Fiji is the President of the world today, the football world.
This was stated by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino after he was accorded a traditional welcome to mark his first visit to Fiji at the Fiji Football Academy in Vatuwaqa this morning.
President Infantino is accompanied by a distinguished group of football legends, including the renowned Australian icon Tim Cahill, French legend Youri Raffi Djorkaeff and Moroccan former professional footballer Houssine Kharja.
The FIFA President's visit to Fiji is part of his commitment to engage with all 11 member associations of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).
His arrival in Fiji coincides with his presence in Australia and New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where he has been actively supporting the global celebration of women's football.
Fiji Football Association CEO, Mohammed Yusuf says they are honoured and delighted to welcome Infantino and the esteemed football legends to Fiji.
Yusuf says their presence will undoubtedly inspire our football community and leave a lasting impact on the development of the sport in our nation.
The visit will also mark the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding between FIFA, the Ministry of Education, and the Fiji FA to introduce the Football for Schools program.
This initiative aims to integrate football into the school curriculum, promoting the sport as an instrument for education and character development, enriching the lives of young students across the nation.
Infantino also inaugurated the newly built Fitness Center at the FIJI FA Academy in Vatuwaqa which was funded by FIFA and is called the "King Pele Fitness Center" in tribute to the legendary Brazilian footballer and global icon.
Yusuf says this landmark facility will serve as a vital resource for nurturing the country's football talent and further strengthening Fiji's position in the world of football.
The FIFA President and the football stars also attended the unveiling ceremony of the newly renovated Futsal court at the FIJI FA Academy.
Yusuf says the upgraded court is a testament to FIFA's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and fostering a conducive environment for the growth of football in Fiji.
