As part of a week-long African tour, President Infantino and a FIFA-CAF delegation visited Angola. The programme of the visit in the capital city Luanda included meetings with the highest governmental authorities and the leadership of the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) as well as a review of a new football infrastructure project.
Upon his arrival, the FIFA President was received in audience by Angola President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço accompanied by a strong football delegation including CAF President and FIFA Vice President Ahmad, FIFA Secretary General and General Delegate for Africa Fatma Samoura, FIFA Legend and special advisor to CAF President Samuel Eto’o and FIFA Foundation CEO and FIFA Legend, Youri Djorkaeff.
Infantino and Lourenço’s discussions focused on the excitement that football generates in Angola and how this passion can be turned into a powerful tool to advance social development and education, particularly among the younger generations.
New technical centre sealed as Infantino visits Angola
The one-day visit in Luanda also included fruitful exchanges with FAF President Artur de Almeida e Silva and his Executive Committee concerning the plans of the federation to grow the game across the country. In this regard, President Infantino had the opportunity to visit the São Paulo field, which will host the future technical centre of the FAF, with the funding of FIFA Forward and the support of the government of the Luanda province that gave FAF the concession of the plot located in the heart of the city. The agreement was confirmed after a meeting held with the Luanda Governor, Sérgio Luther Rescova.
“This was an ambition of the Angola Federation for some years and I am delighted that FIFA contributed to the positive outcome of the process. This is an example of how FIFA and the Member Associations around the world are partnering to work on projects that will be essential for the future development of football at a world wide level. I thank the state and local authorities for their cooperation and I certain that FAF’s team lead by Artur de Almeida e Silva will make the very best of this opportunity.“ said President Infantino at the conclusion of the visit.