What Will FIFA's New Office in Rabat Mean for Morocco's Football Ambitions?

Morocco World

a day ago

FIFA has inaugurated a new regional office in Rabat to oversee football development across North and West Africa. The facility, located near the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, will serve as a technical and strategic hub for the continent.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa attended the official opening.
'Naturally, this is an important, fundamental, and historic day in the journey of national football — an exceptional path led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for more than 26 years,' said Lekjaa. 'It once again reflects the special care His Majesty has devoted to youth, sport, and football in particular, alongside Morocco's strategic policy for its international positioning.'
Lekjaa added: 'Thanks to Mr Gianni Infantino for FIFA's trust in Morocco and for selecting the kingdom to host this headquarters. Thanks also to Mr Patrice Motsepe for his continued confidence in Morocco.'
Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next December, for the first time the country hosted the tournament in 1988.
'As the President said, Morocco will host a series of major events, starting with the 2025 U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup, as well as the Africa Cup of Nations,' Lekjaa noted. 'We are called upon to rise to the occasion and are determined to write a bright chapter in football history.'
Infantino said the new office is intended to strengthen FIFA's global presence. 'It is very important for FIFA to be here — to be in Morocco, to be in Africa, and really, to be everywhere around the world,' he said. 'Africa has 54 countries — 54 member nations of both CAF and FIFA.'
'This isn't just an 'Africa office' — it's a global FIFA office. A strategic hub. Not just an administrative one,' Infantino said. 'We'll work on development and support for African federations — that's a priority. But our top priority is football — women's football, youth development, training.'
'Morocco isn't just another country. It's become a beacon. The world turned Moroccan in 2022,' Infantino said. 'What that magnificent national team achieved was historic. But it wasn't just a fluke. It was the result of years of hard work by President Fouzi Lekjaa and everyone in Morocco, under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI — may God assist him.'
CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA's investment in African football. 'Let me start by saying that, in Gianni Infantino, African football has a loyal, trustworthy, and committed friend and partner,' he said. 'The partnership between Africa and FIFA is incredibly important for the development of football across the continent.'
'We've made good progress. And, without question, our most dependable partner outside the continent is Gianni Infantino and FIFA. We're deeply grateful,' Motsepe added.
'It fills me with pride to know we have a brother and a trusted partner like Gianni — someone who stands with us, genuinely committed,' he said. 'Today is yet another example — a significant one — of Gianni's and FIFA's deep dedication to African football.'
'We truly feel the strength of this partnership. And together, we will make African football among the best in the world,' Motsepe concluded. Tags: CAFFIFAFouzi LekjaaFRMFGianni InfantinoPatrice Motsepe