FIFA President Gianni Infantino concluded a two-day trip to Cameroon, where he met with the country’s dignitaries and top officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Cameroonian Football Association (Fecafoot). The trip coincided with the start of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is being held in Cameroon’s three cities from 16 January to 7 February 2021.
The FIFA President, received in a private audience by Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, was at the Unity Palace in Yaounde on Friday, followed by a reception giving Issa Hayatou the title of Honorary CAF President who was president over the federation from 1988 to 2017.
“I was pleased to update President Biya on FIFA’s role in supporting football, not only in Cameroon, but also across Africa and around the world.” ”Said FIFA President, who was accompanied by CAF President Constant Omari at the meeting. . The FIFA President would also meet with Cameroonian Prime Minister Joseph Ngute during his visit to Yaounde.
“Similarly, meeting with CAF and Fecafoot officials, it was important to show FIFA’s support for football in Cameroon and across the African continent, especially as the African Nations Championship had just begun, which the first international tournament to be played in 2021, with spectators serving matches in accordance with established safety protocols, ”said the FIFA President. “It sends an important message that football is re-emerging in Africa, especially in a unique football country such as Cameroon. ”
Prior to leaving the country, Gianni Infantino was present at the opening ceremony and opening match of the CHAN finals, where Cameroon hosts will take over Zimbabwe at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaounde. In total, 16 African national teams are taking part in the sixth African Nations Championship, a biennial competition involving players from the respective domestic leagues.
The event has also received support from FIFA as, since October 2020, CAF has been using the FIFA COVID Relief Fund grant (USD 2 million) to restart their competitions, with the medical protocols, flights and accommodation for maids officers at CHAN is subsidized through this funding.