Zurich – South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has signed a cooperation agreement with FIFA Development Zurich AG to establish a FIFA Regional Development Office in Johannesburg. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, Morocco, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino present.
The office will serve South Africa and its neighbouring countries, providing administrative, operational, and developmental support for football in the region. FIFA will cover all costs for staffing, office operations, and programme delivery, while South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will provide visa assistance, customs support, and liaison with relevant authorities.
McKenzie said the agreement “marks a practical step toward strengthening football development in Southern Africa.” He added, “This agreement is about ensuring that development projects, coaching support, technical programmes and administrative capacity are accessible within our region.”
He explained that the Regional Office, while hosted in South Africa, “is intended as a resource for the whole Southern African football family.” McKenzie also said the deal reinforces South Africa’s intention to expand collaboration with FIFA and CAF to benefit communities, youth participation, and football ecosystems worldwide. “Our role is to help open the door. FIFA carries the investment and delivery responsibilities, while we ensure that we are a welcoming and enabling host,” he said.
The office in Sandton, Johannesburg, is expected to improve access to expertise, coaching pathways, referee development, strategic planning, and programme funding. Neighbouring countries will also benefit from stronger regional networks, reduced administrative delays, and deeper cooperation among football associations.
Since 2016, FIFA’s Forward programme has invested more than $1 billion, approximately R16.5 billion, into African football, supporting youth leagues, women’s football, infrastructure, and federation governance. McKenzie said the office will bring social and economic benefits, including increased community sport participation, youth engagement, and new jobs in coaching, officiating, and sport management.
The agreement positions South Africa as a key partner in continental football ahead of the 2030 World Cup in Morocco. South Africa is also scheduled to play the first game of the 2026 World Cup against Mexico, mirroring the opening of the 2010 World Cup hosted in the country.
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