FIFA to Inaugurate First African Regional Office in Morocco
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), is set to inaugurate the first-ever African regional office of the global football governing body on Moroccan soil.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, coinciding with the final match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The event will be attended by high-level delegations and distinguished guests, highlighting the significance of this strategic milestone for African football.
This initiative forms part of FIFA’s broader vision to advance and promote football globally while acknowledging the sport’s universal, educational, and cultural impact. The establishment of a permanent regional presence in Morocco underscores FIFA’s commitment to strengthening football governance and development across the African continent.
The decision to establish the office follows a high-profile signing ceremony held on December 17, 2024. The agreement was endorsed by Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa. The memorandum includes provisions for the support and implementation of various FIFA development projects in the region.
Speaking at the time, Prime Minister Akhannouch hailed the move as a testament to the confidence international sporting bodies place in Morocco. He noted that the country’s growing stature on the global sports stage has been further elevated by its successful bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
The new FIFA regional office will be housed at the state-of-the-art Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura, Rabat. This facility is widely regarded as one of the most modern football training centers in the world and symbolizes Morocco’s long-standing investment in football infrastructure and youth development.
The inauguration marks a significant step toward deeper collaboration between FIFA and African football stakeholders, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a central hub for football governance and excellence in the region.
