Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, launched a FIFA talent development program in Cairo.

Arsene Wenger visited the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to inaugurate the initiative, which aims to develop young talent and enhance Egypt’s footballing capabilities.

“I am very happy to be in Egypt. The environment here is highly suitable for football competition,” Wenger said during a press conference at the EFA.

He added, “We are here with a FIFA team to oversee the development project, and the facilities and overall setting provide great potential for progress.”

The project is part of FIFA’s broader strategy to help national football federations maximize their resources, improve coaching, and foster player development.

“To develop a great footballer, you need a great coach. That’s why we are here—to improve the quality of coaching. Egypt has excellent coaches, but we aim to further their development because coaching is a fundamental part of success,” the Frenchman explained, “The strongest clubs in the world are in Europe, but we want to see world-class clubs in every part of the world. That is part of our mission.”

Wenger also emphasized Egypt’s deep passion for football and its wealth of talented young players, saying, “Egypt has a deep passion for football, talented young players, and excellent potential. We believe we can achieve great work together.”

His visit followed a workshop held by FIFA officials for EFA academy staff on talent identification and nurturing. The initiative aims to provide long-term support for player development, coaching education, and national team improvement.

Wenger also touched on the significance of global club football development, linking it to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, “We want to develop club football everywhere in the world, and the FIFA Club World Cup is an opportunity for clubs to become stronger.”

“At the moment, the strongest clubs are in Europe, and everyone knows that. We want strong football clubs everywhere in the world because that’s part of our program, to make football big everywhere. The Club World Cup can contribute to making clubs stronger.”

The Egyptian FA has described the FIFA project as a key step in its strategy to strengthen ties with global football authorities and develop the sport within the country.