The star of Choiseul was undoubtedly Fatma Samoura. The Secretary-General of FIFA received the grand prize at this event during a ceremony held on November 16 in Casablanca, in recognition of her achievements over more than seven years as the number 2 at FIFA. Powers of Africa met her on this occasion.
What does this new recognition mean to you?
This experience has made me realize that sports, especially football, remains a constant value in Africa. The gathering of economic partners here in Casablanca for the 4th edition of the Choiseul Africa Business Forum, with football as the flagship sport of the continent celebrated through me, sends a powerful message to the youth. It suggests that, in some way, FIFA's efforts over the past seven years to restore transparency and promote good governance in football are recognized. The goal is clearly to break with the mistakes of the past and make football, the most practiced sport in Africa, a true catalyst for change for the youth.
Speaking of change, Morocco's performance in the last World Cup has indeed changed the dynamics in the global football landscape. How do you assess the impact of this historic achievement?
Morocco's performance in the last edition of the World Cup in 2022 resulted from a considerable effort, initially focused on the leadership of women's football but also supported by all Moroccan authorities seeking to place football at the center of concerns. It is also a way to communicate to the youth that football can be the vehicle to achieve their aspirations, contribute to the fame of their country on the world stage, and ultimately establish Africa as the cradle of football talent.
We saw you at the Mohamed VI Football Complex alongside the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. You are familiar with Morocco. And you know that there is this beautiful prospect in the country for the 2030 World Cup, highly symbolic and unifying. What do you think?
In my opinion, it is an excellent decision made by the FIFA Council, recognizing Africa's passion for football by offering a second opportunity to an African country to host the largest global sports competition. We are aware that Morocco has the necessary infrastructure, as demonstrated recently during the Club World Cup, where the country represented the continent with distinction. Morocco's performance in Qatar fuels our hope and the dream I have cherished since my early days at FIFA: to see an African country win the coveted World Cup. I am convinced that football fans who have the chance to visit Morocco in 2030 will have an unforgettable experience, witnessing an exceptional festival of football talent. Thus, we, football enthusiasts, just like FIFA, are eager to return to Africa to prove to the rest of the world that the continent is fully capable of hosting one of the greatest football competitions.
We have heard that Morocco also aspires to host the Women's World Cup in 2031. Do you have any information on this?
For now, bids are not yet open to apply for the organization of the Women's World Cup in 2031. But naturally, after hosting the men's World Cup with 48 teams, there is no reason why we cannot also aspire to organize the Women's World Cup, which will have 32 teams. Thus, I share your hope to see this realization, which also means there will be increased investment from Morocco for the development of women's football.