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The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) is set to convene its 46th Ordinary General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Preceding this, the CAF Executive Committee (Exco) is holding a meeting on Monday, led by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, to set the agenda for the General Assembly.
Motsepe, in a statement, emphasized the significance of the Exco meeting: “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 set the agenda for tomorrow’s General Assembly, where key decisions that will shape the next phase of African football will be made.”
The General Assembly, an annual gathering of African football’s top decision-makers, will bring together representatives from CAF member associations, zonal unions, and key football figures from across the continent. Ethiopia, a nation with a deep-rooted connection to African football, will be hosting this prestigious event for the second time, having previously hosted it in 2017.
Zonal Meetings and Strategic Deliberations
Ahead of the General Assembly, CAF President Motsepe has been attending zonal union meetings, including discussions with the six zonal bodies—WAFU A, WAFU B, COSAFA, UNIFFAC, UNAF, and CECAFA. These strategic meetings focus on the unique challenges and opportunities in African football at the regional level. The zonal meetings are designed to ensure that the diverse footballing regions of Africa are well-represented in the wider continental discussions.
“The zonal meetings are essential for understanding the specific needs of each region,” said Motsepe. “These sessions allow us to engage deeply with the challenges and opportunities that African football faces at different levels.”
Of particular importance is the CECAFA meeting, being held on Monday, as Ethiopia is a key member of this regional body.
Charity Match and Celebrations
Adding a festive touch to the formal events, a charity match is scheduled to take place at Addis Ababa Stadium. The game will feature CAF and FIFA officials alongside legendary African footballers. It is intended to celebrate African unity through the shared love of football. A representative from the Ethiopian Football Federation noted, “This match is not just a game; it’s a celebration of African unity and our shared love for football.”
As Addis Ababa hosts the week-long series of events, the city’s cultural heritage and passion for sports are expected to shine through, making the occasion a landmark moment in African football’s ongoing development.
