FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to make a historic visit to Solomon Islands, Celebrating Football and Unity on 14th August.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is visiting the Solomon Islands for the first time on 14th August, 2023. As the first-ever FIFA President to step onto the grounds of a nation where football reigns as the national sport, Infantino’s visit holds immense significance.
During his brief stay in the capital, Infantino’s itinerary is packed with exciting events. He will kick off his visit by attending the Solomon Power Iumi U-14 Championship at DC Park, showcasing young talents on the soccer field. Following this, he will engage in a courtesy visit with the Prime Minister and witness a spirited match between FIFA President’s 11 and SIFF President’s 11 at the iconic Lawson Tama stadium. The day will conclude with an official dinner at the Coral Seas resort.
This landmark visit was announced during the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Congress on July 19th. Having already graced FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches across host cities in Aotearoa New Zealand, Infantino is furthering his engagement by visiting various member associations in the region.
The primary objective of Infantino’s visit is to provide him with an up-close view of the projects bolstered by FIFA Forward. This initiative is crucial for fostering football development within the region, enhancing opportunities and growth.
Marahare states, “Yes, I can confirm that the FIFA President Mr. Infantino will be visiting the country on August 14th. This visit holds historical significance for the nation and particularly for football. The preparations are progressing smoothly for this momentous occasion.”
A diverse range of stakeholders, including Government Ministries and agencies, are diligently working to ensure the visit’s success. Reflecting the sentiment of many, SIFF President Marahare expresses, “It is an honor to welcome the President and offer him a firsthand experience of football’s impact on our nation.”
President Infantino’s recent interactions within OFC member associations, spanning Cook Islands, American Samoa, Vanuatu, and Fiji was said to demonstrate his commitment to the region. En route to the Solomon Islands, Infantino’s journey reflects his dedication to fostering global soccer ties.
Accompanying President Infantino is Youri Djorkaeff, a FIFA World Cup 1998 champion and former Inter Milan forward. Djorkaeff will play a pivotal role as a key member of the FIFA President’s 11 team, poised to compete against the SIFF President’s 11. This friendly match features celebrated local soccer legends like Batram Suri, George Lui, Stanley Waita, and more, promising an exciting showcase of skill and teamwork. The social friendly will take place at Lawson Tama at 4.30pm.
The FIFA President is making the most of his time in the Pacific while overseeing the FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Source: SIFF Media
