Fifa development adviser visits Oman

MUSCAT, May 22

As part of football world governing body Fifa's efforts to support the national associations in developing football and achieving the required sustainable growth in the sport at both regional and international levels, Fifa Development Adviser for West Asia and Africa, Dr Belhassen Malouche, visited the Sultanate of Oman during May 18 to 22. The main target of the visit was to discuss the progress of the national teams' programmes, objectives and outline the strategic development plans for the future periodic of 2023 to 2026.

The Tunisian expert explained the Fifa's global football development programme to the Oman Football Association (OFA) officials. Also, he discussed various technical and organisational aspects with OFA officials besides focusing on the strengthening the cooperation between Fifa and the OFA on developing Oman's football infrastructure in line with international standards and Fifa's global development goals.

During the visit, Dr Malouche reviewed many current projects of OFA and discussed the organisational structure of the technical department. He went through the executive plan of the technical programme for 2024 besides determining the technical programmes for the national teams and talents to be supported by Fifa. Additionally, it assessed the status of women's football and the opportunities for its development with Fifa's support in this field.

The experienced soccer professional reaffirmed on the significance of developing technical and coaching staff as he highlighted that by improving the national teams standards through advanced training programmes and courses. Also, to implement the best international practices in this area. He confirmed on the necessity of developing women's and youth football to promote the sport and spread it in the Sultanate of Oman.

The Tunisian expert met many officials at the OFA including Mohsin al Masrouri, Vice-Chairman, Mohammed al Yahmadi, Secretary-General and some of the OFA board directors.

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On sidelines of his visit to Oman, the Fifa Development Adviser for West Asia and Africa visited part of the under way second session of the AFC Coaching License Course 'A' level organised by the OFA. The Tunisian thanked OFA for this essential step which enable the participants to gain the maximum required experience in coaching and delivering advanced training programmes to produce quality national coaches.

In last November, the national project 'Football Talent Development Center' had launched by OFA and this programme initiated by (Fifa) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth and in partnership with JSIS. The project was aimed to inspire emerging young football talent by providing top-notch coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to realise their full potential.