CAF, UEFA sign MoU to strengthen football growth, development in Africa, Europe

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe and his Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) counterpart, Aleksander Čeferin, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration, growth and development of football across Europe and Africa. 

The MoU, signed in Vancouver, Canada, underlines the guiding principles shared by CAF and UEFA, highlighting football’s role in promoting inclusion, participation and social cohesion while reaffirming a joint commitment to solidarity, integrity and openness.

Signing the MoU, Motsepe, who acknowledged that football in Africa has grown significantly and is aiming to be the best in the world, said the partnership factored in youth and women’s football, development, the education and training of coaches and referees, the enhancement of governance and institutional development.

ALSO READ: CAF awards 2027 U-20 AFCON hosting rights to Ghana

He said, “African football has experienced significant growth over the past few years, and we continue to build towards making it among the best in the world.

“By signing the Memorandum of Understanding with UEFA, we are strengthening our historic ties and friendship between Africa and Europe that has seen some of the best African players succeed in European Leagues. 

“This partnership with UEFA includes youth and women’s football, development, the education and training of coaches and referees, the enhancement of governance and institutional development.

“It also reflects CAF and UEFA’s shared vision of using football as a tool to bring together and unite the people of our two Continents. By combining our expertise and resources, CAF and UEFA will ensure that football continues to be a source of hope, joy and unity for millions of people worldwide.”

Čeferin, in his submission, said, “Europe and Africa are home to extraordinary football landscapes, where the game plays a vital role both on the pitch and within society.

“This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for boys and girls in youth football, while harnessing the power of the game to advance women’s football and promote women’s health and wellbeing. 

“By working closely with CAF, we aim to invest in people, share expertise and strengthen football’s positive and lasting impact on communities across both continents.”