FIFA Expands in Africa with New Regional Office in Morocco

Gianni Infantino set to attend July 26 opening in Morocco’s capital, reinforcing the country’s rising influence in African football and its ambitions to become a continental sports powerhouse.

Rabat, July 24, 2025 — As the continent gears up for the WAFCON 2025 final, another milestone will take place in Morocco — one that cements the nation’s status as a regional football power. FIFA has officially confirmed it will inaugurate its first North African regional office in Rabat this Saturday, July 26, with President Gianni Infantino expected to personally attend the ceremony.

The opening marks a historic moment for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and for Morocco, as the country becomes the nerve center for FIFA operations in North Africa. The timing — on the eve of Africa’s most prestigious women’s football tournament final — is both symbolic and strategic.

“Morocco has demonstrated its capacity to lead, host, and grow the game of football at every level,” Infantino said in a statement. “This new regional office represents our commitment to support development and strengthen football governance across the region.”

🏟️ Why Morocco?

The decision to base FIFA’s North African headquarters in Rabat is no surprise to insiders. Over the past decade, Morocco has rapidly emerged as one of Africa’s most dynamic football nations, investing heavily in infrastructure, grassroots programs, and international diplomacy.

From the Mohammed VI Football Complex, widely regarded as one of the most advanced training centers on the continent, to the country’s successful hosting of the Club World Cup and AFCON U23, Morocco has built a formidable football ecosystem.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of Morocco’s leadership and consistency,” said Fatoumata Diallo, a CAF official. “It’s not just about stadiums. Morocco is shaping policy, promoting women’s football, and inspiring other nations to follow suit.”

📌 Strategic Regional Significance

The new office will serve as a logistical and strategic base for FIFA programs in North Africa, offering support for football federations in Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Mauritania. It will also provide a platform for talent development, regulatory compliance, digital innovation, and women’s football promotion.

FIFA says the Rabat office will host technical workshops, referee training sessions, and youth development programs, along with monitoring club licensing, stadium safety, and anti-corruption frameworks.

“This will bring FIFA closer to its stakeholders,” said Karim Zaitouni, Moroccan sports governance expert. “Decisions won’t just come from Zurich. They’ll be informed by the realities on the ground.”

👥 Human Impact: Opportunities and Aspirations

The FIFA office will create dozens of new professional jobs in sports administration, technology, translation, communications, and legal affairs — boosting Morocco’s sports economy and strengthening its position as a continental hub for talent and investment.

For young Moroccans dreaming of careers in global football, the announcement opens new doors.

“We used to dream of going to Europe to work in football,” said Nadia El Fakir, a 23-year-old student in Rabat studying sports management. “Now we can do it from here, for our continent.”

The office is also expected to accelerate partnerships with local universities and sports academies, as well as align with Morocco’s co-hosting responsibilities for the 2030 World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal.

🌍 Morocco’s Football Diplomacy Pays Off

The move further solidifies Morocco’s soft power through sport, building on recent diplomatic gains through football diplomacy, especially with African and Arab nations. Morocco’s strategy, which blends domestic excellence with international advocacy, is bearing fruit both on and off the pitch.

FIFA’s regionalization aligns with its “Forward 3.0” strategy, which prioritizes decentralization, transparency, and regional equity in football governance.