Is Eto'o being groomed to succeed Motsepe?

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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 15.10.26. | 09:26

The president has already confirmed that he does not intend to seek a third term when his current mandate expires in 2029, leaving open questions about whether he will serve out his tenure or face an earlier challenge

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe is facing growing scrutiny over his leadership, with concerns surrounding decision-making, financial commitments and uncertainty over the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reportedly weakening confidence in his administration.

According to The Guardian, football officials from across Africa have questioned Motsepe’s management, with the latest concerns emerging following his decision to reverse CAF’s earlier resolution to stage AFCON every four years.

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In a surprise U-turn announced last week, Motsepe indicated that the continental tournament would return to a biennial cycle, just 10 months after CAF approved the change to a four-year format.

The proposed reversal is expected to be confirmed at CAF’s executive committee meeting in Abidjan next month. While the return to a two-year cycle reportedly enjoys considerable support, the process surrounding the announcement has raised concerns over consultation and decision-making within the governing body.

The Guardian reports that several national federation presidents were unaware of Motsepe’s intention to announce the change until the matter was raised during a strategic conference in Cape Verde.

The episode has reportedly contributed to declining trust among some officials, with questions being raised about how major decisions affecting African football are handled.

Financial concerns have also emerged despite Motsepe’s pledge to increase annual distributions to CAF’s 54 member associations to approximately $700,000 (Approx Ksh 90.82 Million) each. Payments to executive committee members for attending meetings have reportedly increased from $150 (Ksh 19,000) to $350 (Ksh 45,000), alongside the introduction of annual bonuses of approximately $8,000 (Ksh 1 Million).

The commitments come as CAF faces questions over its commercial future, with its broadcast agreement with IMG due to expire after the 2027 AFCON. Although the confederation is understood to have received offers for future tournaments, the structure and value of the next broadcast arrangements remain unclear.

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Uncertainty surrounding the 2027 AFCON has added to the concerns. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are scheduled to co-host the competition in June and July, but questions remain over their preparedness to deliver the tournament on schedule.

According to The Guardian, some sources believe the competition could be postponed to the end of 2027 or early 2028, potentially disrupting the European club football calendar. CAF, meanwhile, says negotiations over future broadcast rights are ongoing and that no deal has been awarded.

The reported concerns have brought Motsepe’s leadership under increased scrutiny, although he remains in office, with his current term scheduled to expire in 2029.

Eto’o among potential successors

Against this backdrop, Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has emerged among the figures reportedly being considered as potential successors should Motsepe leave office before the end of his mandate.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker, who sits on CAF’s executive committee, is among several possible challengers believed to be exploring their options, although he has not formally declared a presidential bid.

Other potential candidates include Mauritania Football Federation president Ahmed Yahya , Côte d’Ivoire Football Association president Yacine Idriss Diallo and Djibouti’s FIFA Council member Souleiman Waberi .

The Guardian reports that the potential challengers are seeking the backing of FIFA president Gianni Infantino should Motsepe be persuaded to step aside early.

Motsepe has already confirmed that he does not intend to seek a third term when his current mandate expires in 2029, leaving open questions about whether he will serve out his tenure or face an earlier challenge.

Under CAF’s statutes, an extraordinary general assembly can be convened following a written request from at least two-thirds of the executive committee members.

The coming months could nevertheless prove significant for African football, with the AFCON scheduling decision, CAF’s commercial future and the relationship between Motsepe and Infantino likely to shape discussions about the confederation’s leadership and direction.

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