RismadarVoice Reporters, April 30, 2026
The Confederation of African Football and UEFA have renewed their strategic partnership nearly three decades after their landmark collaboration, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing football development across Africa and Europe.
The agreement was formalised on Tuesday in Vancouver, Canada, by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, marking a fresh commitment to deepen cooperation and expand the sport’s social and developmental impact.
The new MoU, which will run until June 30, 2031, builds on the legacy of the 1997 agreement in Lisbon, Portugal, that led to the creation of the now-defunct Meridian Cup, an intercontinental youth competition.
Under the renewed framework, both football governing bodies will collaborate across key areas including youth and women’s football, coaching and refereeing development, education, governance, and institutional capacity building.
Motsepe said the partnership reflects the significant progress recorded in African football and the need to strengthen ties with Europe.
“This partnership includes youth and women’s football, development, education and training of coaches and referees, as well as governance and institutional development. By combining our expertise and resources, we will ensure that football remains a source of hope, joy, and unity for millions,” he said.
Čeferin described the agreement as a step toward enhancing football’s broader societal impact, noting the rich football heritage shared by both regions.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young players while advancing women’s football and promoting wellbeing. By working closely with CAF, we aim to invest in people, share expertise, and strengthen football’s positive and lasting impact on communities,” he said.
The MoU also provides for observer programmes at major tournaments, joint participation in conferences, cooperation in football medicine, and structured education pathways, alongside periodic governance reviews to ensure effective implementation.
Analysts say the renewed partnership represents a shift from competition-focused collaboration to a more comprehensive and sustainable development model, positioning football as a tool for social cohesion and long-term growth across both continents.
