FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes that the landscape of East African football has been changed forever, a powerful statement following the highly successful co-hosting of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Speaking in Nairobi after witnessing the final match, Infantino was effusive in his praise for the region's passion, organizational success, and the overwhelming fan support that filled the stadia.
The tournament, which was held in East Africa for the first time as a test run for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saw packed stadiums, particularly when the host nations were in action. The final between Morocco and Madagascar also drew a large crowd, a clear signal of the region’s immense appetite for the beautiful game. Infantino directly challenged the long-held notion that football is only a dominant force in other parts of Africa. "There is a perception that football develops more in the west, south, or north of Africa, but that is simply wrong," he said. He added that the passion, commitment, and new infrastructure he witnessed were a clear justification for FIFA's decision to invest more in the region.
The FIFA President was particularly impressed with Kenya’s progress, crediting the improved infrastructure to the administration of President William Ruto and the new leadership of FKF President Hussein Mohammed. He noted that FIFA is committed to supporting East African football through projects such as national training centers, academies, and broader infrastructure development. Infantino described this as an investment in the youth, who possess an "incredible talent" that deserves to be nurtured.
The CHAN 2024 tournament served as more than just a competition for local talent; it was a powerful statement of East Africa’s readiness to host major continental events. With the 2027 AFCON looming, Infantino insisted that this momentum must be carried forward. He revealed that FIFA is committed to investing more in football revenues across Africa, and the success of this CHAN shows why it is so important to "believe in East Africa’s football future."
