Gianni Infantino welcomes new Benin FA president Marcellin Bocovè to FIFA headquarters

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has welcomed newly elected Benin Football Federation (FBF) president Marcellin Bocovè to the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, with discussions focusing on the development and future of football in the West African country.

Bocovè, who was elected FBF president on August 25, 2026, held his first high-level meeting with Infantino on Thursday, September 3, accompanied by his predecessor, Mathurin de Chacus.

The meeting came just days after Infantino congratulated Bocovè on his election and pledged FIFA’s support to the new administration.

Infantino subsequently shared details of the meeting on Instagram, describing it as an opportunity to discuss their “shared vision for football in Benin.”

“I was pleased to welcome new Beninese Football Association President Marcellin Bocovè to the Home of FIFA to congratulate him on his election and discuss our shared vision for football in Benin,” Infantino wrote.

The FIFA president also praised the ambitions of Bocovè and his administration, while highlighting the progress already made by Beninese football.

“President Bocovè and his team have clear ambitions to develop the game, and Benin’s progress is already evident,” Infantino said.

One of the major achievements highlighted by Infantino is Benin’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, marking the country’s debut at the tournament. FIFA has confirmed Benin as one of six debutants at the 2026 edition, which begins on September 5.

Infantino also pointed to the development initiatives being implemented in the country, including the FIFA Talent Academy and a new Women’s Technical Centre.

“Through key initiatives like the FIFA Talent Academy and the new Women’s Technical Centre, Benin is taking great strides forward,” he added.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Infantino to recognise the contribution of former FBF president Mathurin de Chacus, who was present alongside Bocovè.

“I thanked President Bocovè and former President as well as former FIFA Council member Mathurin de Chacus, who was present for this important meeting and has done excellent work during his tenure,” Infantino stated.

Bocovè succeeded de Chacus after winning the August 25 election by a landslide, securing 76 of the 79 votes cast for the 2026–2030 mandate.

The new FBF president had already received strong assurances from FIFA following his election. In a letter dated August 28, Infantino told Bocovè that “the doors of FIFA will always be open” and expressed his willingness to discuss projects aimed at developing football in Benin.

Infantino concluded his latest message by reaffirming FIFA’s commitment to working with the new FBF leadership.

“I reaffirmed FIFA’s full support for @febefootbj,” he wrote.

The meeting in Zurich therefore represents an important early engagement between Bocovè’s new administration and FIFA as Benin seeks to build on its recent progress in talent development, women’s football and national-team development.