FIFA launches talent academy in Mauritania

The presidents of the Mauritanian and Moroccan Football Federations convened in Nouakchott, Mauritania, today to explore avenues for collaboration aimed at advancing the sport in both nations.

Ahmed Ould Yahya, the head of the Mauritanian Football Federation (FFRIM), welcomed Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, during a meeting that coincided with the inauguration of a FIFA Talent Academy in Mauritania and the commencement of expansion efforts at the Cheikha Ould Boideiya Stadium.

The Mauritanian federation released a statement highlighting the leaders' commitment to enhancing sports across Africa, aiming to elevate the continent's footballing standards.

There are 35 member association presidents in Mauritania. 

The establishment of the FIFA Talent Academy in Mauritania marks a historic milestone as it becomes the first of its kind in the CAF region. This academy is part of FIFA's Talent Development Scheme (TDS), initiated in 2022 under the guidance of Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.

The TDS aims to help member associations recognize and nurture talented players, thereby addressing the competitive disparities in global football. So far, 200 member associations have benefited from this innovative program, with FIFA allocating $200 million for the 2023-2026 operational cycle to support these efforts.

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FIFA Talent Academies are designed to provide a high-quality training environment, staffed by FIFA-trained coaches working alongside local personnel. Their mission is to identify talented players, equip them with the necessary skills, and provide opportunities to apply their training in competitive settings. Additionally, these academies prioritize safeguarding and education, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all players.

FIFA aims to establish 75 elite Talent Academies worldwide by the end of 2027, with 24 already operational. The Mauritania academy serves as a model for others, focusing on developing top talent and fostering a sustainable football ecosystem that promotes both social and personal growth.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his enthusiasm for the academy's opening, stating, "This is a great day for football in Mauritania, a country passionate about our beautiful game which is making tremendous strides to grow and develop the sport each day." Ahmed Yahya echoed this sentiment, calling the academy's launch a historic moment for Mauritanian football and a testament to FIFA's confidence in their development efforts.

Oumar Ndiaye, director of the FFRIM Academy, emphasized the importance of this certification, noting that it represents a significant advancement for Mauritanian football, particularly for the youth. "Today, thanks to FIFA's support, we have the necessary tools to elevate our ambitions," he said.

FIFA's Director of Global Football Development, Steven Martens, remarked on the progress of Mauritanian football, calling the academy's launch a breakthrough for African football. He highlighted how the TDS enables young talents to train and compete at the highest levels in their country, with ongoing support for national coaches.

In addition to the academy, FIFA announced the expansion of the Cheikha Boidiya Stadium, funded through the FIFA Forward program, with a budget of nearly $2.9 million. This project aims to increase the stadium's capacity to 16,000 seats, catering to the growing number of football fans in Mauritania. Infantino noted that this expansion is crucial for fostering football's continued development in the country.

Gelson Fernandes, FIFA's Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer for Africa, celebrated the launch of the stadium renovation, emphasizing its significance in the journey of Mauritanian football. "Today marks a milestone—a true celebration of the nation's passion for the game," he stated, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to supporting football growth in Mauritania.