FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the refurbished Intwari Stadium as a powerful symbol of progress and opportunity for Burundian football, following the official inauguration of the FIFA Forward-supported facility in Bujumbura.
“Congratulations on the official inauguration of the refurbished Intwari Stadium,” Infantino said in a video message played during the ceremony.
“The venue is an outstanding example of how FIFA can work together with governments and FIFA Member Associations to make football more accessible to communities around the world, and I am especially grateful to President Ndayishimiye.”
Originally opened in the early 1960s, the 15,000-capacity stadium – whose name means ‘Stadium of Heroes’ in Kirundi – had fallen below CAF and FIFA standards, forcing Burundi’s national teams to host international matches outside the country.
Renovation works began in 2022 and were completed in late 2025 through FIFA Forward funding, allowing international football to finally return to Burundian soil.
“I visited the stadium myself in October 2023 and I was moved by the enthusiasm of everyone involved in this project to provide a fitting home for Burundian football, and their passion for our wonderful sport,” Infantino added.
The three-year refurbishment saw the installation of an artificial pitch and four floodlights to allow night matches, alongside upgrades to dressing rooms, dugouts and other key facilities.
The modernisation ensures the stadium now meets international norms and can host both domestic and high-level international fixtures.
FIFA Council member Souleiman Hassan Waberi praised the leadership behind the project, stating:
“The determination to modernise Burundi’s infrastructure and the commitment to meeting international standards have been exemplary.”
He added that the project reflected “steadfast leadership” from President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Football Federation of Burundi (FFB) President Alexandre Muyenge.
“This is what FIFA is all about – concrete actions in partnership with FIFA Member Associations and governments to bring real results, real benefits to the youth and the football-loving public,” Waberi said.
FFB President Muyenge highlighted the significance of finally hosting matches at home.
“For many years, international matches were held abroad. Today, we have the privilege of organising them on our own soil,” he said. “This is a major advancement made possible through the state’s commitment.”
Infantino also underlined the wider impact of the project, noting: “It is fantastic that Burundi will now be able to host competitive international matches… Playing in front of your own public not only gives the team an added advantage, but it will also inspire young people.”
Waberi concluded by capturing the spirit of the occasion: “It is more than just concrete and turf. It is a place where dreams will be born and where the heroes of tomorrow will rise.”
