BARNABAS ZULU
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the global football body’s unwavering support for the development of football in Zambia, following a high-level meeting with Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba in Miami, United States.
The meeting, which comes on the heels of Infantino’s visit to Zambia in June 2024, focused on strengthening ties between FIFA and FAZ through strategic programmes aimed at uplifting the game at all levels.
“Zambia has a great passion for football, which I saw during my visit there last year. Today’s meeting with FAZ President Keith Mweemba was an opportunity for me to reaffirm FIFA’s commitment to continue supporting football development,” said Infantino.
Key among the topics discussed was the FIFA Forward Programme, which provides funding and resources for infrastructure, technical development, and grassroots initiatives. Infantino emphasised the importance of leveraging this support to drive long-term growth of the sport in Zambia.
“We discussed how FIFA Forward funds can be used to strengthen football in beautiful Zambia,” he said.
The FIFA president also praised Zambia’s active participation in the Football for Schools initiative, which integrates football with education to empower children with essential life skills.
“I also thanked President Keith Mweemba for proactively interacting with the Football For Schools programme,” Infantino noted.
In addition, he extended his well-wishes to the Chipolopolo as they continue their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, expressing confidence in Zambia’s football potential on the global stage.
Mweemba, in response, expressed appreciation for FIFA’s consistent partnership and reaffirmed FAZ’s commitment to aligning with international standards in football development and governance.
“We are encouraged by President Infantino’s continued support for Zambian football. These engagements strengthen our resolve to build a solid and inclusive football foundation that serves every corner of our country,” said Mweemba.
