Fifa favours Motsepe for Caf presidency

Fifa favours Motsepe for Caf presidencyFresh start for African football Mamelodi Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe's path to the Caf presidency appears to have become smoother after it emerged his rivals for the seat have been convinced to withdraw from the race and serve under him. SUPERSPORT



Fifa has asked three candidates to back South Africa's Patrice Motsepe in the upcoming Confederation of African Football (Caf) presidential election, a source close to one of the candidates told AFP.

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.

World body Fifa is keen for a fresh start in Africa, the source 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,” the source said.

“They want a better image so they can attract investors and sponsors.”

Fifa has yet to reply to AFP's request for comments.

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