The President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, is set to make a momentous visit to Fiji, marking his first visit to the nation since assuming the presidency in 2016. The highly anticipated visit is part of Mr. Infantino’s commitment to engage with all 11 member associations of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).
President Infantino is joined by a distinguished group of football legends, including the renowned Australian icon Tim Cahill, the French legend Youri Raffi Djorkaeff, and the Moroccan former professional footballer Houssine Kharja. Tim Cahill’s presence adds an extra layer of excitement, offering fans a unique chance to interact with one of Australia’s most celebrated footballers. Djorkaeff and Kharja bring their impressive football careers, with Djorkaeff’s time in Italy and Kharja’s representation of the Moroccan national team.
The FIFA President’s 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. The visit to Fiji presents an exciting opportunity for local football enthusiasts to welcome the world’s football governing body’s esteemed leader and engage with football legends.
Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Yusuf, expressed his enthusiasm for the FIFA President and football legends’ visit, stating, “We are honoured and delighted to welcome President Gianni Infantino and the esteemed football legends to Fiji. Their presence will undoubtedly inspire our football community and leave a lasting impact on the development of the sport in our nation.”
During his stay, President Infantino will inaugurate the newly built Fitness Center at the FIJI FA Academy in Vatuwaqa. Funded by FIFA, the new facility will be named the “King Pele Fitness Center” in tribute to the legendary Brazilian footballer and global icon. 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.
President Infantino and the football legends will also attend the unveiling ceremony of the newly renovated Futsal court at the FIJI FA Academy. 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.
The visit will 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.
President Infantino is expected to join the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, for a special lunch today. This meeting presents a valuable opportunity for both leaders to discuss the important role of football in Fiji’s development and its impact on fostering social cohesion and national pride.
The visit is a testament to FIFA’s dedication to supporting football development in all corners of the globe, and Fiji’s inclusion in the President’s itinerary reflects the nation’s growing importance within the footballing community.
President Infantino’s visit is scheduled for today morning, and he will be warmly welcomed by Fiji FA Executives, Government Delegation, Diplomatic Corps, district officials, and football fans at the FIJI FA Academy in Vatuwaqa.
