FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting African football with investments. During a visit to Nairobi, Infantino met with Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We are investing more of the revenues that we make in football in Kenya and across Africa,” Infantino said. He highlighted plans to establish football infrastructure, including academies, in Kenya and across the continent. “From our side, of course, there is full support for developing youth and bringing them up,” Infantino added ¹.
Infantino praised Kenya’s preparedness for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), calling it an investment in the country’s youth. He also commended the strong turnout of Kenyan fans, with 40 million viewers and 140,000 in fan parks.
The FIFA President’s visit marks a significant milestone for Kenyan football, underscoring the country’s growing profile on the continental and global stage. “I want to thank President Ruto, who shares a great passion for football, and his government for gifting the site to FIFA and the Football Kenya Federation,” Infantino said, referring to the land handed over for the development of a new technical center in Machakos.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe echoed Infantino’s sentiments, praising the success of CHAN 2024 and highlighting its potential to reshape continental narratives. “East Africa is an incredible part of Africa with incredible talent,” Motsepe said .