FIFA and AFD to promote women's football in Africa – Infantino

PARIS (Reuters) – FIFA and the French Development Agency (AFD) committed themselves to promoting women's football in Africa in the long run ahead of the June 7 World Cup in France, ruling president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday.

"I am pleased that today, another strategic alliance has been forged to help use football as a platform for positive change in society," said Infantino after signing the agreement. cooperation with AFD General manager (CEORemy Rioux

"This historic agreement between FIFA and the AFD aims to make a lasting difference for communities around the world.

"It is also important to ensure that football continues to play an even greater role in sustainable development by educating and empowering the next generation to help build a more just society. and more peaceful. "

Rioux said, "What better way to build a common world than to take advantage of the unifying power of football?

"I am extremely proud that the AFD and FIFA today launch a unique partnership to promote gender equality and promote education in Africa through football.

"While the Women's World Cup is about to start in France, I am confident that the AFD–FIFA The alliance will help to present women's sport as a strategic development goal in Africa. "

The ceremony was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, former international football greats Marcel Desailly, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o and Bernard Lama, as well as former French player Candice Prévost.

Macron emphasized that the equality of women and men was the great national goal of his five-year term in the presidency, adding that "the school is the place where we build the society we need and that we want to see "

The 24-nation Women's World Cup kicks off on Friday with host nation France facing South Korea in Group A at Parc Des Princes Stadium in Paris.

The United States of America opened its Group F campaign against Thailand in Reims on 11 June. The three African countries participating in the event are Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon.

(Writing by Zoran Milosavljevic, Pritha Sarkar edition)