Confederation of African Football and UEFA have agreed a wide-ranging memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening collaboration across multiple areas of football development, governance, and education between Africa and Europe.
The agreement was formally signed in Vancouver, Canada, on the sidelines of FIFA meetings and conferences held in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, according to an official CAF statement.
The deal, which runs until 30 June 2031, is designed to strengthen institutional ties between the two governing bodies and promote shared growth across the global game.
Shared vision for football development
The memorandum outlines a joint commitment to using football as a tool for social cohesion, inclusion, and participation, while reinforcing principles of integrity, transparency, and solidarity.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe said African football had made significant progress in recent years and that the partnership would help accelerate its development further.
He said: “African football has witnessed remarkable growth over the past few years, and we continue to work to make it among the best in the world.”
He added: “By signing the memorandum of understanding with the European Football Association, we are strengthening our historical ties and friendship between Africa and Europe, which has seen some of the best African players shine in European leagues.”
Motsepe also highlighted that the agreement would focus on youth and women’s football, coach education, referee development, and improved governance structures. He emphasised that combining expertise from both continents would help ensure football remains a source of unity and opportunity.
UEFA highlights shared responsibility
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin described the partnership as a reflection of the strong footballing landscape shared by Europe and Africa.
He said: “Europe and Africa boast an exceptional football landscape, where the game plays a vital role both on the pitch and in 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 well-being.”
He added that cooperation would focus on investing in people, exchanging expertise, and ensuring football has a lasting positive impact on communities across both continents.
Key areas of cooperation
The agreement sets out seven main areas of collaboration between the two organisations:
Youth and women’s football will be a priority, with member associations participating in selected competitions and initiatives, including school-level tournaments. Development programmes will also be introduced to support long-term partnerships between national associations in Africa and Europe.
Coaching and technical development will be strengthened through shared training frameworks, while refereeing will benefit from exchange programmes for officials and instructors.
The memorandum also includes provisions for institutional knowledge sharing, including monitoring major tournaments and participating in professional conferences.
Education and capacity building will form another key pillar, with access to joint training pathways and cooperation in sports medicine. Governance structures will be reinforced through regular meetings and progress reviews.
Strengthening football ties
The CAF statement concluded that the agreement reflects a shared belief in football’s ability to drive opportunity and social impact across both continents.
It stated: “This Memorandum of Understanding confirms the conviction of the African and European federations that football can be a driver of opportunity, education and positive social impact across Europe and Africa, while providing a basis for developing additional joint initiatives over time.”
