FIFA launches $4.3 million football center renovation in Côte d'Ivoire

Friday 17 January 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

FIFA launches $4.3 million football center renovation in Côte d'Ivoire

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) president Fouzi Lekjaa joined over 25 African federation presidents in Bingerville for the launch of a transformative FIFA project - the renovation of Côte d'Ivoire's National Technical Center.

The $4.3 million renovation project, funded by FIFA Forward, marks a significant development in African football infrastructure. The ceremony brought together prominent figures including Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o and Nigeria's Ibrahim Musa Gusau, demonstrating strong pan-African support for FIFA's continental development initiatives.

Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé and FIFA President Yacine Idriss Diallo presided over the ceremony at the facility, which notably trained the 2023 AFCON champion team. The modernization plans include comprehensive upgrades with six new buildings featuring state-of-the-art amenities.

The renovated complex will house a 30-room accommodation block, a food court, meeting spaces, and training facilities. A notable addition includes a 400 square-meter gym complete with swimming pools for athletic conditioning. The center aims to serve as a comprehensive training ground for both male and female athletes.

Ivorian Football Federation President Diallo emphasized the center's role in youth development, stating it will "truly offer full capacities for young people" and serve as "an essential tool for the development of elite youth football."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the project's significance: "Once fully renovated, this center will not only be a national football center, it will become a real symbol of hope and opportunity, a springboard for young players, coaches, and football enthusiasts, which will fly the flag for Côte d'Ivoire and the whole of Africa during international competitions."

The initiative is part of FIFA's broader $5 billion global investment in football development through 2026. The project aligns with FIFA Forward's mission to distribute resources equitably among member associations while maintaining accountability in football development projects across Africa.