
FIFA has reiterated its support to Africa, a continent CAF First Vice President Suketu Patel says is a giant awaking to massive development and success.
“Africa is a waking giant in every aspect. FIFA has invested half a billion dollars in African football through the Goal Project, Win with Africa and World Cup legacy programmes. Now Africa needs to ensure we walk the talk of development,” Patel said at the opening of the three day CAF/FIFA workshop at Sandton Convention Centre. The workshop has brought together presidents, Secretary Generals and Technical Directors from 27 African countries.
Patel emphasised that Africa needed to be aggressive in implementing club licensing stressing that it was the way to securing the future of the continental game.
“Club licensing is a prerequisite if our soccer is to have credibility, accountability and transparency. The new club licensing is the bedrock of football development in every country and we need to aggressively implement this on the African continent,” said Patel.
FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke restated FIFA support to CAF and the world governing body’s commitment to growing the game on the African continent.
“The Confederation of African Football is a very important member of FIFA and we will do everything to support CAF’s Members. We want countries within CAF to professionalise teams, negotiate good deals and have strong grassroots development structures. That is the basis of any strong national team,” said Valcke adding that FIFA wanted to see Africa win the World Cup soon.
Seminar host president, Danny Jordaan of the South African Football Association (SAFA) said for African football to take another giant leap forward, there was need “to put emphasis on infrastructure development and commercial programmes”.
“Football has become big business and with such structures in place, it will automatically become a professionally run business,” Jordaan said adding: “This seminar needs to underscore good corporate governance and develop coherent strategic business plans. We need to emphasise the need for good governance of the game in Africa. That is the only way we can build a new future for African football. This seminar should go a long way in creating new benchmarks for Africa.”
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate