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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
AFRICA and the Caribbean zonal football unions have endorsed the candidature of incumbent Fifa president Gianni Infantino ahead of the June 2019 Fifa presidential elections.

The position was unanimously agreed by the presidents of the seven zonal areas from Caf and the Caribbean at the end of a three day meeting held in Cairo, Egypt this week.

In a statement signed by the seven presidents who represent 72 members, Africa and the Caribbean said Infantino has been true to his pre 2016 election campaign promises that saw Fifa unveiling $1 million to the region for the development of the game.

“On the occasion of the workshop for the Zonal Union of Caf and the Caribbean organised by Fifa in Cairo, Egypt, the presidents of the zonal unions reconfirmed their unanimous and unequivocal support for the president of Fifa, Infantino.

The presidents voice their sincere thanks to Infantino for his foresight into the critical role played by the zonal unions in the development of football on the continent and therefore the need by Fifa to assist the zonal unions in their common goal which is assisting their respective member associations to develop both on and off the field of play through competitions and educational courses.

“During his campaign ahead of his election in 2016 Infantino came, saw and conquered the challenges of the zonal unions and included his intention to support not only the national associations but also the zonal unions and carried out his commitment.

Through his invaluable commitment to the tune of $1 million per annum, which is properly monitored by the competent organ of Fifa, the zonal unions have been and continue for the foreseeable future to be in a position to organise women and youth competitions as well as educational and capacity building courses.

“With this in mind, the African and Caribbean Zonal Union presidents are honoured to commit their support to Infantino in his 2019 campaign,” reads the statement made available to Chronicle Sport yesterday.

The statement was signed by the presidents of Cosafa Phillip Chiyangwa, Cecafa Mutasim Gafar, Uniffac Patrice Edouard Ngaissona, Wafu (A) Augustine Senghor, Wafu (B) Hamidou Djibrilla, Caribbean, Randy Harris and a representative of Unaf.