African football journalist Mamadou Gaye publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial private-investment plan, describing it as the “best initiative” for the Confederation of African Football and world football. In a post on X, the longtime Soccer Africa analyst praised Infantino as a “global talent” and said the FIFA president deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.

The proposal had drawn more negative discussion, but Gaye’s comments offered a public endorsement. Under FIFA’s plan, a new commercial company called FIFA Forward Enterprise would manage commercial rights for the World Cup and the organisation’s other major tournaments. Private investors would have been able to buy shares as minority partners, while FIFA member countries would receive additional funding.

The proposal faced strong opposition from UEFA and Concacaf, the governing bodies for European and North and Central American football. FIFA had given member countries until September 19 to approve the proposal. However, amid broad opposition, Infantino ultimately withdrew the plan.