Barcelona president sends condolences to Samia

Dar es Salaam. FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has sent condolences to President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, on September 7, 2026.

Laporta conveyed the message through Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Paul Makonda, who is in Spain for a four day visit to the Spanish giants.

The Barcelona president handed Makonda a special condolence letter addressed to President Samia, expressing sympathy and urging her to remain patient, courageous and strong during the mourning period.

Makonda’s visit, which began on September 14 at Laporta’s invitation, is also focused on exploring possible cooperation between Tanzania and Barcelona in football development.

The discussions include talent identification and development, technical training, coaching and sharing expertise in the management and development of national teams.

The engagement comes as Tanzania prepares to co host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Kenya and Uganda, creating an opportunity for the country to draw on Barcelona’s experience in player development and football management.

Barcelona has one of the most established youth development systems in world football, having produced generations of players who have gone on to represent Spain and other national teams.

Tanzania is seeking to establish whether the club’s expertise can be applied to strengthening its own player development structures, particularly the pathway for young players from grassroots football to elite and international level.

The talks also focus on how Barcelona’s technical knowledge could contribute to Tanzania’s broader preparations for AFCON 2027, although any long term partnership would depend on translating the discussions into concrete programs.

For Tanzania, the potential value of the engagement extends beyond the tournament itself. A structured relationship with Barcelona could provide opportunities for coaches and young players while strengthening technical capacity within the country’s football system.

Makonda’s four day visit continues in Spain as the government seeks to deepen relations with Barcelona and identify practical areas of cooperation.

The condolence message from Laporta has added a diplomatic dimension to the visit, while the football discussions could open a new avenue for Tanzania to tap into the experience of one of the world’s most prominent football institutions.