“I would like to thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his interest and passion for football, as well as for his support and ambition to continue the growth of football in Morocco,” said Mr. Infantino in a statement released by FIFA at the end of his visit to the Kingdom.
He indicated that without the support of HM the King, that of the government and all the members of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the development of this sport in Morocco would not be possible, stressing that his visit to the Kingdom was an opportunity “to discuss in a spirit of openness and to identify the projects that will accompany the development of Moroccan football, but also of African football and across the world, especially since Morocco plays a pivotal role in world football”.
Mr Infantino also expressed his joy at going “to this beautiful country, where football is so popular”.
“I have visited Morocco several times and have been able to see for myself not only its passion for football but also the seriousness with which the Federation works,” said the FIFA president, quoted in a press release from the world body, at the end of a series of meetings with FRMF leaders.
“We are here to try to find out how to get more out of this work. The Moulay Abdallah sports complex in Rabat and other infrastructure across the country can benefit the country itself, all of Africa, and beyond,” he stressed.
The FIFA President also welcomed the initiatives of the FRMF and all those who encourage the practice of women’s football. He welcomed the launch of a four-year development plan for the discipline, “an initiative that should significantly improve the level of women’s football by focusing on the participation of young girls at the grassroots level.”
“The conversation I had with Mr. Bourita was both stimulating and productive. I took the opportunity to point out to him that Morocco was considered a leading country for the integration of women and girls in football,” said President Infantino.
“There are many interesting initiatives, starting with the appointment of Ms. Bouchra Kartoubi as one of the referees of the local championship last October. I am also thinking of the new strategy for the development of women’s football unveiled by the FRMF last summer. There are many opportunities to seize and I look forward to seeing Morocco earn its place in the final phase of a FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
“I informed Mr. Bourita that FIFA stands ready to help the Federation to support the development of women’s football throughout Morocco, so that a greater number of women and girls can practice their favorite sport,” he added.
2024-09-26 14:05:12