Revealed: How Former Morocco Star Hussein Kharja Helped Bring FIFA’s Africa Office to Rabat
Many football followers recognise Hussein Kharja as a former Moroccan international and respected figure in African football, but few are aware of the influential role he played behind the scenes in securing FIFA’s African regional office for Rabat, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Kharja, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with the Atlas Lions and featured for several top European clubs during his active years, now serves as a special adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In this strategic role, the former midfielder was deeply involved in high-level consultations that ultimately led to the decision to establish FIFA’s African headquarters in the Moroccan capital.
Sources familiar with the process revealed that Kharja made significant contributions by leveraging his close professional relationship with Infantino and his extensive understanding of African football politics and administration. His advocacy reportedly played a key part in positioning Morocco as the most suitable host, particularly during crucial internal discussions within FIFA.
Kharja’s arguments in favour of Rabat were said to centre on Morocco’s political stability, advanced football infrastructure, strategic geographical position between Europe and Africa, and the country’s sustained investment in football development across the continent. These factors, combined with Morocco’s recent track record of successfully hosting major CAF and FIFA competitions, strengthened the case presented to FIFA decision-makers.
The establishment of FIFA’s African office in Rabat has further enhanced Morocco’s growing influence within global football governance. It also aligns with the country’s broader ambition to become a central hub for football administration in Africa, following years of deliberate positioning through infrastructure development, tournament hosting, and administrative engagement.
While the move has been widely welcomed, it has also sparked debate in certain football circles, with some observers questioning the level of individual influence involved in such major institutional decisions. Nevertheless, there is little doubt that the presence of FIFA’s African headquarters in Rabat represents a significant milestone for Moroccan football administration.
As details of the process continue to emerge, Hussein Kharja’s behind-the-scenes involvement is increasingly seen as a key chapter in Morocco’s expanding footprint in continental and global football affairs.