World football’s governing body, FIFA, has officially inaugurated its primary African office in Rabat, Morocco, solidifying the North African nation’s growing reputation as a pivotal hub for the organization’s operations across the continent.
Situated within the impressive Mohammed VI Complex, the new state-of-the-art facility is designed to bolster support for African football federations in executing development initiatives.
This latest move underscores FIFA’s long-term strategy to deepen its presence and impact in Africa.
The Rabat office follows the Host Agreement signed in December 2023 in Marrakech by FIFA, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and the Kingdom of Morocco.
With this launch, Rabat joins an exclusive list of global cities, Paris, Miami, and Jakarta, currently hosting FIFA offices, affirming the organization’s commitment to a global football footprint.
Speaking at the ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as a landmark moment, “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.
“It’s an incredible and beautiful complex, and I want to start by thanking Morocco, thanking His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for making this possible.
“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 for this incredible sport.”
The Rabat office will serve as a coordination center alongside existing regional FIFA outposts in Brazzaville, Dakar, Johannesburg, and Kigali.
It will play a key role in directing and implementing development strategies aimed at advancing African football at all levels.
The opening ceremony drew several high-profile attendees, including FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafström, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and his General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, as well as senior Moroccan government officials.
Morocco’s football influence continues to rise, with notable strides made on and off the pitch.
The country is also set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, making it only the second African nation to stage the tournament.
