Former RTU CEO Zakaria Safianu Questions CAF’s Silence on FIFA World Cup Investment Proposal

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Published: 1 August 2026

Published at: 08:39am

By Saibu Terry

Former Chief Executive Officer of Real Tamale United (RTU), Zakaria Safianu, has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to become more proactive in global football governance, criticizing what he describes as the organization’s silence over FIFA’s reported proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.

In a Facebook post, Safianu argued that CAF, which represents 54 member associations and is the world’s second-largest continental football governing body, should publicly state its position on significant reforms that could shape the future of the global game.

According to him, CAF’s lack of a clear public response during discussions surrounding the reported proposal is “deeply regrettable” and raises concerns about Africa’s influence in major football decision-making.

Safianu maintained that, for the sake of transparency and the future governance of world football, CAF’s leadership should communicate its stance on major structural issues instead of remaining silent.

He further called on African football administrators to adopt a more assertive approach in international football politics, arguing that the continent must actively participate in defining the future direction of the sport.

“We can no longer bury our heads in the sand if we want to produce a FIFA president from Africa,” he wrote, suggesting that stronger engagement in global football governance is essential for Africa’s leadership ambitions within FIFA.

The comments reflect Safianu’s personal views and come amid ongoing international discussions about the future commercial structure of global football. Neither CAF nor FIFA has publicly responded to his remarks.

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