Gianni Infantino was decorated with the Order of Boyacá by the President of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez, on Monday at the Casa de Nariño, the official home and workplace of the Colombian Head of State.

The Order of Boyacá is awarded to both Colombian and foreign citizens for exceptional services to the country, and the FIFA President received the medal as recognition for his commitment to the development of football and its positive social impact in the country, especially towards children and youth.

“I am truly humbled and honoured to accept this prestigious award today, and I can only thank the wonderful country of Colombia, its people and of course President Iván Duque Márquez for this great honour,” said the FIFA President. “I have been to Colombia several times as FIFA President and I am always touched by the warmth, the happiness and the hospitality of the people.

“This award recognises the important work FIFA has been doing in Colombia and around the world in the last few years and the unique positive social impact football can have on society, helping to promote healthy lifestyles and education” he added. “Football is a team sport, and I would like to recognise the great team-work with the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) and its President and FIFA Council member, Ramón Jesurún, as well as with the government and local authorities here in Colombia.”

The FIFA President began his trip to Colombia by travelling to Santiago de Cali on Sunday to watch two matches in the CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina Colombia 2022, with Chile beating Bolivia 5-1 and the hosts overcoming Ecuador 2-1.