FIFA President Infantino hails Madagascar leader Rajoelina's offensive policy on football

Gianni Infantino has praised Madagascar leader Andry Rajoelina for his policy of developing football in the country following the FIFA President's official visit to the country on Monday.

Infantino paid a courtesy call on President Rajoelina at the state house in Antananarivo on Monday at the start of his extensive tour of Africa to deepen football development on the continent.

The FIFA leader was accompanied by CAF President Ahmad Ahmad, FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura and Malagasy Football Association (FMF) President Raul Arizaka Rabekoto.

He was also accompanied by a delegation that includes Deputy Secretary General Mattias Grafström and FIFA Foundation CEO Youri Djorkaeff and Special Advisor to CAF President Samuel Eto’o.

President Rajeolina revealed his government's committed support for football and discolsed that 32 stadiums will be built across the country over the next four years with the Mahamasina national stadium set to be renovated.

"The construction of 32 stadiums and the renovation of the Mahamasina stadium will give the Malagasy people throughout the world a big sense of pride," President Rajoelina said.

“We are humbled by the visit of FIFA President and his delegation to Madagascar where the national football team the Barea has brought unity and cohesion back into the country through its outstanding performance during the last AFCON.

"Madagascar is taking the development of football very seriously and with the investment we are undertaking in football with the construction of 32 pitches and stadiums we want to take football to new heights.”

Infantino praised the performance of the Madagascar at the recent Africa Cup of Nations and expressed hope that the country has got the potential to make a global impact in football.

“Madagascar possesses such amazing football talent. The journey of the Bareas to their first AFCON this year was wonderful and I hope that by continuing to support our friends at the FMF and with the encouragement of the Malagasy government I am sure we will be seeing more positive results in the near future,” Infantino said.

The Swiss national arrived in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on Sunday to begin the first leg of his tour of African member associations.

Infantino met Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina as part of his itinerary and will hold meetings with officials of the FMF.

He is also expected to visit the CAF offices in Mahajunga, where FIFA Member Associations Committee was to be held.

Infantino is also expected to visit Angola, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi and Mozambique.