FIFA Africa chief Gerson Fernandes arrives in Equatorial Guinea for talks with football authorities

A high-level delegation from FIFA has arrived in Malabo as part of a special mission aimed at strengthening football governance and development in Equatorial Guinea.

The delegation, led by FIFA’s representative to the African Associations, Gerson Tavares Fernandes, landed at Malabo International Airport on Wednesday afternoon.

The visit comes following an announcement made during the recent Extraordinary Assembly of Equatorial Guinea Football Federation (FEGUIFUT).

Fernandes’ mission will include a series of strategic meetings with national sports authorities, football stakeholders and the newly elected Executive Board of FEGUIFUT led by Venancio Tomás Ndong Michá.

Speaking to the federation’s communications department upon arrival, the FIFA official emphasised the importance of stability within the national football administration.

“We need stability in FEGUIFUT because Equatorial Guinea is a very important country for us. We have worked closely with President Venancio in recent years. That is why we are here to listen to all sides and explore how we can help create a solid football ecosystem,” Fernandes said.

The visit will also involve an assessment of potential development initiatives that could allow Equatorial Guinea to benefit from several FIFA programmes aimed at growing the game.

According to officials, the FIFA delegation will begin its formal engagements on Thursday with scheduled meetings at the Ministry of Sports.

Upon arrival in Malabo, Fernandes and his entourage were received by members of the FEGUIFUT Executive Board before being escorted to their hotel after a brief stop at one of the airport’s VIP lounges.