FIFA, the world’s soccer governing body, has officially opened its major Africa office in Rabat, Morocco—solidifying the North African nation as a central hub for football development on the continent.
The move is being hailed as a historic step in FIFA’s long-term vision to deepen its engagement with Africa and accelerate the development of the sport across the region.
A Strategic Move for African Football
The new office is located within the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Complex, one of Africa’s most advanced football infrastructure facilities. Designed as a state-of-the-art operational base, the office aims to provide direct support to African football federations in implementing development programs, building technical capacity, and improving governance.
The inauguration of the ⚽️ FIFA ‘s first ever African headquarters in 🇲🇦 #Morocco is not only the inauguration of a building 🏢 but rather the reflection of the international trust in Morocco’s pioneering role in advancing soccer in #Africa. The Kingdom will continue to be one… pic.twitter.com/CASRL3P12P
— Youssef Amrani (@youamrani) July 26, 2025
The establishment of the office follows a Host Agreement signed in December 2024 in Marrakech between FIFA, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). This agreement laid the foundation for FIFA’s increased administrative and developmental presence in Africa.
Global Vision, Regional Focus
Speaking at the inauguration, FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as “a glorious day” for football in Africa and worldwide. He emphasized FIFA’s commitment to nurturing the growth of football at all levels and expressed deep gratitude to Morocco and its leadership for their cooperation and hospitality.
“It is witness to a country that is projected into the future, to a continent that is projected into the future,” Infantino stated.
“We will write, in gold letters, the wonderful history of FIFA, of football in Africa, of football in Morocco, of football in the world.”
Reinforcing FIFA’s African Network
The Rabat office will operate in synergy with FIFA’s existing regional offices in Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), Dakar (Senegal), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Kigali (Rwanda).
Together, these offices will coordinate strategic policy implementation, technical support, and developmental initiatives across the continent.
Newly built FRMF Royal Moroccan Football Federation headquarters in Rabat, Morocco 🇲🇦 👌 pic.twitter.com/ESaoNjQd2d
— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) July 7, 2023
FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, FRMF President Fouzi Lekja, and several Moroccan government officials also attended the opening ceremony, highlighting the significance of the event.
Morocco: A Rising Power in Global Football
Morocco’s growing influence in international football is unmistakable. On the field, the country achieved a historic semi-final run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup—becoming the first African nation to reach that stage. Off the field, it has demonstrated organizational excellence in hosting numerous international tournaments.
The pinnacle of Morocco’s football diplomacy will be its role as one of the co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Portugal and Spain. This makes Morocco only the second African country after South Africa in 2010 to host football’s most prestigious tournament.
Discussion about this post