Gianni Infantino starts work at FIFA’s New Africa HQ in Rabat

RABAT, Sept 19, 2025 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino began work on Friday at the organisation’s new African headquarters in Rabat, in what officials called a landmark move for the continent’s football governance.

Infantino opened his first day with a visit to a training workshop for female coach educators at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said.

He later met with the heads of the football federations of Senegal, South Sudan, Rwanda, Gabon, and Tunisia.

Talks focused on speeding up development projects and strengthening football structures across Africa.

New Hub in Rabat

The headquarters, inaugurated on July 26, is located at the Mohammed VI Football Complex. The launch was attended by FRMF chief Fouzi Lekjaa and CAF president Patrice Motsepe.

Designed by Moroccan architect Mourad Aziz El Kohen, the building is meant as a collaborative hub to support federations in areas such as women’s football, youth competitions, the Football for Schools programme, and governance.

Diverse Staff

About 20 staff members from Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Congo, and France have already joined the office. FIFA says the mix of local and international expertise reflects its aim to combine global standards with regional knowledge.

“The establishment of this office is not just symbolic – it is practical,” Infantino said. “FIFA is closer to Africa, listening to Africa, and working with African federations to deliver results.”

Strategic Move

The relocation highlights Morocco’s growing role as a football hub and FIFA’s push to decentralise operations.

Officials say the Rabat office will give African federations faster access to FIFA’s resources and expertise, boosting their chances of progress on the global stage, including at future World Cups.