The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration, accelerating football development, and creating new opportunities across Africa and Europe.
The agreement was signed in Vancouver by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. The partnership will remain in effect until 30 June 2031 and represents one of the most significant football cooperation agreements between the two confederations in recent years.
The MoU highlights a shared commitment by CAF and UEFA to use football as a powerful tool for inclusion, education, social cohesion, and sustainable development while reinforcing solidarity, integrity, and openness within the global football ecosystem.
Strengthening African and European Football Relations
Speaking during the signing ceremony, CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that African football has experienced remarkable growth in recent years and continues to evolve toward becoming one of the strongest football regions in the world.
He emphasized that the partnership with UEFA will further strengthen the historic relationship between Africa and Europe, especially considering the immense contribution of African players in top European leagues and competitions.
According to Dr Motsepe, the collaboration will focus on several key areas including youth football development, women’s football, education and training of coaches and referees, governance enhancement, institutional growth, and football development initiatives.
He also noted that football remains a unifying force capable of bringing together millions of people from different backgrounds and cultures across both continents.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin described the agreement as a reflection of the strong football traditions that exist across Europe and Africa. He highlighted the importance of investing in youth development and expanding opportunities for boys and girls while also advancing women’s football and promoting women’s health and wellbeing through sport.
Mr Čeferin added that UEFA looks forward to sharing expertise, investing in football structures, and helping strengthen the positive social impact football creates in communities worldwide.
Key Areas of Collaboration Between CAF and UEFA
Under the new Memorandum of Understanding, CAF and UEFA will collaborate across several strategic areas designed to improve football standards and create sustainable development opportunities.
Youth and Women’s Football Development
CAF Member Associations will participate in selected CAF-UEFA youth competitions while both confederations explore opportunities for reciprocal involvement in initiatives such as the CAF African Schools Football Championship.
The partnership also prioritizes the growth of women’s football through development programs, participation initiatives, and improved access to opportunities for female players and officials.
Football Development Programs
The agreement includes implementation of long-term football development projects and strategic partnerships between African and European football associations to support infrastructure, talent identification, and technical advancement.
Coaching Education and Technical Development
CAF and UEFA will share coaching methodologies, technical knowledge, and best practices aimed at improving coaching structures and education systems across both confederations.
Refereeing and Match Official Training
The MoU creates opportunities for referees and instructors from both continents to exchange knowledge, improve officiating standards, and participate in development programs.
Exchange of Expertise and Institutional Knowledge
Both organizations will establish observer programs during major club and national team competitions while contributing to conferences, seminars, and professional football events organized by CAF and UEFA.
Education, Capacity Building and Football Medicine
The agreement also focuses on education pathways, leadership training, and football medicine through specialized training frameworks and collaborative educational initiatives.
Governance and Institutional Development
Regular coordination meetings and progress reviews will ensure effective implementation of the partnership while strengthening governance standards and institutional development.
A New Era for Global Football Collaboration
The partnership between CAF and UEFA demonstrates a growing commitment to building stronger football ecosystems that create opportunities for young talent, improve football governance, and enhance the overall development of the sport across Africa and Europe.
The agreement is also expected to increase knowledge sharing, improve technical standards, and strengthen football’s role as a driver of social change, education, and unity.
With African football continuing to rise on the global stage and European football maintaining its position among the world’s leading football structures, this partnership could play a transformative role in shaping the future of football development over the next decade.
