FIFA has decided to open its main office for the African continent in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.
With this opening, Rabat becomes one of FIFA’s official hubs, following cities like Paris, Miami, and Jakarta.
FIFA had previously pledged to develop football globally, and this move demonstrates its determination to fulfill that promise.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave the following speech at the opening:
“Today is certainly a wonderful day, a special day, a glorious day, a joyful day. We will write, in gold letters, the great history of FIFA, of football in Africa, of football in Morocco, of football in the world.”
“For such an incredible and beautiful complex, I first want to thank Morocco and His Majesty King Mohammed VI for making it possible.”
“This building is a testimony to a country that is looking toward the future, to a continent that is looking toward the future, and to the work we are all doing together for this magnificent sport.”
Also in attendance at the ceremony were FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, FRMF President Fouzi Lekja, and officials from the Moroccan government.
Located within the Mohammed VI Complex, this state-of-the-art new office aims to strengthen support for the development projects of African football federations.
It also reflects FIFA’s desire to establish a lasting presence on the continent.