— FIFA will construct a new 5,000-seat football stadium in Antigua and Barbuda, with the government already providing land for the facility, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Saturday.
The commitment was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a meeting with Browne, Sports and Creative Industries Minister Dwayne George and the executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association.
The announcement represents a significant development in the government’s push to secure international support for expanded football infrastructure and youth development.
Browne had revealed just hours before the meeting that he intended to seek FIFA’s assistance for a football stadium and other facilities.
Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, the prime minister said he and senior ABFA officials would meet Infantino as part of efforts to secure greater FIFA investment in the country.
Browne said Antigua and Barbuda had been lobbying FIFA for a stadium, additional infrastructure and assistance to improve the football skills of young people.
Following the meeting, it was announced that FIFA would construct the stadium and that the government had already made land available for the project.
The planned facility will have seating for 5,000 spectators and is expected to provide a dedicated modern home for football, including a venue for local players to train and compete and for Antigua and Barbuda to stage matches.
The stadium is also expected to form part of a wider football development programme being crafted by the government, FIFA and the ABFA.
Officials said the discussions with Infantino and FIFA’s regional executive focused on planning for the long-term development of the sport and creating greater opportunities for young players and athletes.
Before the meeting, Browne said his administration wanted sport to play a greater role in the country’s economy and provide opportunities beyond domestic competition.
“We want to make sure that we use sports as an export product going forward,” Browne said.
He said stronger cooperation with FIFA could help Antigua and Barbuda build better sporting infrastructure for young people and the country generally.
Details including the location of the government-provided land, the estimated cost of the stadium and a timetable for construction have not yet been announced.
The project would give Antigua and Barbuda a purpose-built football venue as the government seeks to strengthen sporting infrastructure and create additional pathways for young athletes to compete at the regional and international levels.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: FIFA to Construct 5,000-Seat Football Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda.