Pinnick: I’m not desperate to win FIFA Council elections

• Says Carraghar’s denigration of AFCON myopic
Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Melvin Amaju Pinnick, has reiterated his desire to see the best African football leaders representing the continent in the FIFA Council.

Ten candidates are vying to represent Africa in the FIFA Council at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections scheduled for Cairo, Egypt, later this month. Five slots are available at the polls.

Pinnick, who is seeking re-election to the Council, during a live interview on SuperSport’s African Soccer, said that his motivation for seeking re-election is to build on the progress made during his first term under FIFA President, Gianni Infantino.

“My re-election bid is not a must-win at all costs. I have my businesses and other commitments. However, I believe the relationships and achievements from my first term should be used to further the development of global football,” Pinnick said.

He acknowledged the high calibre of candidates vying for the FIFA Council seats and commended Infantino for his leadership, which he believes has strengthened FIFA’s integrity, financial standing, and global influence.

He also stressed that serving on the FIFA Council is about collective decision-making rather than personal ambition.

“It’s not about Amaju Pinnick, Patrice Motsepe, Fouzi Lekjaa, or Hany Abou Rida. Decisions are made collectively, and the FIFA Congress remains the highest decision-making body,” he noted.

Reflecting on his tenure, Pinnick highlighted significant milestones, including the expansion of the FIFA World Cup format and the success of the recent Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Addressing concerns over Africa’s reduced allocation in the expanded FIFA Women’s