FECOFA president Veron Mosengo-Omba meets FIFA chief Gianni Infantino in Zurich

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the organisation’s support for football development in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a meeting with FECOFA president Veron Mosengo-Omba in Zurich.

Mosengo-Omba was received by Infantino at FIFA headquarters on Thursday, 3 September, for discussions focused on the future of football in the DRC.

The meeting centred on several major areas, including plans to rebuild the country’s football structures, modernise refereeing and strengthen the development of women’s football.

FECOFA is pursuing an ambitious programme aimed at improving the foundations of football across the country, with the discussions in Zurich providing an opportunity for the federation to outline its priorities to FIFA’s leadership.

During the meeting, Infantino congratulated the Democratic Republic of Congo on its successful return to the World Cup stage.

The FIFA president also reiterated his institution’s commitment to working with FECOFA as it seeks to implement its structural development projects.

Infantino praised the current momentum within the Congolese federation and indicated FIFA’s continued willingness to support its plans for the development of football in the country.

The relationship between FECOFA and FIFA is also set to take another significant step with an expected visit by Infantino to Kinshasa.

The FIFA president is expected to travel to the Congolese capital shortly for the foundation stone ceremony of the future FECOFA Technical Centre.

The planned facility is intended to provide a modern base for football development and establish lasting foundations for the development of national talent.

The Technical Centre project is regarded as an important part of FECOFA’s wider plans to strengthen football infrastructure in the DRC.

Infantino’s expected visit to Kinshasa will therefore mark a symbolic moment in the partnership between the Congolese federation and FIFA, following the discussions held at the world governing body’s headquarters in Zurich.

The meeting between Mosengo-Omba and Infantino highlighted the shared focus on structural development, refereeing and women’s football as FECOFA continues its efforts to build stronger foundations for the sport across the Democratic Republic of Congo.