Flush of funds, grassroots promotion and Himalaya Cup: Highlights from Gianni Infantino’s Bhutan visit

Gianni Infantino meets with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck; Evaluate plans to grow football in Bhutan. | Photo Credit: Bhutan Football Federation

FIFA president Gianni Infantino held one-to-one meetings with the King of Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck in a two-day visit to the country this week.

Infantino also met with officials from the Bhutan Football Federation to discuss not only the growth of football but also future tournament participation. He also announced up to USD 25 million dollars in football investment in the nation as part of FIFA’S solidarity support for all 211 member associations.

“There is incredible passion and ambition for football in Bhutan, and I was pleased to receive his support in our football development endeavours,” Infantino said of receiving support from Bhutan’s royalty.

The FIFA Talent Development scheme is funding two school football training centres for grassroots football, as well as building mini-pitches in schools in Bhutan. This continues FIFA’s decade-long investment in the nation’s ecosystem which will also consider building a football academy for up to 500 players.

Excitingly, FIFA is also said to be discussing the possibility of creating a regional tournament called the FIFA Himalaya Cup, according to Daily Bhutan. However, no more details about the tournament have been released.