African football will continue to be a priority for FIFA, says Gianni Infantino. Speaking to representatives of Africa’s football associations in Cape Verde this Thursday, President Infantino made this commitment.
Speaking at the Confederation of African Football’s inaugural strategy symposium, attended by the 54 African association presidents, said: “To be here today, with the opportunity to address over a quarter of the voters in our upcoming FIFA election, is a privilege.
FIFA’s monies to Africa: The Swiss-Italian pointed to FIFA’s financial contributions to Africa since his election as president in 2016, pointing out that the organisation had poured $1 billion into the continent via its FIFA Forward programme over the last decade.
“We have invested one billion dollars in 10 years in Africa with the FIFA Forward programme, with 124 different projects and a lot of other actions,” Infantino added.
He also urged to keep the channels of communication open when conflicts occur and underscored the importance for FIFA to keep its openness to do better.
Infantino pledged to continue the work to develop African football and lauded more African teams in this year’s World Cup.
“We will continue to look for the funds and the increases (of funds) that are required to push African football to the top of world football,” he said.
