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FIFA Africa Office Inauguration in Rabat: A Global Football Milestone
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, emphasized the global impact the new FIFA Africa office will have on football during its opening ceremony scheduled for 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. He stated that the office is more than a sporting center; it serves as the nerve center of Moroccan and African football, and plays a pivotal role in global football initiatives.
The FIFA Africa office in Rabat is part of FIFA’s strategy to strengthen local connections with its 211 member associations worldwide. This network includes offices in Paris, Miami, and Jakarta, all contributing to FIFA’s mission of facilitating the global growth of football.
Infantino praised Morocco’s significant contributions to football, highlighting the nation’s increasing prominence on the international stage. He commended Moroccan administrator Fauzi Lekja, who serves as the first vice president of CAF and a member of the FIFA Council. Lekja’s leadership has been instrumental in several development projects, including the state-of-the-art Academie Mohammed Sea de Football in Saleh.
Morocco’s football achievements include historical milestones such as the men’s national team reaching a World Cup semi-final and the women’s team advancing to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The country will also co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, marking a significant celebration of the sport’s centenary.
Infantino expressed gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed the 6th and the Royal Morocco Football Federation for their support and contributions. He also acknowledged the presence and support of the 54 CAF member associations and their leaders, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to continue advancing football not only in Africa but globally.
