FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced that the world’s football federation will open a new Regional Development Office in South Africa.
The FIFA president made the announcement on Sunday, January, after signing an agreement with South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie and SAFA president Danny Jordaan.
The new Johannesburg office will serve as a hub for the COSAFA region, focusing on growth and professional development to elevate football standards across Southern Africa.
This is FIFA’s second regional office in Africa, joining the one located in Rabat, Morocco.
“I was pleased to mark another important step for football development with the Host Agreement signing for the FIFA Regional Development Office in Johannesburg,” FIFA President Infantino announced via social media.
“A big thank you to Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture; Deputy Director General of Sport, Vincent Campbell; Danny Jordaan, South African Football Association President; and Acting Ambassador Nkateko Manganye for your time and commitment.
“These offices are central to how FIFA strengthens, modernises and better supports our FIFA Member Associations by being closer to them than ever before. From administering the FIFA Forward Programme to providing strategic guidance, education, and day-to-day support, the Regional Development Offices help us understand local realities and deliver needs-based solutions.
“The Johannesburg office will play a key role in supporting the COSAFA region and in driving sustainable growth of the game at all levels. Together, we continue working to create opportunities, share knowledge and develop football for everyone, everywhere.”
