Egypt Selected to Host Inaugural IFAF African Flag Football Championships
PARIS — April 16, 2025 — The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is delighted to announce Egypt as the host nation for the inaugural 2025 IFAF African Flag Football Championships – AFRICA FLAG 2025.
AFRICA FLAG 2025 will take place from June 20-21 in Cairo, Egypt, welcoming elite men's and women's national teams from across Africa for the first time at an IFAF Continental Championships. As participation in flag football continues to grow rapidly throughout the continent, this inaugural event offers a pathway to qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships and represents a significant milestone on the journey towards flag football's historic Olympic debut at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
"With the announcement of the first ever IFAF Continental Championships in Africa, we are taking another step in the global development of our sport,' said IFAF President Pierre Trochet. 'Looking ahead to flag football's historic Olympic debut at LA28, our Continental Championships provide a fantastic platform to further accelerate the sport's regional growth at grassroots and elite levels. Egypt will be a great host, and we are certain AFRICA FLAG 2025 will play its part in inspiring new athletes and fans across a continent that has already produced a rich heritage of American football talent.'
Hosted in partnership with the National Football League and Egyptian Federation of American Football (EFAF), various youth football development events will take place in Cairo in conjunction with the upcoming Championships — expanding the league's NFL Africa program to Egypt for the first time, creating more opportunities for young athletes from across the continent to play American football.
In collaboration with IFAF and EFAF, U12 teams of boys and girls from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria will compete in a multi-day NFL Flag Continental Championship, facing off in the championship game on June 23. NFL Flag is the official flag football program of the NFL — working to bring the non-contact version of American football to young athletes worldwide.
The NFL will also host a football talent identification event with prospects from across Africa. Athletes will showcase their skills and abilities with the potential to advance on through the NFL Academy Europe-Africa program in Loughborough, U.K. or the International Player Pathway (IPP) program — two core pillars of the NFL's global football development initiatives.
A number of current NFL players will join these events in Egypt, including New York Giants' Bobby Okereke (Nigeria), Minnesota Vikings' Brian Asamoah II (Ghana) and NFL free agent Dieter Eiselen (South Africa). Okereke, Asamoah II and Eiselen are supporting football operations for national federations in the lead up to and during the Championships, as well as NFL Africa's youth football programming.
'I'm excited and inspired to lead the NFL's efforts in Africa and to again expand our programming to a fifth country: Egypt — an innovative market for sport, with incredible talent,' said two-time Super Bowl Champion and NFL Africa Lead Osi Umenyiora. 'Back-to-back days of NFL Africa events alongside the IFAF Continental Championships in Egypt helps showcase the aspirational pathways for talented young athletes across the continent, as we look ahead together to flag football in the LA Olympic Games in 2028. It will be a great weekend of football, and one that will create a powerful legacy as we introduce more and more young athletes to our game.'
AFRICA FLAG 2025 will reinforce the acceleration of flag football's growth across the continent. At the record-breaking 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships, Cameroon made history as the first African nation to compete on the global stage. Since 2023 participation in flag football has surged with Egypt and Nigeria seeing increases of 149% and 85%, respectively. In Nigeria, the national federation's outreach program has already engaged more than 13,000 young people, highlighting the sport's expanding reach and appeal.
IFAF and the NFL are working hand-in-hand to develop and grow flag football across the continent, collaborating to create meaningful educational pathways for coaches and officials delivering flag across Africa. This commitment was reaffirmed at the recent three-day flag football coach education and officiating clinic in Ghana (April 11-13). The clinic welcomed new and experienced coaches and officials from 10 African countries — Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda — enabling further long-term engagement and participation in the sport in the region.
As part of the NFL Africa program, the league has also undertaken NFL Flag development, talent identification camps and fan events across Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria since 2022.
'We are extremely proud to be hosting the first ever AFRICA FLAG 2025 in Cairo and to be writing Egypt into flag football's history books,' said EFAF Founder Ali Rafeek. 'Hosting this tournament allows us to put a spotlight on our talented athletes and to show the next generation what's possible in this sport — whether you're picking up a football for the first time or dreaming of the Olympics.'
'AFRICA FLAG 2025 is a huge moment for the continued growth of flag football across our continent,' said Egyptian Women's National Team Quarterback Amira Nader. 'It's an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and passion rising throughout Africa and take a meaningful step towards making history at LA28. As the first-ever Continental Championships, this event will inspire the next generation to pick up a football and believe anything is possible.'
IFAF continues to reinforce structured and competitive pathways for flag football, with the Continental Championships as an important stepping stone in the journey towards the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships. The record-breaking 2024 edition of the IFAF Flag Football World Championships was the culmination of IFAF's biggest-ever international cycle of flag football competition and brought together elite athletes representing 31 nations from five continents at the most competitive and thrilling tournament to date. Flag football is played by 20 million athletes in more than 100 countries, and with an ever-expanding African presence, these events will serve as key milestones on the road to LA28.
Details regarding AFRICA FLAG 2025's participating nations as well as the 2025 Continental Championships for other regions will be announced in the coming weeks, offering teams from around the world more opportunities to compete and prepare for the journey toward LA28.
For more details on the Championships, visit the IFAF website or follow us on social media.
For more information on NFL Flag, the official flag football program of the NFL, visit here. For the latest NFL Africa activity, follow @nflafrica on Instagram and X.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
One year from World Cup opener, FIFA leaves questions unanswered on tickets and security
There is uncertainty about whether fans from some nations will be welcome — 11 of the venues are located in the U.S., where all matches will be played from the quarterfinals on. Security is a concern, too. At the last major football tournament in the U.S., the 2024 Copa America final at Miami Gardens, Florida, started 82 minutes late after spectators breached security gates. 'That was certainly a reminder and a wake-up call if anybody needed it that those types of things are going to be used in terms of the ultimate assessment of whether this World Cup is successful," said former U.S. defender Alexi Lalas, now Fox's lead football analyst. U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban on citizens from 12 nations exempted athletes, coaches, staff and relatives while not mentioning fans. Vice President JD Vance made what could be interpreted as a warning on May 6. 'Of course, everybody is welcome to come and see this incredible event. I know we'll have visitors probably from close to 100 countries. We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game,' he said. 'But when the time is up they'll have to go home. Otherwise, they'll have to talk to Secretary Noem,' he added, speaking alongside Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Back in U.S. for first time in 32 years The 1994 World Cup sparked the launch of Major League football with 12 teams in 1996, and $50 million in World Cup profits seeded the U.S. football Foundation, tasked with developing the sport's growth. MLS now has 30 teams, plays in 22 football specific stadiums and has club academies to grow the sport and improve talent. Next year's tournament will include 104 games, up from 64 from 1998 through 2022, and the 11 U.S. stadiums are all NFL homes with lucrative luxury suites and club seating. It also will be the first World Cup run by FIFA without a local organizing committee. 'The legacy initiative of 2026 is around how we ensure that football is everywhere in this county," U.S. football Federation CEO JT Batson said. "How do we ensure that every American can walk, ride their bike or take public transit to a safe place to play football? How do we make it to where every school in America has football accessible to their students? And how do we make it to wherever every American can truly see themselves in the game?' Interest in football has vastly increased in the U.S., with England's Premier League averaging 510,000 viewers per match window on NBC's networks last season and the European Champions League final drawing more than 2 million viewers in each of the past five years on CBS. However, CBS broadcast just 26 of 189 Champions League matches on TV in 2024-25 and streamed the rest. MLS drew about 12.2 million fans last year, second to 14.7 million in 2023-24 for the Premier League's 20 teams, but MLS has largely disappeared from broadcast TV since starting a 10-year contract with Apple TV+ in 2023. Apple spokesman Sam Citron said the company does not release viewer figures. In a fractured television landscape, different deals were negotiated by FIFA, UEFA, MLS, the NWSL, the USSF and the five major European leagues. 'You basically have over 2,800 game windows per season aired in the United States and so that requires distribution largely on streaming platforms like Paramount+ or ESPN+, but it's difficult for new fan adoption and it makes reach kind of challenging,' said Gerry Cardinale, managing partner of RedBird Capital Partners, which holds controlling interests in AC Milan and Toulouse and owns a non-controlling stake of Fenway Sports Group, parent of Liverpool. 'Kids today are getting weaned on Premier League football and Serie A football, and when you watch that as a product, it's hard for MLS to compete.' 1994 World Cup set attendance record The 1994 World Cup, a 24-nation tournament, drew a record 3.58 million fans for 52 matches. Ticket prices ranged from $25-$75 for most first round games and $180-$475 for the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. FIFA, which has about 800 people working at an office in Coral Gables, Florida, says it will announce information on general tickets in the third quarter. It wouldn't say whether prices will be fixed or variable. Hospitality packages are available on FIFA's website through On Location. For the eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, including the final on July 19, prices range from $25,800 to $73,200 per person. Variable ticket pricing possible FIFA appears to be using variable pricing for this year's Club World Cup, played at 12 U.S. stadiums from June 14 to July 13, and some prices repeatedly have been slashed. Marriott Bonvoy, a U.S. football Federation partner, has been offering free tickets to some of its elite members. Asked about Club World Cup ticket sales and team base camp arrangements, Manolo Zubiria, the World Cup's chief tournament officer, hung up four minutes and five questions into a telephone interview with The Associated Press. Brendan O'Connell, the publicist who arranged the interview, wrote in an email to the AP: 'The guest was not prepared for those questions.' FIFA's media relations staff would not make FIFA president Gianni Infantino available to discuss the tournament. Ahead of the 1994 World Cup, FIFA announced in May 1992 the draw would take place at Las Vegas on Dec. 18 or 19, 1993. FIFA has not revealed plans for this year's draw but appears to be planning for Las Vegas on Dec. 5. Regular ticket sales began in February 1993 for the U.S. football family and general first- and second-round sales started that June. Fans submitted lottery applications in October 1993 for games from the quarterfinals on. Teams could train away from World Cup cities While not detailing ticketing plans for next year's tournament, FIFA is spreading it beyond the host cites and lists about 60 possible base camps for teams to use, paired with hotels. Some are fancy — The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia — and some more Spartan — the Courtyard by Marriott Mesa at Wrigleyville West in Arizona. Thousands of arrangements must be coordinated. Major League Baseball is drawing up its schedule to ensure that the four teams whose ballparks share parking lots with World Cup stadiums — in Arlington, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Philadelphia; and Seattle — won't play home games on the dates of tournament matches. Boris Gartner, CEO of La Liga North America, a joint venture of the Spanish football league and Relevent Sports, said the 2026 World Cup should be viewed as just another step in the sport's long-term growth in the United States. 'If you have a clear understanding of the market and the audience, a clear understanding of the value that these properties bring to media companies, and you mix content with a commercial strategy, with the right media distribution strategy, this is something that will continue to grow over the next two decades," he said. 'If more people are watching the NWSL, more people are going to be interested in football that could potentially end up watching a Bundesliga game or La Liga game.' (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Mid East Info
Ben Sulayem says Japan and the FIA are united in driving global progress
FIA President reflects on influential visit celebrating mobility innovation and motorsport growth Dubai, UAE, 8th June, 2025: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has completed an official visit to Japan, reaffirming the strong ties between the Federation and one of the world's most influential nations in mobility and motorsport. As the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety, and sustainability. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit offered vital insights into Japan's investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events. Japan continues to be a vital partner in advancing the FIA's goals, and this visit highlighted the shared commitment of both Japan and the FIA to accelerate progress across the global transport and motorsport arenas. During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key national figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Koji Murofushi, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Their discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities – from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety, to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility. Reflecting on his visit, Ben Sulayem said: 'This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan – a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development. 'It was a personal honour to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector. 'From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society. 'The JAF's dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our Championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.' Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Mr. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolising the close and constructive relationship between Japan's automotive leaders and the FIA's global mission. The visit comes at a time of notable growth and renewed momentum for Japan's motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers – a 20% increase over the past five years – with the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix recording its highest attendance since 2006. At the same time, Japan's broader mobility ecosystem continues to inspire on the world stage through cutting-edge innovation in smart cities, hydrogen, and sustainable technologies. With a mobility-first approach to infrastructure design that is seeing smart-transport apps rank among one of the fastest growing national services and a smart transportation market valued last year at $6.9 billion, Japan is a pioneer in the real-world integration of new technologies. Ben Sulayem has quickly moved on from Japan to Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference starting on Tuesday and welcoming over 500 senior FIA delegates across mobility and motorsport from 149 countries. -ENDS- Notes to Editors: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
Egypt Independent
4 days ago
- Egypt Independent
Al Ahly begins Club World Cup preparations against Pachuca: channels and kick-off time
Egyptian giants Al Ahly are set to face off against Mexico's Pachuca today at Lockhart Stadium in Miami. This friendly match marks a crucial part of both teams' preparations for the highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States from June 14 to July 13. Al Ahly aims to deliver a strong performance against Pachuca, showcasing the tactical vision of their new Spanish head coach, José Ribeiro, and integrating the club's latest summer signings. Ribeiro is keen to maximize the benefit from all new players as a final dress rehearsal before the Club World Cup commences. The Club World Cup draw placed Al Ahly in a challenging group alongside American side Inter Miami, Brazil's Palmeiras, and Portuguese powerhouse Porto. Al Ahly will kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Inter Miami on June 15 at 3:00 AM Cairo time (early morning), at Hard Rock Stadium. Their second fixture will be on Thursday, June 19, against Brazilian champions Palmeiras at MetLife Stadium, scheduled for 7:00 PM Cairo time. In their third and final group stage match, Al Ahly will meet Portugal's Porto on June 24 at 4:00 AM Cairo time (early morning), also at MetLife Stadium. Al Ahly is scheduled to face Mexico's Pachuca in a friendly match on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:00 AM Cairo time (midnight). This fixture is part of both clubs' preparations for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The match will be broadcast live on Sunday on the On Time Sports network, specifically via On Time Sport HD1, with commentary by Tunisian pundit Raouf Khalif.
