KHARTOUM, July 20, 2026 (SUNA) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged continued support for the Sudan Football Association (SFA), including assistance to help restore stability to football activities and rebuild the country’s football infrastructure. The pledge came during Infantino’s meeting with Mu’tasem Jaafar, President of the Sudan Football Association and a member of the CAF Executive Committee, on the sidelines of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in the United States on Sunday. Infantino praised the SFA’s efforts to resume football activities in Khartoum after a three-year suspension, describing the successful staging of the Sudan Elite League in the capital as a hopeful sign for the full return of domestic football. He also commended the association’s return to operating from its headquarters in Khartoum. During the meeting, Infantino reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to supporting infrastructure projects and assisting the SFA in addressing the challenges facing Sudanese football, with the aim of restoring stadiums that meet FIFA standards and enabling domestic competitions to be held under suitable conditions. The SFA is counting on FIFA’s support to help rebuild facilities damaged by the war and upgrade stadiums to international standards, allowing Sudan’s national teams and clubs to once again host international matches at home instead of playing at neutral venues. Jaafar described the meeting as “constructive and positive,” saying discussions focused on the development of Sudanese football amid the country’s exceptional circumstances. He said Infantino demonstrated strong interest in Sudanese football and reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to continuing its development programs, supporting infrastructure projects, and helping ensure the continuity of football activities. Jaafar added that he briefed the FIFA president on the challenges facing Sudanese football, noting that FIFA expressed full understanding of the situation and reiterated its support for Sudan’s reconstruction and football development efforts. He said Sudan’s participation in the World Cup finals provided an important opportunity to strengthen ties with international and continental football leaders, exchange experiences, and expand cooperation. “We look forward to translating these discussions into practical steps in the coming period to benefit our national teams, domestic competitions, and football infrastructure, while reinforcing Sudan’s active presence within the international football community,” Jaafar said.BH/BH