CAF and UEFA forge new strategic partnership to strengthen African and European football

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening cooperation and accelerating football development across Africa and Europe.

The agreement was signed by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin in Vancouver, Canada, and is designed to strengthen collaboration across key areas of the global game.

Running until 30 June 2031, the MoU sets out a wide-ranging framework focused on youth and women’s football, technical development, refereeing, governance and education, among others.

Under the agreement, CAF Member Associations will gain opportunities to participate in selected CAF–UEFA youth competitions, alongside reciprocal involvement in initiatives such as the CAF African Schools Football Championship.

Both organisations will also work together on long-term football development programmes tailored to the needs of their member associations.

Coach education will be a central pillar of the partnership, with an emphasis on sharing technical expertise, best practices and collaborative learning to strengthen coaching standards across both continents.

Refereeing development is also included, allowing match officials and instructors to benefit from structured knowledge exchange programmes.

The agreement further provides for institutional cooperation through observer programmes at major tournaments, participation in conferences, and professional exchanges aimed at enhancing administrative and technical capacity.

It also covers joint work in football medicine, education pathways, and broader capacity-building initiatives.

Regular governance meetings and progress reviews will be held to ensure effective implementation and alignment on shared priorities.

CAF and UEFA say the partnership reflects a shared belief that football can serve as a powerful tool for opportunity, education and social development, while laying the foundation for deeper collaboration in the years ahead.