Former France international Bafetimbi Gomis has praised former club teammate and Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes for his growing influence in global football governance following a visit to Morocco during the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Gomis revealed on Instagram that he began the year in Morocco after receiving an invitation from Fernandes, who currently works with FIFA as Director Member Associations Africa.
The visit coincided with AFCON and also offered the former striker the opportunity to tour FIFA’s newly established offices in Rabat – a landmark development for the continent.
“It was a great opportunity to discover FIFA’s new offices, a real home for football in Africa,” Gomis said, describing the visit as an important step for the future of the game on the continent.
According to the former Olympique Lyon and Swansea City striker, the trip was not solely about attending matches.
He stressed that the chance to reconnect and exchange ideas with Fernandes was equally valuable.
“Most of all, it was about sitting down and exchanging ideas, as we’ve always done,” he noted.
Gomis highlighted Fernandes’ leadership qualities, recalling their time together as players.
“Even back in the dressing room, Gelson was someone everyone listened to,” he said.
“He was a bridge between the players and the staff, speaking every language and always focused on bringing people together.”
The former France international believes Fernandes’ current role at FIFA represents a natural progression in his career.
“Seeing him now working at FIFA feels like the natural next step,” Gomis added. “He has the vision, the values and the leadership football needs.”
Gomis concluded by thanking Fernandes for the invitation and expressed optimism about the future.
“This is only the beginning,” he said, adding that people like Fernandes are helping to shape a promising era for African football within global structures.
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