FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomes new Congolese Football Chief to Zürich

FIFA’s Gianni Infantino meets FECOFOOT’s Éric Alain Mantot to discuss governance, youth development and the inaugural U-15 World Cup

ZÜRICH – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hosted the newly elected president of the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT), Éric Alain Mantot, at the Home of FIFA in Zürich, with talks centred on revitalising the game in the Republic of Congo.

Infantino shared details of the meeting on Instagram, writing that he was “pleased to welcome newly elected Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) President Éric Alain Mantot to the Home of FIFA” to discuss “our vision for football in Congo.”

According to Infantino, the two leaders are aligned on priorities. “President Mantot shares our commitment to revitalising Congolese football and strengthening governance,” he said.

The discussions also covered how FIFA’s development initiatives could support the country’s footballing future. Infantino said the pair examined how programmes such as the FIFA Forward Programme, the FIFA Talent Development Scheme and FIFA Football for Schools “can continue to build strong foundations across the country.”

Youth football was another major topic. The FIFA chief said they spoke about “the upcoming participation of Congo’s youth in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival later this month,” describing the tournament as “an incredible opportunity for young players to shine on the world stage.”

The meeting marks an early engagement between Mantot and football’s world governing body since his election to lead FECOFOOT. Governance reform and grassroots investment are widely seen as key challenges for national associations seeking to improve performance on and off the pitch.

Infantino closed his message by expressing gratitude to his guest and pledging continued backing. “I thanked President Mantot for his leadership and vision, and reaffirmed FIFA’s full support as we work together to take football in Congo to new heights,” he said.

The new FECOFOOT leadership will now look to build on the FIFA relationship as Congo prepares to send its young talents to the landmark U-15 event, a tournament that organisers hope will become a new pathway for emerging players worldwide.