The Confederation of African Football convened its Executive Committee meeting on Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as the city prepares to host a landmark week for African football.
Chaired by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the meeting will begin at 10:30 AM local time (07:30 GMT) and is expected to set the agenda for the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, taking place the following day, Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
In a press releases sourced from CAF’s official site on Monday, the CAF President expressed enthusiasm about the significance of the meeting, saying, “This is a critical time for African football, and we are thrilled to be in Addis Ababa to discuss the future of our sport.”
The EXCO meeting will lay the groundwork for the General Assembly, where key decisions will be made to shape African football’s next chapter.
“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,” Motsepe added.
As delegates from across the continent gather in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian capital is buzzing with preparations to welcome football officials, zonal unions, and influential figures.
This is the second time Addis Ababa will host the CAF General Assembly, following the success of the 2017 edition. The prestigious event will take place at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, a venue chosen for its state-of-the-art facilities.
A senior Ethiopian football official emphasized the pride felt by the host nation in welcoming this significant event, “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.”
Before the General Assembly, CAF’s President has been actively attending zonal union meetings, which began on Sunday.
The six CAF zonal unions—WAFU A, WAFU B, COSAFA, UNIFFAC, UNAF, and CECAFA—have been engaging in strategic discussions to review the state of football in their respective regions.
Motsepe emphasized the importance of these sessions, “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.”
The CECAFA meeting, taking place on Monday, holds particular significance as Ethiopia plays a pivotal role within the region.
While the discussions are expected to focus on important policy decisions and governance reforms, the week won’t be all business.
A friendly charity match, involving CAF and FIFA officials as well as African football legends, is scheduled to take place at Addis Ababa Stadium later on Monday.
The exhibition match is designed to add a lighter, festive touch to the proceedings and celebrate the unity within African football.
“This match is not just a game; it’s a celebration of African unity and our shared love for football,” a representative from the Ethiopian Football Federation explained.
With the stage set for discussions that will influence the trajectory of African football in the coming years, Addis Ababa’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant football atmosphere make it a fitting host for this momentous event.
As the General Assembly looms, all eyes are on the decisions and discussions that will emerge from this pivotal week in African football.
