A partnership with FIFA will deliver 10 mini-football pitches across the country, up from an initial offer of two, after the Government agreed to co-invest.

President Dr Irfaan Ali confirmed the expansion during talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying the Government had proposed co-investing to raise the number of pitches and Infantino had accepted.

"I'm happy that you have agreed, and we will have ten of those pitches across the country," Ali said.

He said designs were available and the Government would put the foundations in place, with the ministry working directly with FIFA on the pitches.
Infantino backed the expansion and said additional partnerships could take the programme further.

"Together we can find partners, sponsors to build even more than ten," he said.

He said a mini-pitch had been inaugurated earlier that day. He linked the investment to a wider effort to give young players better facilities and more opportunities to compete.

Ali described football as a grassroots sport with social and economic value, citing Government investment in stadiums, training facilities and support for the local federation.