I have no influence on who becomes CAF President – FIFA boss

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Gianni Infantino, the president of world football governing body, FIFA, has revealed he has no influence whatsoever on who heads the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Incumbent, Issa Hayatou, faces competition from Madagascar FA boss, Ahmad Ahmad, in his quest to become president of the continent’s soccer body for the eighth successive time.

And reports circulating in media is that the Italian-born Swiss administrator is aiming to unseat Hayatou after attending a party on Thursday hosted by the chairman of the Council of Southern African Football Associations which endorsed his rival.

Phillip Chiyangwa, who is also the chief of the Zimbabwe Football Association, snubbed Hayatou for the event held in Harare to celebrate his birthday.

However, Infantino has stated categorically that it isn’t up to him to decide who wins the election come March 16.

“It is up to the CAF members to elect their own president,” the FIFA boss told BBC Sport on Friday.

“It is not up to the FIFA president to say anything about that.

“Whatever the CAF members decide will be the right decision and I will support whatever decision is taken.”