We want the money – Babitseng on FIFA’s proposal
Mqondisi Dube | Monday August 17, 2026 06:00
Addressing journalists in Gaborone last week, Botswana Football Association (BFA) president Tariq Babitseng said it was no secret that the continent needed the cash to fund its development programmes.
There has been an uproar over Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes, including in the World Cup, to private investors, forcing the Swiss-Italian to rescind the decision.
The proposal has left scars within FIFA, which heads to the polls next year. Africa has publicly backed Infantino, whilst Europe, Asia, and the Americas have fiercely criticised his leadership.
Babitseng said Africa stood behind Infantino and supported his proposal.
“I think Botswana was the first to submit that we want that money. We need P300 million that FIFA was going to give associations. Who would not have wanted that money? For us to develop, we need money. Players go to Europe because there is money. No one will go to Europe if there was money,” he said on Wednesday.
He revealed that at the last CAF executive meeting, a decision was taken to back Infantino, who had increased the number of African teams at the World Cup.
Babitseng said with adequate funding, Africa could compete more effectively at the World Cup after nine of its 10 representatives reached the knockout stages at the recent tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“If we got the money and developed infrastructure, we can go far. Yes, Africa is straightforward: we are in support, and we are saying we have to give back the loyalty.
“If the proposal were to come back, Botswana would be one of the first to support it. Put money in Africa, then you will see progress. We want money to go to development,” Babitseng said.