A native of Cape Verde and a Swiss national, the former Swiss international has been appointed regional director of FIFA’s member associations division for Africa. He will take up his position on 1 August 2022.
Gelson Fernandes, 35, will be responsible for overseeing services to strengthen the development of African member associations through FIFA’s Forward Programme.
FIFA Forward” has become one of the most important development programs in sport and is designed to provide comprehensive and tailored support to each of FIFA’s member associations and the six confederations, including the Confederation of African Football. It is based on three main principles: more investment; more impact and more oversight.
The objective of “FIFA Forward”, says FIFA, is to improve the way FIFA develops and supports soccer around the world so that soccer can express its full potential in every country and everyone can play it without any restrictions.
Gelson Fernandes, a former midfielder, trained at FC Sion in Switzerland, where he currently serves as vice president. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “We are delighted to have Gelson join the FIFA team. After a successful career as a player, he has gained experience that will enable him to fulfil his new role with great success. I am sure he will do a great job with us and I welcome him to our team.
Playing Career
Gelson Fernandes has played for FC Sion, Manchester City, AS Saint-Étienne, Chievo Verona, Leicester City, Udinese, Sporting CP, SC Freiburg, Stade Rennais and Eintracht Frankfurt. He has been selected 67 times for the national team and scored two goals, including the goal that gave the Swiss national team a 1-0 victory over eventual 2010 FIFA World Cup? winners Spain in South Africa.
Gelson Fernandes said: “It is a great honor and I am very proud to join FIFA. When you are an African, like me, you have to accept an offer like the one I received because it is the best way to give back to Africa what it has given me. In fact, I feel obliged to work for Africa and its soccer. This mission that starts in August allows me to return to my roots, to express my gratitude to this continent and to give everything for African soccer.
Impatient to start his duties, Gelson Fernandes is aware of the task that awaits him. “Together with the member associations, we will seek solutions to improve the current situation. The objective is to involve everyone in this adventure. The African continent has an incredible potential. I was born there and I am one of the beautiful stories it is capable of generating. Soccer can change the lives of so many people. Its power is immense. I intend to put all my energy into it. It’s a big challenge that I’m very proud to take on.
