Global Consensus: How FIFA’s commitment to football development Is bringing nations together

Global Consensus: How FIFA’s commitment to football development Is bringing nations together From Africa to Asia and Europe, football associations are strengthening their partnerships with FIFA, highlighting Gianni Infantino’s commitment to giving every nation a voice and expanding opportunities across the global game. A powerful message of unity emerged from the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria, Cabo Verde, on Thursday, as all 54 African football associations pledged their unanimous support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. At the first-of-its-kind gathering, Infantino promised further resources for African football, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to developing the game across the continent. CAF President and FIFA Vice-President Dr Patrice Motsepe highlighted the principles underpinning Africa’s relationship with FIFA, emphasising inclusion, representation and a shared vision for football’s future. “Our partnership with Gianni Infantino, our history with Gianni Infantino, has been based on where we come from but also in our belief that every person has a right to be heard,” Motsepe said. He confirmed the continent’s unanimous backing for Infantino in the next presidential elections, underlining the importance of cooperation between FIFA and its member associations. Infantino described the conference as “a beautiful moment of unity” after Africa’s 54 associations declared their “unwavering, unanimous and unconditional support” for his work as FIFA President and FIFA’s ongoing efforts to grow the game across the continent. “Across all of football-loving Africa, we stand together in our mission to take our game to everyone, everywhere, without exception,” he added. Growing support across the Arab world and Europe Africa’s endorsement follows similar expressions of support elsewhere. At its 81st board meeting in Jeddah, the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), representing 22 member associations, backed Infantino’s leadership. Chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the meeting welcomed FIFA’s efforts to strengthen cooperation and joint decision-making across football’s governing bodies. In Europe, Infantino’s first visit to Czechia demonstrated how these partnerships translate into practical development. Launching FIFA’s Football for Schools programme, he met Czech Football Association President David Trunda to discuss infrastructure, youth football and coaching education. “We see the real projects which we do also here,” Trunda said, praising initiatives designed to help more children access football and the growing partnership with FIFA. The visit followed recent engagements in Latvia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia, where football development projects and closer federation cooperation have featured prominently. Smaller Asian nations welcome FIFA’s approach Across Asia, leaders of developing football nations have echoed the importance of accessibility and direct support. Nilton Gusmao, President of the Football Federation of Timor-Leste, praised Infantino’s personal engagement. “He is close to all member associations. We feel it. He is listening, and he supports members of associations that need support,” Gusmao said. Bangladesh Football Federation President Tabith Awal similarly highlighted FIFA Forward, FIFA Arena and coaching programmes as important foundations for football’s growth. In Macau, Vice-President Chong Coc Veng welcomed Infantino’s historic first visit, describing FIFA’s assistance as providing a clearer direction for future development. From Cabo Verde to Southeast Asia, the message from football associations is increasingly consistent: FIFA’s investment in infrastructure, grassroots participation and closer cooperation is strengthening relationships across the game. For smaller and developing football nations in particular, Infantino’s emphasis on inclusion and ensuring every association has a voice is proving central to that growing support.