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As Gianni Infantino prepares to mark ten years as President of FIFA on 26th February 2026, he has spotlighted Sierra Leone as a compelling example of steady institutional and structural growth within global football.
In remarks issued ahead of the anniversary, the FIFA President observed that football development in Sierra Leone has gathered momentum in recent years, with visible progress recorded at both elite and grassroots levels. He noted that the country’s trajectory reflects the impact of targeted investment, governance reforms, and a renewed focus on inclusivity.
Among the milestones highlighted was the U-17 women’s national team’s triumph in the WAFU U-17 Women’s Cup a landmark achievement that signaled Sierra Leone’s rising competitiveness within the West African sub-region. The victory not only elevated the country’s profile in youth football but also reinforced the importance of structured talent development pathways for young girls.
Infantino also referenced the establishment of the Women’s Premier League, describing it as a strategic step toward institutionalizing women’s football in Sierra Leone. Supported through FIFA’s Forward Programme, the league has expanded competitive opportunities for women and girls while strengthening the domestic football ecosystem. According to the FIFA President, such initiatives represent a deliberate shift toward gender inclusion and long-term sustainability in the sport.
Beyond competitions, infrastructure development has been central to FIFA’s engagement in the country. Infantino outlined FIFA’s financial backing for the installation of five artificial playing surfaces across Sierra Leone. The investment, he said, forms part of a broader policy aimed at improving facilities, enhancing player development, and widening access to football at community level.
The artificial turfs are expected to reduce dependency on seasonal weather conditions, increase playing hours, and provide safer, more durable environments for training and matches. For a country where access to quality facilities has historically posed challenges, the intervention marks a significant structural boost.
Infantino emphasized that Sierra Leone’s progress illustrates how strategic planning, accountability, and sustained international support can yield measurable results. He noted that the developments align with FIFA’s wider vision of making football truly global by ensuring that emerging football nations receive both financial and technical backing.
As he completes a decade at the helm of world football, the FIFA President’s acknowledgment of Sierra Leone underscores the country’s growing relevance within the international football landscape a testament to collaborative efforts between FIFA, the national football authorities, and local stakeholders committed to advancing the game.
