FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrm has praised the organisation, quality and overall standards of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations AFCON, describing the tournament as a reflection of Africas growing football excellence.
Speaking during a roundtable with African journalists at the FIFA African Hub in Rabat on Thursday, Grafstrm said he had enjoyed watching several matches and was impressed by the level of organisation.
He singled out Morocco for its role as host, noting the countrys experience and preparedness in staging major international football events.
FIFA has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to African football development, emphasising collaboration with CAF, national associations and the media.
He also stressed the crucial role of the media in shaping football development across the continent, calling for openness and transparency in communication.
Also present at the roundtable was Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer, who highlighted FIFAs investment in football infrastructure across Africa, particularly through the FIFA Forward Programme, which supports national associations in building facilities and resources.
Beyond infrastructure, Fernandes spoke of initiatives aimed at grassroots and elite development, including FIFA Football for Schools and the Womens Football Strategy, which aim to promote inclusive and sustainable growth of the sport on the continent.
The discussions were part of a tour of the FIFA Africa Office, located at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sal-Rabat. The facility, which opened in June last year, serves as a central hub for FIFA operations in Africa and joins similar offices in Paris, Miami and Jakarta, designed to strengthen local links with FIFAs 211 Member Associations while supporting the global growth of football.
