The Honourable Hu’akavameiliku met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino today at the St George Government Building in Nuku’alofa. The meeting was held to discuss the development of football (soccer) in Tonga and the strong commitment by FIFA to support the sport in the country.
The Prime Minister welcomed President Infantino to Tonga, which is hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Education and Training’s support in facilitating requests from the Tonga Football Association (TFA) for school involvement in football.
President Infantino expressed his appreciation for the strong commitment of the TFA to the development of football in Tonga. He also noted the adverse impacts of climate change and natural disasters on the country, and pledged FIFA’s support in helping Tonga to overcome these challenges.
Football was founded in Tonga in 1965 and became a full member of FIFA in 1994. The TFA is responsible for the promotion and development of football in the country, and it has been working with FIFA to improve the infrastructure and training facilities for football in Tonga.
The meeting between the Prime Minister and President Infantino was a positive step towards the further development of football in Tonga. It is clear that both parties are committed to working together to make football a more accessible and enjoyable sport for all Tongans.