FIFA President Gianni Infantino enjoyed a short stay in Guyana on Thursday, but not without sitting down with Guyanese Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali.
President Ali welcomed the FIFA boss to State House, following the commissioning of a FIFA Arena mini pitch at Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to discuss strengthening partnerships to advance football development in Guyana, nurture young talent and create greater opportunities for local players on the international stage.
According to the Guyanese Leader, “we explored plans for a world-class regional football tournament in Guyana, with the potential to attract international attention, create broadcasting opportunities and stimulate economic growth.”
The two officials also discussed expanding collaboration among the Government, FIFA and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to improve football infrastructure, develop emerging talent and advance the sport nationwide.
In fact, the Guyanese Leader noted that this partnership is already taking shape through the construction of 10 mini-stadiums across Guyana, the first of which was officially commissioned at Haslington on Thursday.
During the engagement, President Ali also took the opportunity to commend President Infantino for his visionary leadership and commitment to bridging the gap between larger and smaller footballing nations.
“You are a legend, not of football. I want to say you are a legend of smaller countries, you’re a legend of bridging the gap, you’re a legend of creating an enabling and equal environment for nations, clubs and individuals.”
“On behalf of Guyana, as President of Guyana, I want to salute your leadership at FIFA. Thank you for your leadership. I want to recognise the fact that you have many things you could’ve done, but you’ve decided to visit this region, a small footballing nation with a message of hope, a message of investment, a message of opportunity and a message that no one will be left behind,” the Guyanese leader added.
President Ali believes that Guyana and FIFA are laying the foundation for a stronger footballing future, creating opportunities for young people and positioning Guyana to play a greater role in regional and international football.
On the other hand, Infantino envisioned, “We cannot just make statements and then stay behind; we have to act, we have to work, we have to invest, we have to make sure that each country in the world is part of FIFA because it’s our job to create more opportunities and to find the resources. In order to create opportunities and find resources, we need to invest in infrastructure. Together with you, we need to invest in talent, academies, grassroots, competitions and all these projects. We are putting them in place in Guyana.”
“What I want is a President like you, a federation like GFF that we can work with and showcase to the entire world,” the FIFA President further noted.
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