CAF, AFC seal 4-year Memorandum of Understanding

The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are set to grow closer with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) towards the development of football in the two confederations.

The MoU which will be valid for four (4) years and open to renewal is to strengthen cooperation between the two confederations and provide a framework for exchanges on competitions and formation.

This will be achieved through the sharing of information, experience, initiating high level competitions, conducting joint technical development programs in various fields such as: Coaching, Refereeing, Youth football, Women’s football, Integrity, Administration, Marketing, Media and Innovative technologies.

CAF President Issa Hayatou said “the signing of MOU is not new in the long existing relationship between two confederations. Such partnerships have linked us in the past through several exchanges and through competitions and high level matches.

“Today we are here to re-launch a cooperation that will be beneficial to the two Confederations after several months of work. The first four years will strengthen, intensify cooperation and strengthen the capacity of various stakeholders in Africa and Asia. This is an opportunity that will further contribute to African football development”. On his part, AFC President, Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa said “this is indeed a memorable day when our two great confederations come together in the spirit of friendship and co-operation. “Africa and Asia are two great continents. Two great football continents who have made a dramatic impact on the global football stage in this century. Both of us have aspirations and expectations of staging future tournaments not only the World Cup but also in women and age group competitions.

“Now this agreement will lay a permanent foundation to this great progress – it will under pin this development by our great two confederations. Both Confederations recognise the benefits of formalising our existing ties. The agreement will deliver a legacy of not just sporting but also cultural, social and educational benefits for both continents. “In this agreement we will be sharing information and experiences as well as developing high level competitions and joint development programmes”. CAF President Hayatou, and his AFC counterpart signed the MoU of mutual co-operation on development of football on behalf the two confederations, assisted by Hicham El Amrani, General Secretary of CAF and Dato’ Windsor John, General Secretary of the AFC.