FIFA president: Djibouti needs additional development projects

The president of the world football’s governing body [FIFA] Mr. Gianni Infantino, has made it clear that Djibouti needs much development programs and FIFA will decide with the country’s FA president on what additional projects to be implemented in the football-growing country.

President Infantino made the announcement at a press conference at the National Technical Centre here in Djibouti on Thursday during his first
official visit to the country after his recent election as FIFA president.

“I am very much honored to be here in Djibouti. This visit is part of my first tour to several African countries after my election as FIFA
president less than a month from now. I came here to meet with the football family lead by my friend president Souleiman who is doing a great job for Djiboutian football” Mr. Infantino noted.

He said that FIFA has so far carried out a number of goal projects in Djibouti, but the country which is overwhelmingly interested in football
was still in much need of additional development projects.

“Thanks to the commitment and the work of football people here in Djibouti. It makes me feel very confident that this country’s football is
going up and today I am here to define concretely and clearly what kind of projects we can bring in to develop football in this country and in the
region in general” president Infantino told at a news conference on Thursday.

“This country is more for football. Installations of new pitches are always needed, but more importantly this country also needs educational
projects, trainings, grassroots programs for boys and girls and the construction of a brand new football academy. We will look into all those
needs and we will define with president Souleiman on what and how to implement the projects one after the other” FIFA president noted.

“I am looking forward to working together with the government, the football federation in Djibouti and as well as the clubs and the entire
football family in Djibouti” FIFA president told the media.

On his side, Djibouti Football Federation president, Souleiman Hassan Waberi, who received president Infantino at the airport, said that the
arrival of FIFA president in the country was to encourage football development.

“As president of Djibouti’s Football Federation, it is a very great pleasure for me, my executive committee, the stakeholders and for the
football family in general to welcome FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his delegation to our country. His arrival means a lot to us and will give
us a push towards the promotion of the game in our country” said President Souleiman Hassan Waberi.

Earlier, FIFA president met with the prime minister of Djibouti Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed who explained to him about the government’s
commitment to promote football and fight terrorism and radicalization through the beautiful game.

Meanwhile, at the National Technical Centre, FIFA president and his delegation including FIFA director of communications and Public Affairs,
Nicolas Maingot and UEFA senior executive office manager, Mattias Grafstrom, met with some young boys and girls who benefitted from the
country’s grassroots programs before enjoying a traditional performance.

CECAFA