FIFA opens first office in Africa in Rabat, Morocco

World football governing body , FIFA, officially opened it’s first-ever office in Africa over the weekend in Rabat, Morocco.

The inauguration which was held in conjunction with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, marks a new chapter in FIFA’s efforts to strengthen its ties with the continent and foster football development across Africa.

Speaking during the inauguration, FIFA president Gianni Infantino stressed the importance of the new hub, stating it would have a global impact on football.

Infantino praised the country’s progress, highlighting Morocco’s recent achievements.

“Today is certainly a wonderful day, it’s a special day, a glorious day, a joyful day. We will write, in gold letters, the wonderful history of FIFA, of football in Africa, of football in Morocco, of football in the world,” the FIFA President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for his unwavering support, noting Morocco’s remarkable progress in the sport.

“This sporting centre is a lot more than just a sporting centre, a lot more than an academy. It is the nerve centre of Moroccan and African football and, as of today, of world football. It is witness to a country that is projected into the future, to a continent that is projected into the future, and to the work that all of us do here for this incredible sport,” he said.

The Rabat facility aims to serve as a space where FIFA can collaborate directly with its 54 African member associations, helping to advance key projects and initiatives tailored to the continent’s football growth.

The African office joins Paris, Miami, and Jakarta FIFA centers across the World with the organisation targeting more connections with its 211 member associations worldwide.

The project was initially announced in December 2024, when Infantino, Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa signed the agreement to establish the office.

With its strategic location in Rabat, the facility is expected to become a nerve center for African football.

Morocco’s recent football successes underscore the country’s rising stature on the world stage.

The nation’s men’s team made history as the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and recently secured the bronze medal at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024. The women’s team also continues to shine, debuting at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and reaching the Round of 16, with their sights set on the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria.

The Country is also expected to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup for five consecutive years starting this year and is set to host the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in December 2025.

Morocco will be a key player in the historic 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Portugal and Spain to mark football’s centenary.