by FIFA’s regional office in Morocco opened its doors amid vibrant celebrations. The state-of-the-art Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat echoed with chants and cheers. This moment marked a major milestone, not just another office opening.
FIFA’s regional office in Morocco is the first in North Africa and the fifth across Africa. It is designed as a strategic hub connecting 54 national football associations. Its mission? To empower African football and boost partnerships at every level.
According to FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the inauguration ceremony,
“This is a day that will be written in golden letters in the magnificent history of FIFA, African football, Moroccan football, and world football.”
Leaders Unite for a Global Vision
FIFA President Gianni Infantino led the ceremony, cutting the ribbon beside Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, and Morocco’s top officials. The excitement was palpable as he emphasized the global impact starting in Morocco and spreading across Africa.
The new office focuses on:
- Strengthening technical and administrative support for African federations.
- Facilitating joint projects from grassroots football to elite tournaments.
- Pushing forward preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.
- Promoting skill and capacity building through training, collaboration, and innovation.
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Why Morocco?
Morocco was chosen for its world-class facilities and deep passion for football. The country’s success in hosting global and continental tournaments made it the ideal host. FIFA’s regional office in Morocco solidifies Morocco’s leadership in African and global football.
This office will work alongside existing regional centers in Senegal, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and South Africa. Local football associations now have a dynamic, direct channel for advocacy and support through FIFA’s regional office in Morocco.
Along with a number of African FA presidents, CAF president Patrice Motsepe and Moroccan FA chairman Fouzi Lekjaa, one of the continent’s major power brokers, attended the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, where Nigeria won for the tenth time in a thrilling comeback victory over the hosts, Morocco.
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A Bold Promise for African Football
More than administrative, this office promises real change. FIFA’s regional office in Morocco aims to sharpen African football’s competitiveness and inspire a new generation of players, officials, and fans.
As Morocco gets ready to co-host the 2030 World Cup, all eyes turn to Rabat. With FIFA’s regional office in Morocco leading the way, African football is set for its brightest era ever.
Everything aligns with Infantino’s expansionist game design. FIFA has expanded its activities globally under his leadership, building hubs in Paris, Jakarta, Miami, and most recently, New York. FIFA’s football development initiatives with close ties to Africa are based in the French city, however the headquarters has shrunk.
To further support member associations, the global governing body maintains 11 regional development offices worldwide. Barbados, Panama, Paraguay, Senegal, Congo, South Africa, Rwanda, the United Arab Emirates, India, Malaysia, and New Zealand are among the countries where these offices are located.
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