EU Commission Becomes Official Partner of 2025 AFCON in Morocco
Rabat – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has signed a new partnership agreement with the European Commission (EC), making the Commission an official partner for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, both men's and women's, that will take place in Morocco.
The agreement was signed on Sunday in Cairo by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.
Under this partnership, the European Commission will support the men's AFCON, scheduled in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, as well as the Women's AFCON, set to take place from July 5 to July 26 this year. The partnership also includes support for the African Schools Football Championship.
Motsepe described the partnership as a 'recognition of the significant progress that has been made in CAF and the respect that emanates from the governance, ethics, and transparency policies that we have introduced, as well as our zero tolerance of corruption.'
He added that the partnership with the European Commission reflects the shared commitment to developing African football and 'the expansion of the cultural, trade and investment relationships between our two continents.'
Meanwhile, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen spoke about the strong bond between Africa and Europe, saying that they are 'partners of choice.'
For the commission, 'this partnership is about creating bonds, about empowering young people, local communities, and entire regions. Sport and football are part of it,' Leyen said.
The cooperation will focus on creating new opportunities, including new jobs, a quality health system, improved public services, and new partnerships.
A key element of this agreement, Síkela says, is the support for the CAF African Schools Championship, which will reach up to 33,000 schools across Africa. Tags: afconCAFEuropean CommissionMorocco
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