Gianni Infantino pledges more FIFA investment in African football

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has pledged continued investment in African football, saying the world governing body will seek additional funding to help the continent compete at the highest level.

Speaking at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Strategic Football Conference in Cape Verde on Thursday, Infantino said FIFA had invested $1bn in Africa over the past decade through its FIFA Forward programme.

He said the funding had supported 124 different projects, alongside other initiatives aimed at developing the game across the continent.

“As FIFA president, I am proud to have contributed with you a little bit in this revolution in African football in the last 10 years,” Infantino said.

The FIFA president also acknowledged that concerns could arise during the relationship between the world governing body and its member associations, stressing the importance of dialogue in addressing disagreements.

“When you go through a journey, sometimes concerns are raised,” he said.

“When they are raised, we have to address them. As far as we are concerned at FIFA, we address them always with the spirit of dialogue and with open arms, an open heart and an open mind. We can always be better and do better.”

Although he did not directly refer to the failed attempt to sell a stake in FIFA tournaments, Infantino’s comments came amid discussions about the relationship between FIFA and African football authorities.

He reiterated his commitment to supporting the continent, insisting that FIFA would continue to explore ways of increasing financial resources for African football.

“Our commitment is to make sure that your football is going to continue to improve and grow, give you more opportunities,” he said.

Infantino also pointed to the participation of 10 African countries at the most recent World Cup as evidence of the continent’s growing presence on the global stage.

“Ten countries at the [last] World Cup has been a success for the entire continent,” he added.

He urged CAF and its member associations to continue working with FIFA to identify areas where further support would be needed, saying the aim was to strengthen African football and improve its competitiveness internationally.

“We need to continue together on this path, because it is up to you as CAF to tell us what you want. How we can make you stronger and better,” Infantino said.

“We will continue to look for the resources and the increases in funding that are necessary to boost the African game to the top of world football.”

His remarks reinforce FIFA’s stated commitment to football development in Africa, with funding, infrastructure and opportunities for national teams remaining key areas in the continent’s pursuit of greater success on the international stage.