CAF opens consultation on FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative following FIFA correspondence

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has begun consultations with its Member Associations over FIFA’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative following official correspondence received from world football’s governing body.

CAF confirmed on Wednesday that it had received communication from FIFA regarding the proposed initiative as part of an ongoing consultation process involving FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council.

In response, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe will convene a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee next week to assess and evaluate the proposal.

The meeting will provide the continent’s football leadership with an opportunity to discuss the potential impact of the initiative and formulate CAF’s position before the consultation process progresses.

CAF also called on all its 54 Member Associations to carefully examine the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and actively participate in the consultation process in accordance with CAF and FIFA regulations, as well as the established governance procedures.

The consultation comes as FIFA seeks to expand its investment in global football development through the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, which is expected to significantly increase funding opportunities for Member Associations and Confederations if approved.

In a statement, CAF reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with FIFA, its Member Associations, other continental confederations and key stakeholders to strengthen football development across Africa.

“CAF is committed to continue consulting and working together with its Member Associations, FIFA, other Football Confederations and stakeholders in support of increasing financial and other resources for the development and growth of football in Africa and worldwide,” the Confederation said.

The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative forms part of FIFA’s broader vision to enhance football infrastructure, grassroots programmes, competitions and institutional capacity across its 211 Member Associations.

Discussions and consultations are expected to continue in the coming weeks before any final decisions are made on the proposal.

CAF’s engagement in the process underscores the importance of ensuring that African football’s interests are represented as FIFA considers one of its most ambitious football development funding initiatives to date.