Baghdad: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed his unwavering support for a new sports center project in Baghdad during a recent meeting with Younis Mahmoud, President of the Iraqi Football Association (IFA). Infantino affirmed that football in Iraq is progressing positively and announced his plans to visit Baghdad as a gesture of support.
According to Iraqi News Agency, the meeting took place at FIFA headquarters on Thursday, where IFA President Mahmoud, accompanied by his advisor Ghaith Muhanna, discussed the future of Iraqi football with Infantino. They presented a roadmap for the development of the sport in Iraq, emphasizing infrastructure improvements.
The meeting, attended by key figures such as the FIFA Secretary-General and the Director of Member Associations, included a formal acknowledgment of the new IFA Executive Committee. Flags of Iraq and FIFA were displayed, and commemorative gifts were exchanged as a mark of mutual respect.
A key focus of the discussions was the enhancement of football infrastructure in Iraq. Infantino was presented with a detailed dossier outlining plans for future developments, including a state-of-the-art training pitch intended to elevate the standard of football facilities in the country.
Infantino expressed support for constructing a new IFA headquarters, training pitches, a sports medicine center, and player accommodations. The realization of this project hinges on securing land and government backing. Additionally, FIFA plans to build youth-dedicated pitches in Baghdad, aiming for completion within 60 days once land is available.
These initiatives are part of FIFA’s broader effort to nurture grassroots football, with plans for mini-training pitches featuring artificial turf. Completion is also anticipated within 60 days once suitable locations are identified.
The inauguration of these projects is expected to be attended by both the FIFA President and the Iraqi Prime Minister, underscoring their importance in the development of Iraqi football.
Infantino reiterated his belief in the promising future of football in Iraq and confirmed FIFA’s commitment to supporting the IFA. He also expressed his intention to visit Baghdad soon, further solidifying FIFA’s support for the development of Iraqi football infrastructure.
The discussions also touched upon promoting Iraq’s international football image and support for hosting regional tournaments and qualifying matches. There was an emphasis on training and providing experience opportunities for Iraqi personnel at FIFA headquarters.
The meeting concluded with the IFA President expressing gratitude to Infantino for his steadfast support and initiatives aimed at developing football in Iraq. The visit ended with a tour of the FIFA Museum, wrapping up a series of productive discussions focused on advancing Iraqi football on the global stage.