Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has lauded Egypt’s football infrastructure during the launch of a FIFA talent development scheme in Cairo, saying the North African country has a “fertile environment for football.”.
Wenger, who now serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, made the remarks during a visit to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) headquarters on Friday.
“I am very happy to be in Egypt. The environment here is highly suitable for football competition,” Wenger told a press conference at the EFA.
The Frenchman is overseeing the initiative, which forms part of FIFA’s broader strategy to enhance coaching standards and player development across national football federations.
“To develop a great footballer, you need a great coach. That’s why we are here—to improve the quality of coaching. Egypt has excellent coaches, but we aim to further their development because coaching is a fundamental part of success,” he said.
Wenger emphasised FIFA’s vision for developing football beyond Europe’s dominance. “The strongest clubs in the world are in Europe, but we want to see world-class clubs in every part of the world. That is part of our mission,” he added.
The visit follows a FIFA-led workshop for EFA academy staff focusing on talent identification and development. The programme aims to provide sustained support for player development, coaching education and national team improvement.
EFA president Hany Abo Rida, who joined the organisation in November and serves on the FIFA Council, has prioritised closer cooperation with football’s governing body.
The Egyptian FA views the FIFA initiative as crucial to its strategy for advancing the country’s football standards and strengthening international football relationships.
