In a groundbreaking move for African football, FIFA has officially opened its Africa Office in Rabat, Morocco.
The agreement, signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, and Moroccan Football Association (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa, marks a significant step toward strengthening FIFA’s commitment to the sport across the African continent.
Set to serve as the heartbeat of football development in Africa, the office will play a key role in advancing FIFA’s global initiatives while fostering growth in all 54 African nations. This milestone comes amid Morocco’s rise as a football powerhouse, both on and off the pitch.
A Strategic Decision for FIFA
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement about the choice of Morocco, acknowledging the country’s rapid development and growing influence on the world stage.
“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 in 2030.
“The future of African football will be drawn from here. We will write new and exciting chapters for the future of the game on this continent,” Infantino added.
Morocco: A Rising Football Power
Morocco’s remarkable achievements in recent years are evidence of the country’s rise as a footballing force. From becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar 2022 to their bronze medal finish at the 2024 Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris, Morocco’s credentials on the global stage are undeniable.
In addition to their footballing success, Morocco will also host the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, as well as five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup starting in 2025.
FIFA’s Commitment to African Football
Infantino emphasized that the Africa Office is more than just a physical space, it’s a symbol of FIFA’s long-term dedication to the continent’s footballing future.
“It’s 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 global football map,” he stated.
The office in Rabat will not only oversee the development of football in Africa but also function as a key hub for training, support, and resources for local federations, coaches, referees, and medical personnel. Infantino outlined the office’s potential to transform football development by offering programs for young players and providing the necessary infrastructure for future generations of talent.
A Bright Future for African Football
With the FIFA Africa Office now fully operational, Morocco stands at the forefront of a new chapter for African football. As Infantino concluded, “Morocco is not just the future of African football, it is the future of football, full stop.”
This strategic initiative is set to benefit not only Morocco but the entire African continent, providing a long-term foundation for success and growth.
A Night of Celebration
During his visit to Morocco, Infantino also attended the CAF Awards 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.
