SSFF President Francis Amin Michael shakes hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino after talks on expanding football development through the FIFA Forward programme. Photo: SSFF.

The President of the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF), Francis Amin Michael, has discussed plans to accelerate football development in South Sudan with FIFA President Gianni Infantino through the FIFA Forward programme.

The meeting took place in New York on Friday and focused on expanding football infrastructure, developing local talent, and strengthening competitions across the country.

During the talks, Amin briefed Infantino on the federation’s ongoing programmes, including preparations to launch South Sudan’s first Women’s Premier League.

He said South Sudan has benefited from FIFA development programmes, which have supported the growth of football in the country.

Amin also appealed to FIFA to approve and support a new phase of football development projects in the coming months.

According to the South Sudan Football Federation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledged the world football body’s continued technical and financial support for the federation’s development programmes.

The federation said the meeting also reaffirmed cooperation between FIFA and the SSFF as South Sudan seeks to expand football opportunities and strengthen the sport at all levels.