The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) is set to convene its Executive Committee meeting on Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as part of preparations for the 46th Ordinary General Assembly scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Chaired by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the meeting will begin at 10:30 local time (07:30 GMT) and aims to establish the agenda for the upcoming General Assembly. In a recent statement, Motsepe emphasized the importance of this moment for African football. “This is a critical time for African football, and we are thrilled to be in Addis Ababa to discuss the future of our sport,” he remarked.
The Executive Committee meeting marks the start of a busy week in the Ethiopian capital, which will host delegates from CAF’s member associations, zonal unions, and prominent football figures from across the continent. This series of events culminates in the General Assembly, an annual gathering of the continent’s key decision-makers in football.
This year’s assembly returns to Ethiopia for the second time, following the successful 2017 edition. The Ethiopian Skylight Hotel has been designated as the venue for this prestigious event. An Ethiopian football official stated, “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.”
In the lead-up to the General Assembly, Motsepe has been attending meetings with the six zonal unions—WAFU A, WAFU B, COSAFA, UNIFFAC, UNAF, and CECAFA—where strategic discussions are taking place on the current state of football in each region. “The zonal meetings are essential for understanding the specific needs of each region,” Motsepe explained, underscoring the importance of engaging with the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African football.
The CECAFA meeting, which will occur today, is particularly significant due to Ethiopia’s key role within the regional body. The outcomes of other zonal meetings held on Sunday are yet to be announced.
In addition to the formal meetings, a friendly match is scheduled at the Addis Ababa Stadium later today, featuring CAF and FIFA officials alongside legendary African footballers. A representative from the Ethiopian Football Federation remarked, “This match is not just a game; it’s a celebration of African unity and our shared love for football.”
As Addis Ababa prepares for an influx of visitors, the city’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant sports scene are poised to be on full display. With crucial discussions on the future of African football on the agenda, the stage is set for what promises to be a landmark event in the continent’s sporting landscape.
