Gianni Infantino paid the Cook Islands a historic visit, making history as the first FIFA President to set foot in the nation where FIFA Forward Funds are advancing football development. Gianni Infantino emphasized during his visit that Oceania as a whole owns the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM, which is being held in Aotearoa New Zealand, and Australia.
“I am delighted to be in the beautiful Cook Islands, where you see everyone is crazy about football. This is particularly evident as the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is currently taking place, is also the World Cup of the whole of Oceania and a great celebration of football across all of the Pacific Islands,” he said.
Mr. Infantino, who has previously attended FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches in every host city in Aotearoa New Zealand, is visiting a number of member associations throughout the area, as was revealed during the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Congress on July 19.
He will be able to witness firsthand the initiatives that FIFA Forward supports, which is essential for the growth of football in the area.
“I am proud to visit these countries that are so passionate about football,” said the FIFA President, adding that “for us (they are) all the same, whether they are big or small.”
Moeroa Tamangaro, the acting president of the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA), and Vaine Mokoroa, the minister of sport, welcomed Mr. Infantino. He went to the CIFA offices where FIFA Forward had helped rebuild two pitches that are the primary ones for the island of Rarotonga and were previously prone to floods. The FIFA mission also included Mattias Grafström, the organization’s deputy general secretary for football.
The second-largest island in the nation and one of the most isolated sites for such a project, Mangaia, is receiving assistance from FIFA Forward in the creation of a natural grass pitch and training facilities. The success of this initiative will demonstrate that more football fields can be built in Oceania’s remote regions, making the game truly international.
Mr. Mokoroa told the FIFA President: “Our country, our people, and our government are honored 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. We remain grateful for all the assistance the CIFA has received through FIFA. You will see some of the benefits of this for today, but this is not just limited to here in Rarotonga. Developing our sports in our upper islands has also been a priority.”
Moeroa Tamangaro added: “I want to thank you for providing our paradise with FIFA Forward funding to allow us to push football further in the Cook Islands. You can count on us to be 100 percent behind you in supporting your vision of moving forward.”
