FIFA President Gianni Infantino has promised increased resources and continued support for African football, saying the world governing body will seek additional funding to help the continent strengthen its position in global football.
According to Reuters, Infantino made the pledge while addressing presidents of Africa’s 54 football associations during a football strategy conference in Cape Verde on Thursday.
The FIFA president highlighted the impact of the FIFA Forward programme, revealing that the initiative has delivered significant investment across the continent since he assumed office in 2016.
“With the FIFA Forward programme we have invested one billion dollars in 10 years in Africa, with 124 different projects and many other actions,” Infantino said.
He stressed that FIFA remains committed to creating more opportunities for African football and encouraged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to continue identifying areas where support is needed.
“Our commitment is to make sure that your football is going to continue to improve and grow, give you more opportunities,” he stated.
Infantino also pointed to Africa’s increased representation at the most recent FIFA World Cup as evidence of the continent’s growing influence on the global stage.
“Ten countries at the World Cup has been a success for the entire continent.
“We need to continue together on this path because it is up to you as CAF to tell us what you want and how we can make you stronger and better,” he added.
The FIFA president further pledged to pursue additional resources to accelerate football development across Africa.
“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,” Infantino said.
He also called for continued dialogue between FIFA and its member associations whenever concerns arise, insisting that the organisation remains open to criticism and improvement.
“When concerns are raised, we have to address them.
“As far as we are concerned at FIFA, we address them always with the spirit of dialogue and with open arms, an open heart and an open mind. We can always be better and do better,” he said.
The conference comes at a time when Infantino’s leadership remains under scrutiny following the collapse of his proposal to sell a stake in several FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, earlier this year.
Despite the criticism, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s commitment to supporting football development across Africa and helping the continent maximise its growing potential on the world stage.
