FIFA president, Gianni Infantino touched down on Rarotonga yesterday, making a historic first visit to the Cook Islands, where FIFA Forward funds are boosting football development.
Infantino was welcomed by Moeroa Tamangaro, acting president of the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA), and the Minister of Sport, Education and Youth, Vaine (Mac) Mokoroa.
“Our country, our people and our government are honoured by your visit, especially since this is the first visit to the Cook Islands by any FIFA President, which makes this occasion truly a special moment in our shared history,” said Mokoroa.
“We remain grateful for all the assistance CIFA have received through FIFA. You will see some of the benefits of this today, but this is not just limited to here in Rarotonga. Developing our sports in our Outer Islands has also been a priority.”
Mokoroa noted the calibre of our national representatives, and that their results are proof that funds with FIFA is a success.
“The heart put into building the sporting capacity of our people like those on the ground has been a success. We look forward to continue and strengthen our collaboration and bring the love of football to our future generations…”
Infantino is FIFA president of 211 member countries all over the world. He is in the region for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, a 32-team tournament being staged in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
“What a pleasure it is for me to be here today as the first FIFA President to come to this beautiful corner of paradise here in the Cook Islands … we are really proud and happy to be here,” said Infantino.
The visit is the start to Oceania countries who are affiliated to FIFA in order to have discussions with local authorities and football associations.
“To see what we can do more for the game, what we can do more for football development … it is important that we invest in the game, that is what FIFA does all over the world,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to discussions… to see what we can do together with the authorities for the youth of this beautiful country.
“I’m proud and happy to come to all the countries of Oceania, all the FIFA members, which for us are all the same whether they are big or small, we’re all the same.”
Addressing Tamangaro, Infantino said: “We are here to engage with you, to engage in infrastructure, to engage with making the lives of the girls and the boys in this country a little bit happier… with this magic ball, playing football uniting the world.”
The FIFA delegation, including FIFA deputy general secretary – football Mattias Grafström, also visited the CIFA headquarters in Matavera.
FIFA Forward is also supporting the construction of a natural grass pitch and training facilities on Mangaia.
Following the first round of visits to the Pacific Islands, Infantino will attend FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage matches in Australia before continuing the next leg of visits to member associations in Oceania. He will return to Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia for the remainder of the tournament
