FIFA chief pledges stronger support for Afghan football

Hafiz Ahmad Jan Zadran, deputy technical head of the Afghanistan Football Federation, met FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of an international football festival in Azerbaijan. The meeting discussed domestic competitions, existing facilities and the needs of Afghan football.

During the meeting, the FIFA president stressed his commitment to full support for football in Afghanistan and said a FIFA delegation would be sent to the country in the near future to expand cooperation and advance the development of the sport there.

While the pledge could create opportunities to improve football in Afghanistan, a lack of adequate facilities and local restrictions remain major obstacles to the growth of sport and the nurturing of athletic talent across the country. The expected support is anticipated to be accompanied by practical and sustained action so it can have a real impact on football and sport in Afghanistan.