African and world soccer governing bodies, CAF and FIFA, respectively, have signed a major cooperation agreement to strengthen joint work for the development of football in Africa.
The agreement was signed in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, a day before the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by the central African nation.
“There are already many partnerships between the two bodies, as there is between FIFA and the other continents, but this time a number of priorities have been set:
– Technology and Education (training of trainers/licensing, development of refereeing, grassroots football, juniors, boys and girls);
– Grant of club licencing, registration of players with license from first club;
– Management and administration: administrative expertise and promoting good governance at clubs and leagues;
– Sports Medicine Development:
CAF said “through the collaboration, FIFA and CAF intend to create synergy and strengthen links between their respective development programmes and activities in order to maximise the benefits and to provide African associations tailored local solutions.’’
In a speech at the event, FIFA President Sepp Blatter defined the spirit of the cooperation, recalling that “sometimes it is good to sign documents even though they do not appear necessary’’.
He highlighted the very good relations between FIFA and CAF and also between himself and CAF President Issa Hayatou.
Blatter recalled that Article 2 of the FIFA Statutes was the first point of the development of football, for the youth and for humanistic virtues, and that the organisation of competitions comes second.
“Football must be a social and cultural development factor. It should help create a better world,’’ said Blatter.