Ghana Is A Leader In Football - FIFA President Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reminded Ghanaians that they have to lead not only Africa, but the world in general to promote and develop the game of football due to the achievements of the Black Stars.

The Swiss national praised the government and people of Ghana for their contribution to football and hoped that more would be done for regional bodies like WAFU, the West African Football Union in terms of funding tournaments and development programmes.

Gianni Infantino whose milestone visit saw him at the Flag Staff House to meet the President HE Nana Akufo Addo urged the government to support in the promotion of the game at all levels.

Nana Akufo Addo said he was happy for the FIFA President to choose Ghana and promised to contribute to the development of the game.

After meeting with the Executive Committee of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), he addressed a Press Conference where he revealed an increment in the funds given to members of FIFA for development projects from $ 27million before he took over to $94million currently.

He praised Africa for their contribution to football on the turf and in administration, such as a Ghanaian in the Legal Department, a Congolese in Administration and the first female Secretary General from Senegal.

"I decided to make Africa a big priority since I came to office last year. I started this by appointing an African woman as the FIFA secretary general in Fatma Samoura," said Infantino in Kampala, Uganda.

"Africa has the talent and passion for the game of football and this is a very big advantage."

Infantino promised to work on the reforms that he promised before his election and noted that any changes in FIFA administration will trickle down to the Confederations and various Associations.

The FIFA boss promised Africa at least seven slots in the expanded World Cup of 45 contestants.

His visit also took him to the Accra Sports Stadium built in 1930 by UAC,

Many Journalists were surprised by his surprise visit, but some have pledged to play their part towards the promotion of transparency and accountability as well as Fair Play in the game.

According to Kwesi Nyantekyi President of the GFA, Gianni Infantino’s five hour visit was in a rush, as he realized the passion that the people had for football and promised to come back when he will play with the media and old stars.

He flew from Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe where he graced a COSOFA regional meeting and a party respectively.

The FIFA President said he was not there to support any candidate in the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections, but to promote more corporation among stake holders of the game.

''I was in Zimbabwe discussing with the government over a football development, creating 8,000 football clubs across the country and this will boost football development in Zimbabwe.'' He explained.