Arsene Wenger Launches FIFA Talent Development Programme

The world football governing body, FIFA, has launched a talent development programme with the aim of reducing the gap between world-leading football countries.

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, who is now the head of global development at FIFA launched the programme.

Wenger while speaking in Doha said: “We are launching the FIFA Talent Development Programme to ensure that every talent gets a chance”.

“The difference in the level of play between Europe and the rest of the world has become bigger,” added the Frenchman.”

“In many countries, the focus of the association is mainly on the senior national team, but this national team is always the consequence of football development across the country.”

“We need more youth competitions to identify talent, offer them a pathway and develop coaching.”

The FIFA programme will allow all 211 member associations “to benefit from a FIFA assessment of the various areas of their high-performance ecosystem in both men’s and women’s football, including all national teams, domestic leagues, scouting projects and academies”.

The football governing body noted that the programme will help develop home-grown coaches, technical directors and provide specialised courses for goalkeeping coaches, futsal and beach soccer.