As Gianni Infantino marks ten years as President of FIFA on 26 February 2026, he has cited Sierra Leone as a notable example of steady institutional and structural growth within global football.
In remarks issued ahead of the anniversary, the FIFA President highlighted what he described as tangible progress in Sierra Leone’s football development at both elite and grassroots levels. According to the statement, the country’s recent achievements reflect deliberate efforts to strengthen governance, expand participation, and enhance competitiveness.
Among the key milestones referenced was the triumph of Sierra Leone’s U-17 women’s national team at the WAFU U-17 Women’s Cup, as well as the establishment of the Women’s Premier League. Both initiatives have been supported through FIFA’s Forward Programme, which provides financial and technical assistance to member associations to accelerate development projects.
Infantino noted that these accomplishments signal a growing commitment to expanding competitive opportunities for women and girls, aligning with FIFA’s broader global strategy of promoting gender inclusion in football.
The FIFA President also outlined the organization’s financial backing for the installation of five artificial playing surfaces across Sierra Leone. He described the investment as part of a wider infrastructure policy designed to improve playing conditions, increase access to the sport, and foster talent development nationwide.
In addition, Infantino referenced discussions held in New York in September 2025 with Julius Maada Bio and Babadi Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Football Association. The meeting explored avenues for strengthening football’s developmental impact within Sierra Leone, particularly in youth engagement, infrastructure expansion, and institutional collaboration.
The statement coincides with Sierra Leone’s recognition of Infantino’s decade at the helm of FIFA, with stakeholders acknowledging the steady engagement, developmental support, and institutional cooperation extended to the country during his tenure.
