The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for mutual co-operation toward the development of football. A statement by CAF in Lagos on Friday said the MOU remains valid till July 31, 2016.
It said CAF President, Issa Hayatou, and UEFA President, Michel Platini, signed the agreement on the development of football in Africa and Europe, on behalf of the two confederations. It added that the MOU was signed at the CAF headquarters in Cairo on Thursday.
The statement stated that the MOU was meant to strengthen cooperation between the two confederations and provide a framework for exchange and dialogue.
“The agreement will be achieved through the sharing of information, experience and conducting joint technical development programmes in various fields.
“Such as: Coaching, Refereeing, Youth football, Women’s football, Organisation of competitions, Administration, Marketing, Media and Social Responsibilities,” the statement noted.
It quoted Hayatou as saying, “this agreement will benefit the National Associations affiliated to CAF and build their capacities in various sectors of football development.
“CAF will be acting as an intermediary between UEFA and the National Associations, to ensure they get the expected benefits.”
On his part, Platini said: “UEFA is very happy to partner CAF to exchange knowledge and share ideas to develop the game.
“This initiative is a result of a collective decision by the 54 National Associations of UEFA, since CAF is a major stakeholder in global football.”
According to the statement, present at the signing ceremony were Hicham El Amrani; CAF Secretary General; Gianni Infantino, UEFA General Secretary, and members of the CAF Executive Committee.