FIFA asked three candidates to back South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe in the upcoming presidential elections of the African Football Confederation (CAF), a source close to one of the candidates told AFP.
The previous holder, Ahmad Ahmad, was sanctioned for violating FIFA’s code of ethics, but the Court of Arbitration for Sport has suspended the sanction.
The world body FIFA is eager to make a fresh start in Africa, the source said.
Motsepe is a South African mining billionaire and owner of the reigning national champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
According to the source, Augustin Senghor from Senegal and Ahmed Yahya from Mauritania are open to the idea of backing Motsepe and becoming vice presidents themselves.
Jacques Anouma from the Ivory Coast would be offered a role as Motsepe’s advisor.
“Motsepe is the preferred candidate of FIFA, they want someone new and not involved in the former presidency,” said the source.
“They want a better image so they can attract investors and sponsors.”
FIFA has yet to respond to AFP’s request for comment.
The CAF presidential elections are scheduled to be held in Rabat, Morocco, on March 12.
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