RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football have signed a landmark five-year memorandum of understanding to foster growth opportunities for African and Saudi football.
Signed by SAFF’s President Yasser Al-Misehal and CAF’s President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the MoU focuses on initiatives around technical and football development at club and national team level, grassroots football, women’s football, talent identification, competitions, friendly matches and commercial opportunities.
According to a media statement issued on Saturday, the agreement between CAF and SAFF highlights the strong drive of both organizations to build on innovative and long-term initiatives aimed at raising football competitive levels and developing skills for football administrators.
Commenting on the agreement, Al-Misehal said: “This is truly a remarkable moment in our journey to further exchange knowhow and grow with the Confederation of African Football.” Both parties strived to perform better on the world stage, and provide opportunities for men and women of all ages to develop their football talent, SAFF’s president said.
Motsepe said: “CAF is excited to work together and partner with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to develop and grow football on our continent and globally.” There were also specific areas for mutually beneficial partnerships being discussed, and announcements to be made in due course, the CAF president said.
CAF and SAFF will organize and facilitate workshops and seminars aimed at empowering match officials, both men and women, to share their knowledge.
They will also focus on match organization, marketing, media, refereeing and security.
