FIFA Set to Launch Regional Development Hub in South Africa
South Africa's Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) announced the development Sunday, revealing that the pact was finalized with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations championship match in Rabat, Morocco's capital city.
The arrangement designates South Africa as the facilitator of FIFA's logistical and administrative functions domestically, while FIFA assumes financial responsibility for staffing and operating the facility, which will provide services throughout South Africa and surrounding nations.
DSAC's responsibilities encompass immigration documentation assistance, customs coordination, and communication with government entities. FIFA will shoulder all expenses related to operations, workforce, and programming initiatives.
DSAC Minister Gayton McKenzie characterized the agreement's finalization as "a practical step toward strengthening football development in southern Africa."
"This agreement is about ensuring that development projects, coaching support, technical programs and administrative capacity are accessible within our region," McKenzie said. "The regional office will allow FIFA to work more closely with our football federations, and while it is hosted in South Africa, it is intended as a resource for the whole southern African football family."
FIFA's regional installations function as primary communication channels for affiliated associations and facilitate development initiatives through the FIFA Forward program, which has injected over $1 billion into African football infrastructure since 2016, the statement confirmed.
The office's establishment is projected to accelerate South Africa's and neighboring countries' access to specialized training resources, coaching advancement programs, and referee education, while bolstering cross-border collaboration as Africa strengthens its position in international football.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
