Africa could become a key source of support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in a commercial subsidiary managing major competitions, despite opposition from Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf. The issue matters because the plan could bring substantial new funding to poorer football associations, while raising concerns that investors could gain excessive influence over the global game.

Fifa says its proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise could raise $4.2bn (£3.1bn), with proceeds reinvested in football, and African associations could receive $40m (£30m) each, including an initial $20m (£15m) if approved by 19 September. Caf’s 54 members are due to consider the proposal, with president Patrice Motsepe praising Infantino’s support for Africa; however, former Sierra Leone FA president Isha Johansen questioned whether further commercialisation would come at too high a price.