The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) will hold a meeting of its Executive Committee on Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Presided over by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the meeting will commence at 10:30 local time (07:30 GMT) and is expected to lay the groundwork for the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, which is set for Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
This information comes from several press releases acquired by PUNCH Online on Monday from the CAF website.
Council meeting of executive
“This is a critical time for African football, and we are thrilled to be in Addis Ababa to discuss the future of our sport,” Motsepe expressed in a recent statement.
“The EXCO meeting will set the agenda for tomorrow’s General Assembly, where key decisions that will shape the next phase of African football will be made.”
The Executive Committee meeting signals the beginning of a hectic week in Addis Ababa, with the Ethiopian capital gearing up to welcome delegates from CAF’s member associations, regional unions, and notable football personalities from all over the continent.
This sequence of events will conclude with the General Assembly, an annual assembly of Africa’s leading football officials.
The contribution of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is hosting the CAF General Assembly for the second time this year, building on the success of the 2017 event.
A statement released on Saturday, titled Ethiopia Ready to Host 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly,” announced that the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel will be the location for this esteemed gathering.
“We are proud to host this assembly once again. Ethiopia has a long and cherished history with African football, and we are ready to showcase the best of what we have to offer,” said an Ethiopian football official.
Zonal meetings
In preparation for the General Assembly, the CAF President has been participating in the zonal union meetings that commenced yesterday.
The six zonal unions—WAFU A, WAFU B, COSAFA, UNIFFAC, UNAF, and CECAFA—are engaged in strategic discussions regarding the condition of football in their respective regions, making sure that everyone is actively contributing to the discussions leading up to the congress.
“The zonal meetings are essential for understanding the specific needs of each region. These sessions allow us to engage deeply with the challenges and opportunities that African football faces at different levels,” Motsepe explained.
The CECAFA meeting happening today (Monday) is especially important, given that Ethiopia is a vital member of this regional organization. The other meetings occurred on Sunday, and the results have not been disclosed yet.
Fundraising game
Alongside the critical meetings, the week will showcase a celebratory aspect of football, highlighted by a friendly match set to take place at Addis Ababa Stadium later today.
This game, which will include CAF and FIFA officials along with iconic African footballers, is expected to foster a spirit of unity amid otherwise official events.
“This match is not just a game; it’s a celebration of African unity and our shared love for football,” said a representative from the Ethiopian Football Federation.
As Addis Ababa prepares for a wave of tourists, the city’s diverse cultural legacy and lively sports activities are prominently showcased.
With crucial conversations regarding the future of African football approaching, the groundwork is laid for what is expected to be a significant occasion in Addis Ababa.
