About 2,000 delegates from across the world converged in Kigali on Thursday, March 16, for the 73rd Congress of the world football governing body FIFA in a gathering that took place at the BK Arena in Remera.
Rwanda is the fourth African country to host the coveted gathering that brought together top executives from FIFA and continental confederations as well as national soccer federations.
Others in attendance are CEOs and other senior executives from global brands that are engaged in football, as well as legendary soccer players, coaches and referees.
The key highlight of the one-day event was the re-election of the FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was re-elected unopposed, with delegates handing him the mandate to lead the Geneva-based body for the next four years.
The electorate comprises representatives of the 211 federations that subscribe to FIFA.
We bring to you the moments as captured on camera during the congress.
FIFA President Gianni Infantini hands President Paul Kagame a souvenir in form of a jersey for the global football governing body.
Former France international Christian Karembeu (L) was one of the legends who attended the Congress. The former defensive midfielder featured for different clubs including Spanish giants Real Madrid during his career. All photos by Village Urugwiro
President Kagame delivering his remarks at the Congress. He called for an end of bad politics in governing global soccer.
Chairs of delegates from each member state were adorned with jerseys of their respective national teams. FIFA has 211 member-federations.
Delegates in their seats at the BK Arena in Kigali where the 73rd FIFA Congress was held on Thursday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcoming President Kagame at the 73rd FIFA Congress held in Kigali on Thursday March 16.
The Congress was attended by about 2000 delegates from over 200 federations in all continents of the world.
Sports Minister Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju chats with legendary football manager Arsene Wenger. The French national was the manager of English top club Arsenal from 1996 to 2018, where he was the longest-serving and most successful in the club's history.
Some of the delegates who attended the one-day Congress in which Gianni Infantini was re-elected as FIFA President for the next four years.
The interior of the venue, BK Arena, was given a complete makeover ahead of the Congress.
How BK Arena looks like after undergoing an overhaul before the Congress.
Kigali City Mayor Pudence Rubingisa shares a light moment with Sports Minister Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju (R) and Rwanda Development Board CEO Clare Akamanzi during the FIFA Congress.
Some of the football legends who attended the Congress.
The seats for Rwandan delegates from the national football governing body FERWAFA who represented the country at the Congress.