Togo has reaffirmed its place within global football governance after taking part in the 76th FIFA Congress, a major gathering that is set to shape the direction of the game both on the continent and worldwide.
The Togolese delegation, led by Guy Kossi Akpovy, president of the Togolese Football Federation (FTF), was present in Vancouver, Canada, alongside First Vice-President Marcelin Aklisso Amah and Secretary General Mana Palanga.
Their participation signals the West African nation’s intention to remain actively involved in key decisions shaping the future of football.
The annual FIFA Congress brought together representatives from member associations across the globe to deliberate on a wide range of issues, including governance reforms, financial planning, and the ongoing fight against racism in the sport.
For Togo, attendance at such a high-level meeting underscores a broader ambition to strengthen its voice within international football structures.
At the centre of discussions was FIFA’s proposed budget for the 2027–2030 cycle, projected at a record $14 billion.
The financial plan represents one of the most significant investments in the history of the sport and is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly for developing football nations.
A key component of that plan is the expansion of the FIFA Forward Programme, which is set to distribute up to $2.7 billion to member associations.
The increase marks a dramatic rise in funding compared to pre-2016 levels and is designed to boost infrastructure, grassroots development and administrative capacity across the global game.
For African federations such as Togo, this presents a critical opportunity.
Increased funding could support long-term projects aimed at improving domestic competitions, nurturing young talent, and strengthening governance structures within national associations.
Beyond financial matters, the Congress also examined reports from FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee, alongside the approval of financial statements for the 2025 financial year.
These sessions are considered vital in ensuring transparency and accountability within football’s governing body.
Delegates were also involved in discussions around internal elections, including the appointment of a member to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
In addition, proposals submitted by member associations and the FIFA Council were reviewed in line with the organisation’s statutes.
Another prominent topic was the global fight against racism in football.
FIFA continues to emphasise its commitment to tackling discrimination, and the Congress provided a platform for associations to share strategies and reinforce collective efforts to address the issue.
The event also featured interactive sessions, allowing federation leaders and administrators to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and identify best practices.
These engagements are seen as crucial in fostering collaboration and ensuring that football development is aligned across different regions.
For Togo, participation in the Congress is more than symbolic.
It reflects a strategic effort to engage with global decision-making processes while positioning itself to benefit from future investments in the sport.
