Cote d’Ivoire Unveils State-of-the-Art Technical Centre to Boost Football Development
In a landmark moment for Ivorian football, the National Technical Centre of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) in Bingerville, located just 10 kilometers east of the capital, Abidjan, is set to undergo a major renovation funded by FIFA’s Forward Program. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, marking the beginning of a project that promises to transform the landscape of football training in the nation.
The ambitious renovation, which is expected to exceed USD 4 million, will provide a cutting-edge facility that will serve as the training and operational base for all national teams. The new centre will feature a comprehensive medical facility, a spacious 400-square-meter gym, a food court, meeting rooms, and a 30-room residential unit. Additionally, modernized swimming pools and enhanced training facilities will be constructed to support the development of both male and female players.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the ceremony, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “We are celebrating a historic moment. The laying of the first brick of the renovated national center of the Ivorian Football Federation signifies the start of an ambitious project that will bring dynamism and ensure a bright future for football in Cote d’Ivoire,” he stated.
The event was attended by key figures in African football, including Kandia Camara, President of the Ivorian Senate; FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo; CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba; and FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations Director Gelson Fernandes. FIF President Diallo took a moment to acknowledge the efforts of his predecessors, particularly Jacques Anouma, who originally envisioned the centre.
“This center was created with high ambitions, but it has remained stagnant over the years,” Diallo remarked. “Now, we are committed to making it a robust facility that can truly support the development of elite youth football.”
FIFA’s Forward Program, established in 2016, is the largest sports development initiative in the world, aimed at redistributing FIFA revenues to its 211 Member Associations. The program focuses on increasing investment in football development globally, ensuring transparency and effective management of funds. By 2026, FIFA plans to invest an unprecedented USD 5 billion in various football development projects worldwide.
Infantino emphasized the broader significance of the new centre: “Once fully renovated, this will not only be a national football center but also a symbol of hope and opportunity—a springboard for young players, coaches, and football enthusiasts, representing Cote d’Ivoire and Africa on the international stage.”
