FIFA President Meets Afghan Football Official, Pledges Further Support

FIFA President Gianni Infantino met Afghanistan Football Federation technical vice-president Hafiz Ahmad Jan Zadran in Azerbaijan on Sunday, 25 October, to discuss the development of Afghan football and the possibility of further cooperation with FIFA.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Baku, where Afghanistan's under-15 national football team is competing.

According to Afghanistan's General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, Zadran briefed the FIFA President on domestic football competitions, the federation's achievements, available resources and the challenges facing football development in Afghanistan.

He also raised several needs of the Afghanistan Football Federation and discussed opportunities for additional assistance.

FIFA delegation to Afghanistan discussed

According to Zadran, Infantino expressed his support for Afghan football and indicated that FIFA would pay greater attention to its development.

Zadran said the FIFA President had also spoken about sending a delegation to Afghanistan in the near future to assess the situation and explore opportunities for further cooperation.

The reported commitment could provide an opportunity for direct discussions between FIFA representatives and Afghanistan's football authorities about the federation's priorities.

However, no date or detailed programme for the proposed visit has been announced.

Infantino watches Afghan youth footballers

Afghanistan's General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports also reported that Infantino watched a match involving Afghanistan's under-15 national team during the football festival in Azerbaijan.

The tournament brings together young players from FIFA member associations and provides international competition experience for developing footballers.

Afghanistan's participation has also provided an opportunity for its football officials to discuss the country's development needs with FIFA's leadership.

The meeting was reported by Afghanistan's General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports on the basis of information provided by Hafiz Ahmad Jan Zadran. FIFA has not issued a separate public statement on the meeting or formally confirmed the proposed delegation's visit to Afghanistan.