CAF President and African Club Association (ACA) Chairman sign historic MoU to strengthen African Club Football

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and African Club Association (“ACA”) Chairman Hersi Said signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday marking the start of yet another milestone in inter-club competitions.

The MoU strengthens the partnership between CAF and ACA and formalizes a number of strategic objectives.

ACA, shortly after putting pen to paper, commended Dr Motsepe for increasing financial support for Club Football.

This includes the USD 50 000 (circa Kshs. 6,470,000 on current rates) solidary fee given to all clubs that participated in the preliminary stages of the CAF Interclub competition – marking it the first time clubs are given financial assistance to participate in the CAF inter-club competitions.

CAF has also increased the prizemoney in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup by over 40%.

ACA was launched in November 2023 with the support of Dr Motsepe and recently announced it would be setting up offices at the world-class King Mohammed VI National Football Academy in Sale, Morocco.

CAF and ACA have mutual aims, that are crucial in growing club football on the continent, including to protect and develop a large and healthy professional football sector, and invest in and promote the training of young talented players in the long-term interest of football.

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They also seek to ensure players benefit from suitable education pathways throughout their sporting careers and to promote fair play and to fight against racism, doping, violence, match-fixing and corruption in football.

CAF and ACA will work to ensure national team and club football provides substantial benefits to players, clubs, leagues and member associations, and foster a closer working relationship.

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They have also resolved that sports-related disputes shall be resolved within the appropriate resolution structures; and that strong national championships and international competitions organised by CAF are vital for the on-going and healthy development of football.

CURRENT AFRICAN CLUB ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS

Hersi Said (Young Africans, Tanzania) – Chairman

Jessica Motaung (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa) – Vice Chairperson

Paul Bassey (Akwa United, Nigeria) – Vice Chairperson

CECAFA

Hersi Said (Young Africans, Tanzania)

Hassan Ali Eissa (Al Hilal, Sudan)

COSAFA

Jessica Motaung (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)

Salomo Hei (African Stars, Namibia)

UNAF

Khaled Mortagy (Al Ahly, Egypt)

Adil Halla (former Raja Casablanca, Morocco)

UNIFFAC

Ravel Mondjo Mbouloungou (CS de Bendje, Gabon)

Guy Kapya Kilongozi (AS Maniema Union, DR Congo)

WAFU A

Rodney Edmond Michael (Mighty Blackpool FC, Sierra Leone)

Famakan Dembele (AS Real Bamako, Mali)

WAFU B

Ayibatin Wilfrido (AS Loto FC, Benin)

Paul Bassey (Akwa United, Nigeria