FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauded the “consistent progress” of football in Africa, particularly in Morocco, in a meeting held in Thailand’s capital Bangkok on Wednesday ahead of the 74th FIFA Congress, according to a press release issued by the world governing body of football associations.
Infantino highlighted the ongoing positive progress of soccer in Africa at both the national teams and club level, with Morocco having become a “model” for other countries after its triumph in various African and world competitions.
Infantino has been a frequent visitor to the African continent for major sporting events, including the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire in February and the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco in April. As a result, FIFA’s Chief has been able to see first-hand Africa’s organizational expertise, as well as the passion and enthusiasm of people on the continent, according to FIFA.
Infantino also acknowledged the CAF president’s dedication to the sport. “I attended the CAF Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year as well as the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, and the consistent progress is evident,” he said. “I must also thank and congratulate CAF President Patrice Motsepe for taking a leading role in this regard.”
The FIFA President expressed FIFA’s commitment to further invest in Africa’s “great talent” to create more football opportunities for all.
The statement concluded with a focus on Morocco’s exemplary football achievements, which serve as a model for the development of the sport on the African continent. Morocco was the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup (WC Qatar 2022).
Similarly, the kingdom’s national women’s players demonstrated their potential at the Women FIFA World Cup Australia & New Zealand, earning a knockout stage place along with South Africa and Nigeria, an outstanding achievement for the women’s team first qualification.