FIFA to Seek More Resources for African Football, Infantino Says

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said the world football governing body will pursue more funding and resources to support the development of football across Africa.

Speaking on Thursday at a football strategy conference in Cape Verde, where he addressed the presidents of all 54 African football associations, Infantino said FIFA wanted to create more opportunities for the continent’s game, according to Reuters.

He pointed to FIFA’s financial investment in Africa since he became president in 2016, saying the FIFA Forward programme had committed $1 billion to the continent over the last 10 years.

“With the FIFA Forward programme we have invested one billion dollars in 10 years in Africa, with 124 different projects and many other actions,” he said.

Infantino said FIFA would continue working with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to identify areas where additional assistance was required.

“Our commitment is to make sure that your football is going to continue to improve and grow, give you more opportunities,” he said.

He also described the participation of 10 African countries at the last World Cup as a success for the continent.

“Ten countries at the (last) 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. How we can make you stronger and better.”

He further promised to pursue increased funding to help African football compete at the highest level globally.

“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.

Addressing concerns that may arise within the game, Infantino said FIFA was committed to dialogue and willing to learn from disagreements.

“When you go through a journey, sometimes concerns are raised. When they are raised, we have to address them,” he said.

“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.”

The meeting takes place amid scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership after his proposal to sell a stake in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, collapsed in July.

The proposal was opposed mainly by European and North American football nations, with some later withdrawing their support for Infantino ahead of next year’s FIFA presidential election.

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