Global support for Infantino: FIFA's development pledge unites federations

Global support for Infantino: FIFA's development pledge unites federations From Africa to Asia, via Europe, national associations are strengthening their ties with FIFA. This trend reflects growing support for Gianni Infantino and his commitment to giving every country a voice and expanding opportunities for the development of football worldwide. Africa rallies behind Infantino The CAF Strategic Conference, held on Thursday in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, delivered a powerful show of unity. All 54 African associations unanimously expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. During this strategic gathering, the first of its kind for African football, Infantino pledged to allocate more resources to the continent and reaffirmed FIFA's commitment to growing football throughout Africa. CAF President and FIFA Vice-President Patrice Motsepe highlighted the principles underpinning this relationship: inclusion, representation and a shared vision for the future of football. “Our collaboration with Gianni Infantino, our history with him, is based on our origins, but also on our belief that everyone has the right to be heard,” Motsepe said. He also confirmed the unanimous backing of African associations for Infantino ahead of the next presidential election. Infantino described the conference as 'a beautiful moment of unity' after all 54 African associations declared their 'unwavering, unanimous and unconditional support' for his work as FIFA President and FIFA's ongoing efforts to grow the sport across the continent. “Across Africa, a continent passionate about football, we are united in our mission to bring our sport to everyone, everywhere, without exception,” he added. The Arab world and Europe also support his leadership Africa's support adds to other recent expressions of backing from various regions. During its 81st board meeting in Jeddah, the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), which comprises 22 associations, expressed its support for Infantino's leadership. Chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the organisation welcomed FIFA's initiatives to strengthen cooperation and joint decision-making among football bodies. In Europe, Infantino's first official visit to Czechia highlighted the practical results of these partnerships. To mark the launch of the FIFA Football for Schools programme, the president met with David Trunda, head of the Football Association of the Czech Republic, to discuss infrastructure, grassroots football and coach education. “We can see the real projects we are also developing here,” Trunda explained, highlighting initiatives designed to help more boys and girls play football. The visit followed other recent meetings in Latvia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia, focused on advancing development projects and strengthening cooperation with national associations. Asian associations highlight FIFA's support In Asia, leaders of associations in countries where football is still developing have also praised FIFA's close engagement and direct support. Nilton Gusmao, president of the Football Federation of Timor-Leste, particularly praised Infantino's personal involvement. “He is close to every member association. That is how we feel. He listens to and supports associations that need help,” Gusmao said. Meanwhile, Tabith Awal, president of the Bangladesh Football Federation, highlighted the importance of the FIFA Forward and FIFA Arena programmes, as well as coach education courses, in driving football's growth in his country. In Macau, the association's vice-president, Chong Coc Veng, welcomed Infantino's historic first visit and stressed that FIFA's assistance has helped establish a clearer roadmap for developing local football. From Cape Verde to Southeast Asia, the associations' message points in the same direction: investment in infrastructure, support for grassroots football and closer cooperation are strengthening relationships within world football. Particularly for smaller associations and emerging countries, Infantino's commitment to listening to everyone and offering opportunities for growth has become one of the pillars of this increasing support. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.