As he marks a decade in charge of world football’s governing body on 26 February 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has singled out Sierra Leone as one of the countries demonstrating steady progress in football development.
In a statement issued ahead of the anniversary, Infantino noted that Sierra Leone has made meaningful gains at both the elite and grassroots levels of the game.
He pointed to the success of the country’s Under-17 women’s national team, which won the WAFU U-17 Women’s Cup, and the creation of a Women’s Premier League as key milestones supported through FIFA’s Forward Programme.
According to Infantino, these initiatives reflect growing efforts to expand opportunities for women and girls and strengthen the overall football structure.
He also highlighted FIFA’s financial contribution toward installing five artificial playing pitches across Sierra Leone, describing the move as part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and increase participation nationwide.
Infantino further recalled his meeting in New York last September with President Julius Maada Bio and Sierra Leone Football Association President Babadi Kamara, where discussions focused on using football as a tool for national development.
The anniversary has been acknowledged in Sierra Leone with appreciation for FIFA’s continued support and partnership, which officials say has contributed to strengthening football institutions and expanding opportunities across the country.
Good work done by HE.Bio,Babadi Kamara and Gianni Infantino for contributing to Sierra Leone football.