Kigali, 16 March 2023 - Over 2000 delegates representing 211 FIFA members, head of Confederations and other global players in football gathered in Kigali for the 73rd FIFA congress.

In his remarks, President Kagame welcomed the new FIFA World Cup format under which the slots available for African teams will almost double, "creating even more engagement and visibility on our continent."

The Head of State further emphasised the need to borrow the sports' positive spirit into global politics. 

“What the world needs, is to see more of the positive spirit of sportsmanship in our politics, rather than bringing political divisions into sports” President Kagame said. 

The 4th and the first-ever elective FIFA Congress held in Africa, re-elected President Gianni Infatino to serve a second four-year term as FIFA president. 

On the sidelines of the congress, President Kagame was joined by President Infantino to unveil the Kigali Pelé Stadium as Rwanda became the latest member association to name a stadium after Pelé.

• Find the full speech delivered by President Kagame here
• View and download photos of the 73rd FIFA congress here