FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially inaugurated the new FIFA Africa Office at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Friday, July 26, describing it as a strategic hub poised to “have a global impact on football.”
Infantino praised Morocco’s rapid progress in football development, calling the country a driving force for the sport’s future both on the continent and worldwide.
“From here, we will have a global impact on football—not only in Morocco, not only in Africa, but all over the world,” Infantino said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, and other dignitaries.
CAF called the new office a key hub for boosting collaboration, development, and investment in African football.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the official opening of the FIFA Africa Office in Rabat.
Dr Motsepe reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to accelerating the growth and global competitiveness of African football, noting the FIFA Africa Office as… pic.twitter.com/ZgbEi9MlDt
— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) July 26, 2025
The Rabat office joins existing FIFA regional hubs in Paris, Miami, and Jakarta, as part of FIFA’s broader strategy to decentralize governance and deepen collaboration with its 211 Member Associations. It will serve as a key platform for coordination with Africa’s 54 Member Associations to boost football development across the continent.
Infantino described the new office as more than just an administrative center — a “living, strategic hub” for football development, training, and innovation that will support coaches, referees, medical staff, grassroots initiatives, and youth football across Africa and beyond.
“This centre is more than an academy—it’s the nerve centre of Moroccan, African, and now world football,” he said. “It symbolizes a country and a continent confidently stepping into the future.”
FIFA boss acknowledged Morocco’s recent landmark achievements, including the men’s national team’s historic semi-final finish at the FIFA World Cup 2022, their bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the women’s team’s debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, where they reached the Round of 16.
Morocco has also hosted back-to-back editions of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (2022, 2024) and will host five consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cups beginning in 2025.
Looking ahead, Morocco is preparing to co-host the centenary FIFA World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal.
“We are uniting the world here in Morocco,” Infantino added. “Everything is in place for 2030 to be the most beautiful FIFA World Cup celebration we’ve ever seen.”
The president praised King Mohammed VI’s visionary leadership, key to Morocco’s football and social progress. “The world became Moroccan in 2022,” Infantino said, “a success born from long-term dedication inspired by their King.”
FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa praised the initiative, calling it “a strong partnership that will advance African football and strengthen its integration into the global sport.”
As Morocco continues to emerge as a continental football powerhouse, the opening of the FIFA Africa Office in Rabat marks a major step forward—not only for the Kingdom but for Africa’s growing influence on the global football stage.
