In a monumental announcement set to redefine the landscape of African football, Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), revealed that a groundbreaking agreement is nearing completion. This eight-year deal, valued at a staggering one billion US dollars, focuses on broadcast rights for the continent’s major football events, enabling CAF to turn around the fortunes of the sport in Africa.
The announcement came during a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya, following an Executive Committee meeting held on Saturday. Motsepe shared the stage with the presidents of the 54 member associations across Africa, signalling a unified front in the ambitious push for the continent’s football enhancement.
“This is a pivotal moment for African football,” Motsepe stated, highlighting the widespread support from member associations for the deal that promises to usher in a new era of visibility and financial sustainability for the sport. “Our objective is clear: to elevate Africa’s football profile on the global stage while ensuring that our grassroots initiatives and local competitions thrive.”
The deal is expected to resonate positively throughout the continent, providing financial resources that will benefit not only national federations but also clubs, players, and emerging talents. It encapsulates CAF’s commitment to unlocking Africa’s potential through sport, a vision echoed by various stakeholders across the football fraternity.
This announcement comes on the heels of the recently co-hosted Africa Nations Championship, which saw Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania collaborate to deliver what has been heralded as the most successful edition of the tournament to date. As anticipation builds for the championship final between Morocco and Madagascar, which is scheduled to take place in Nairobi on Saturday evening, the excitement surrounding African football is palpable.
Motsepe’s recent meetings and the looming broadcast agreement serve as a reminder of the commitment towards advancing football on the continent, with sustained growth reliant on these types of innovative partnerships.