FIFA Launches First CAF Talent Academy in Mauritania

A momentous occasion unfolded on Tuesday Feebruary 25th as FIFA officially launched the Mauritania Talent Academy, marking a significant milestone in African football development.

The event, held at the Fédération de Football de la République Islamique de Mauritanie (FFRIM) headquarters, celebrated the academy’s progress and its status as the first of its kind in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) region.

The academy, a cornerstone of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS), spearheaded by FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger, aims to level the global football playing field by identifying and nurturing young talent.

Launched in 2022, the TDS has already benefited 200 FIFA member associations, with a substantial USD 200 million funding allocation for the 2023-2026 operational cycle.

“This is a great day for football in Mauritania,” declared FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The opening of the FIFA Talent Academy is a hugely significant moment for young players in this country, a country passionate about our beautiful game.”

The Mauritania Talent Academy embodies the TDS’s core principles: identifying talent, providing high-quality training, and offering opportunities for competitive play.