Global support for Infantino: FIFA's football development unites FAs

Global support for Infantino: FIFA's football development unites FAs From Africa to Asia, via Europe, more and more national football associations are strengthening their collaboration with FIFA. At the heart of this is President Gianni Infantino’s commitment to giving every country a voice and creating new opportunities for global football to grow. Africa stands united behind Infantino A strong message of unity came on Thursday from the CAF Strategic Conference, held in Santa Maria, Cape Verde. All 54 African football associations unanimously expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. During the meeting, the first of its kind devoted to African football strategy, Infantino promised further resources for football development on the continent, reaffirming FIFA’s commitment to supporting its growth. CAF President and FIFA Vice-President Patrice Motsepe highlighted the principles underpinning this collaboration: inclusion, representation and a shared vision for football’s future. “Our collaboration with Gianni Infantino, our history with Gianni Infantino, is rooted in our origins, but also in the belief that everyone has the right to be heard,” Motsepe said. He also confirmed the African associations’ unanimous support for Infantino ahead of the next presidential election. Infantino described the conference as “a beautiful moment of unity” after the 54 African associations declared their “unwavering, unanimous and unconditional support” for his work as FIFA President and FIFA’s ongoing efforts to promote football development across the continent. “Across Africa, a continent that deeply loves football, we are united in our mission to bring our sport to everyone, everywhere, without exception,” he added. Support from the Arab world and Europe too The stance taken by the African associations adds to other recent expressions of support from various parts of the world. During its 81st Executive Committee meeting in Jeddah, the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), which brings together 22 associations, expressed its support for Infantino’s leadership. Under the presidency of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the organisation welcomed FIFA’s initiatives to strengthen cooperation and involve associations in decision-making processes. In Europe, Infantino’s first official visit to the Czech Republic demonstrated the tangible results of these partnerships. At the launch of the FIFA Football for Schools programme, the president met with David Trunda, head of the Czech Football Association, to discuss infrastructure, youth development and coach education. “We can see the concrete projects we are delivering here too,” Trunda explained, highlighting the importance of initiatives that introduce more and more children to football. The visit followed recent meetings in Latvia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia focused on football development and strengthening ties with local associations. Asian associations focus on football’s growth In Asia too, representatives of emerging football nations are highlighting the importance of direct support from FIFA. Nilton Gusmao, President of the Timor-Leste Football Federation, particularly praised Infantino’s personal attention to individual associations. “He is close to all member associations. We can feel it. He listens to and supports those that need help,” Gusmao said. Tabith Awal, President of the Bangladesh Football Federation, also highlighted the role of the FIFA Forward and FIFA Arena programmes, alongside coach education courses, in developing football in the country. In Macau, association Vice-President Chong Coc Veng enthusiastically welcomed Infantino’s historic first visit, emphasising how FIFA’s support has helped establish a clear direction for future development. From Cape Verde to Southeast Asia, a common trend is emerging: investment in infrastructure, grassroots football and cooperation between associations is strengthening ties across international football. For smaller football nations in particular, Infantino’s determination to ensure every association is heard and given opportunities is a key factor behind this growing support. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.