FIFA BRINGS AFRICA CLOSER WITH JOHANNESBURG OFFICE

FIFA is taking a big step to boost football development in Southern Africa by opening a fully supported Regional Development Office in Johannesburg.

The move comes after South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, signed a cooperation agreement with FIFA in Rabat on the sidelines of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

The deal was struck with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and builds on a partnership that’s designed to strengthen the sport across the region.

Under the agreement, South Africa will help with things like visa facilitation, customs support and coordination with local authorities, but FIFA will pay for all operational costs, staffing and programme delivery.

That means the new office won’t be a financial burden on the South African taxpayer. It’ll serve not just South Africa but neighbouring countries too, acting as a daily point of contact for member associations and helping deliver development programmes tailored to local needs.

On the government’s website, McKenzie said the deal isn’t just about red tape and logistics; it’s a practical investment in Southern African football. He said it’ll make coaching support, technical programmes and administrative capacity more accessible across the region, and ensure FIFA can work more closely with local football federations. While the office is hosted in South Africa, it’s meant to be a resource for the whole Southern African football family.

FIFA’s Forward programme, which has already pumped more than USD 1 billion into African football since 2016 will be a key part of the activities coordinated from Johannesburg. By having staff on the ground, the group hopes to overcome delays tied to geography and provide faster access to technical expertise, referee development and long-term strategic planning.

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