Infantino has been under immense pressure in recent months following his failed plan to sell a stake in FIFA competitions to investors, which was met with fury mostly in Europe and North America.
That has led to many national associations publicly renouncing their support for the Swiss-Italian in March’s FIFA elections, but in a major boost to his chances, it seems he can count on the support of Africa’s 54 voters.
That is more than a quarter of FIFA’s 211 members and a big bloc in favour of Infantino.
“There is a unanimous decision by the 54 CAF member associations to unconditionally support Gianni as president of FIFA,” Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe told delegates at the CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde on Thursday.
“This is because of the history and the support that Gianni has given to African football.”
It came moments after Infantino had spoken to the conference, which was due to have all 54 African association presidents in attendance, and promised further resources for Africa from FIFA.
“As FIFA president, I am proud to have contributed with you a little bit in this revolution (in African football) in the last 10 years,” Infantino said.
“With the FIFA Forward program we have invested one billion dollars in 10 years in Africa, with 124 different projects and many other actions.”
Without referring directly to the failed attempt to sell a stake in FIFA tournaments, Infantino spoke of wanting an open dialogue on matters of disagreement.
“When you go through a journey, sometimes concerns are raised,” he said. “When they are raised, we have to address them. As far as we are concerned at FIFA, we address them always with the spirit of dialog and with open arms, an open heart and an open mind. We can always be better and do better.”
He reiterated his support for Africa and said FIFA would continue to invest in the continent.
“Our commitment is to make sure that your football is going to continue to improve and grow, give you more opportunities. Ten countries at the (last) World Cup has been a success for the entire continent,” he said.
“We need to continue together on this path, because it is up to you as CAF to tell us what you want. How we can make you stronger and better.
“We will continue to look for the resources and the increases (in funding) that are necessary to boost the African game to the top of world football.”