Morocco Becomes African Football’s Nerve Center as FIFA Opens Africa Office at Mohammed VI Complex

Salé, July 26, 2025 – In a historic milestone for African football, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) officially inaugurated its Africa office at Morocco’s state-of-the-art Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé. The ceremony, held on Saturday, was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa, and other high-level dignitaries.

FIFA President Infantino hailed the moment as “a festive and joyful day” destined to be “engraved in golden letters” in the annals of world football. He emphasized the significance of the inauguration coinciding with Morocco’s Throne Day celebrations and praised the Mohammed VI Complex as “incredible and magnificent.”

“This is not just an Africa office—it’s a global center that will reshape the future of football, not only in Africa but around the world,” Infantino remarked. He extended deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his unwavering commitment to sport and youth development on the continent, calling the Royal Vision “unique and transformative.”

The Mohammed VI Complex, now home to FIFA’s Africa operations, is seen as a strategic hub for developing talent, supporting infrastructure, and coordinating major events. Infantino stressed that Morocco is increasingly becoming a global destination for the sport, with the country set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, five editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe also celebrated the occasion, calling Morocco “the perfect location” for the office and recognizing HM King Mohammed VI’s efforts to elevate African football. He expressed optimism about the continent’s footballing future, citing Morocco’s historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup as a turning point.

“Football in Africa is of world-class quality,” Motsepe declared. “And we’re only beginning to realize our potential.”

FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa echoed these sentiments, attributing the establishment of the FIFA Africa office to the King’s long-term vision for empowering youth and promoting unity through sport.

“This complex and this new office symbolize Morocco’s role as a land of convergence, dialogue, and excellence,” said Lekjaa. He stressed that the FIFA Africa office reinforces Morocco’s longstanding commitment to supporting African football development at all levels.

The headquarters agreement for the new office was formalized in Marrakech in December 2024 during the CAF Awards ceremony, with Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, FIFA President Infantino, and Lekjaa signing the landmark deal.

Saturday’s celebration also preceded the highly anticipated final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations between Morocco and Nigeria, which Infantino described as “a beautiful celebration of women’s football” and a reflection of the Moroccan public’s unrivaled passion for the game.

With the opening of FIFA’s Africa office, Morocco solidifies its position as a powerhouse and central actor in the future of global football—a future being shaped in Salé, at the heart of the continent.