President Infantino made the announcement at a press
conference at the National Technical Centre here in Djibouti on Thursday during
his first official visit to the country after his recent election as FIFA
president.
"I am very much honored to be here in Djibouti. This
visit is part of my first tour to several African countries after my election as
FIFA president less than a month from now. I came here to meet with the
football family lead by my friend president Souleiman who is doing a great job
for Djiboutian football” Mr. Infantino noted.
He said that FIFA has so far carried out a number of goal projects in Djibouti, but the country which is overwhelmingly interested in football was still in much need of additional development projects.
"Thanks to the commitment and the work of football people
here in Djibouti. It makes me feel very confident that this country’s football
is going up and today I am here to define concretely and clearly what kind of
projects we can bring in to develop football in this country and in the region
in general” president Infantino told at a news conference on Thursday.
"This country is more for football. Installations of new
pitches are always needed, but more importantly this country also needs
educational projects, trainings, grassroots programs for boys and girls and the
construction of a brand new football academy. We will look into all those needs
and we will define with president Souleiman on what and how to implement the
projects one after the other” FIFA president noted.
"I am looking forward to working together with the
government, the football federation in Djibouti and as well as the clubs and
the entire football family in Djibouti” FIFA president told the media.
On his side, Djibouti Football Federation president,
Souleiman Hassan Waberi, who received president Infantino at the airport, said
that the arrival of FIFA president in the country was to encourage football
development.
"As president of Djibouti’s Football Federation, it is a
very great pleasure for me, my executive committee, the stakeholders and for the
football family in general to welcome FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his
delegation to our country. His arrival means a lot to us and will give us a
push towards the promotion of the game in our country” said President Souleiman
Hassan Waberi.
Earlier, FIFA president met with the prime minister of
Djibouti Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed who explained to him about the government’s
commitment to promote football and fight terrorism and radicalization through
the beautiful game.
Meanwhile, at the National Technical Centre, FIFA
president and his delegation including FIFA director of communications and
Public Affairs, Nicolas Maingot and UEFA senior executive office manager, Mattias
Grafstrom, met with some young boys and girls who benefitted from the country’s
grassroots programs before enjoying a traditional performance.
Somali Football Federation Media Department
Email:info@somsoccer.com