Morocco will be home to the headquarters of the African office of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), accoridng to an agreement signed on Monday evening at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, on the sidelines of the 2024 CAF Awards.
The agreement was signed by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The deal aligns with FIFA's role in the development and promotion of football, while considering the sport's universal, educational, and cultural impact. The agreement aims to support football development initiatives across Africa.
The signing of this agreement also reflects Morocco's commitment to promoting football and highlights the FRMF's key role as a member of FIFA. Under its terms, the Moroccan government and FRMF will implement measures to facilitate and support FIFA's projects, particularly those related to the creation of its African office.
Both parties also commit to easing the installation process for foreign FIFA employees in Morocco and supporting the necessary administrative procedures.
Speaking on the occasion, Aziz Akhannouch stated that the establishment of FIFA's African office reflects the trust international sports institutions place in Morocco. He added that this announcement crowns a historic week for the Kingdom, following its selection to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
For his part, Gianni Infantino welcomed the agreement, noting that the new office would contribute to the development of Moroccan, African, and global football. He also took the opportunity to thank King Mohammed VI for his role in advancing football in Africa.
Infantino further praised the progress of Moroccan football and acknowledged the efforts made by both the FRMF and the government to achieve this success.