Infantino celebrates decade in office, hails Sierra Leone’s football and infrastructure gains

FIFA President will mark a decade in office on Thursday, 26 February 2026, with African football development once again forming a key part of his reflections.

In a message highlighting progress in West Africa, Infantino commended Sierra Leone for what he described as significant milestones achieved across all levels of the game in recent years.

“Sierra Leone continues to achieve milestones which have reflected on the development of football across all levels in the country,” the FIFA President said.

One of the standout achievements, according to Infantino, has been the rapid growth of the women’s game. He pointed to Sierra Leone’s triumph at the WAFU U-17 Women’s Cup last year as evidence of the country’s rising status in youth football.

The success, he noted, was inspired by the historic launch of the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League in 2022 – a competition funded through the FIFA Forward Programme, the flagship development initiative introduced shortly after he assumed office in 2016.

“I’m proud of the transformation of women’s football, winning the WAFU U-17 Women’s Cup last year, inspired by the historic launch of the Women’s Premier League in 2022, which was funded by the FIFA Forward Programme,” Infantino added.

Infrastructure development has also been central to FIFA’s support for the West African nation. Infantino revealed that the world governing body has financed the installation of five artificial pitches across the country, aimed at boosting grassroots participation and improving training conditions.

“FIFA has also funded the installation of five artificial pitches across the country and remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s journey by investing in infrastructure, youth development, and grassroots programmes, ensuring that every young boy and girl has the opportunity to dream, play, and succeed through football,” he said.

Beyond technical support, Infantino also referenced high-level diplomatic engagement as part of FIFA’s collaborative approach.

He disclosed that in September last year in New York, he held fruitful discussions with Sierra Leone President, alongside Sierra Leone Football Association President .

The talks, he said, focused on ensuring that football continues to play a positive role in society, reinforcing its impact beyond the pitch.

As Infantino celebrates 10 years at the helm of world football’s governing body, Sierra Leone’s progress stands as one of several examples FIFA continues to highlight in Africa under his tenure – driven by investment in infrastructure, youth competitions and the women’s game through the expanded FIFA Forward Programme.