CAF, UEFA Formalise Deal Focused on Development and Knowledge Exchange
The Confederation of African Football and the Union of European Football Associations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation across key areas of football development, administration and education.
The agreement was finalised in Vancouver, Canada, by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. It will run until June 30, 2031.
According to details released, the MoU establishes a structured framework for collaboration between African and European football bodies, with a focus on youth competitions, women’s football, coaching, refereeing and institutional development.
CAF said the agreement is designed to support long-term growth by combining expertise and resources from both confederations. It also seeks to create opportunities for member associations to participate in joint programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Motsepe described the partnership as part of ongoing efforts to develop football across the African continent. He noted that recent progress has created a platform for further expansion through international cooperation.
African football has experienced significant growth. We are working to be among the best in the world.”
He added that the agreement would strengthen ties between Africa and Europe while supporting technical and administrative development. “This includes youth and women’s football,” Motsepe said. “It also covers education and training of coaches and referees.”
UEFA President Čeferin said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to broadening access to football and strengthening its impact beyond competition.
“Football plays an important role in society. This partnership expands opportunities for young players.”
He also pointed to plans to support the development of women’s football and promote wellbeing through sport.
The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including the participation of CAF member associations in selected youth competitions, as well as collaborative programmes linked to initiatives such as the African Schools Football Championship.
In addition, both organisations will implement development projects aimed at building long-term partnerships between member associations. These programmes are expected to focus on grassroots systems, talent development and technical capacity.
Coaching education and refereeing have also been identified as key components. The agreement provides for the exchange of technical expertise, training programmes and opportunities for match officials to gain international experience.
Both bodies will also introduce observer programmes at major tournaments and collaborate on conferences and professional events. These measures are intended to facilitate the exchange of institutional knowledge and best practices.
The agreement further includes provisions for education and capacity development, with access to selected training programmes and cooperation in football medicine. Governance and coordination will be monitored through regular meetings and progress reviews.
Čeferin said the partnership would focus on long-term impact through investment in people and systems. “We aim to strengthen football’s role in communities,” he said. “This is about sustainable development.”
Motsepe noted that football remains a unifying force and said the agreement reflects a shared vision between the two organisations. “It is about bringing people together,” he said. “It is also about creating opportunity.”
The MoU provides a framework for additional joint initiatives to be developed over time, as CAF and UEFA seek to expand collaboration across both continents.
READ ALSO: GFA Sets September Kick-Off for 2026/27 Premier League Season