice-presidents themselves.

Jacques Anouma of Ivory Coast would be offered a role as advisor to Motsepe.

“Motsepe is FIFA’s preferred candidate, they want someone new and not implicated in the former presidency.

“They want a better image so they can attract investors and sponsors,” the source said.

The CAF Presidential election is scheduled to be held in Rabat, Morocco on 12 March.

AFP/Mercy Chukwudiebere