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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has taken a pivotal step in the development of African football by signing an agreement with Moroccan officials to establish the FIFA Africa Office in the capital city of Rabat.
The agreement, finalized in Marrakech, was signed in collaboration with Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and Moroccan Football Association (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa, with Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe present as a witness.
The FIFA Africa Office is set to commence operations in 2025 and will play a crucial role in shaping the future of football in Africa. This new initiative reflects FIFA’s commitment to strengthening the sport across the 54 African member nations.
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FIFA’s Strategic Vision for Morocco and Africa
In his remarks, Infantino shared his enthusiasm for opening FIFA’s Africa Office in Morocco, recognizing the country’s rapid growth and influence on the global football scene.
“We know how welcoming the people of Morocco are. Everybody loves Morocco. I am sure the world will celebrate Morocco and football here again, in 2030,” Infantino said, referring to Morocco’s role in co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
“This is where we’ll draw the future of African football, together. We will write new and exciting chapters for the future of African football. I am sure that, together, we will give Africa the success it deserves.”
Morocco’s Remarkable Rise in Football
In recent years, Morocco has emerged as a leading footballing nation. The country’s achievements on the world stage have been nothing short of remarkable.
Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, becoming the first African team to reach that stage, was a defining moment. Additionally, their bronze medal finish at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris 2024 only further cemented Morocco’s footballing credentials.
Beyond the men’s game, Morocco’s women’s team also made an impact by reaching the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking their best-ever performance at the global tournament.
Morocco’s football success has been matched by its growing role as a host nation. The country has previously hosted the FIFA Club World Cup three times, most recently in 2022, and is set to host the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2025.
Moreover, Morocco will serve as the host for five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup starting in 2025.
Strengthening FIFA’s Presence in Africa
The decision to establish the FIFA Africa Office in Morocco is part of FIFA’s broader vision to deepen its involvement in African football. Infantino stressed that Morocco’s rapid development both on and off the pitch has positioned the country as a key player in the sport’s future.
“It’s very important for FIFA to be here, to be in Morocco, to be in Africa. Morocco is now the leading country for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and has propelled itself onto the world football map,” Infantino remarked.
“It’s not just the semi-finals in Qatar, but the result of long-term work by the president, by all Moroccans, under the leadership of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI.”
He continued to highlight Morocco’s immense progress, which extends beyond football to include advancements in infrastructure and societal development.
“This is a country that has moved three speeds ahead, not just in football, but in society as a whole. Everything is ready for Morocco to be part of the great countries of the world in the future.”
The FIFA Africa Office: A Hub for Growth and Innovation
The FIFA Africa Office in Rabat will serve not only as an administrative center but also as a hub for football development throughout Africa. This office will provide support to local federations, coaches, referees, medical staff, and young players, contributing to the sport’s growth on the continent.
“We have an academy and a center here that we can use for young people, for trainers, for coaches, for referees, for medical personnel, we can do everything here,” Infantino explained.
“Morocco will benefit, Africa will benefit, but the whole world will benefit. From here, we will project the future of football.”
Celebrating African Excellence at the CAF Awards
During his visit, Infantino attended the CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, where he presented the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award to Zambia’s Barbra Banda and the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.
The evening also saw the presentation of the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Cameroonian President Paul Biya for their support of football development.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for African Football
With the FIFA Africa Office scheduled to open in 2025, Morocco’s role as a leader in football development is expected to expand even further. The partnership between FIFA and Morocco marks the beginning of a new era for African football, with Morocco positioned as a key strategic player in shaping the sport’s future.
In closing, Infantino remarked, “Morocco is not just the future of African football, it is the future of football, full stop.”
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