Yaounde: CAF, EU unveil initiative to develop youth football.

CAF, EU officials symbolically exchanging agreement documents

The Confederation of African Football, CAF and the European Union, EU delegation to Cameroon, have publicly presented an agreement which seeks to promote youth football in the country and beyond.

The initiative was presented by Ambassador of the European Union to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Jean-Marc Chataigner, and the President of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, Samuel Eto'o.



This was during ceremony held Tuesday June 3 in Yaounde.

During the ceremony organised at the EU headquarters, both authorities reiterated their commitments to the development of youth football in Cameroon and across the African continent. 

The partnership agreement, it should be said, was signed on May 18, 2025.

The agreement was officially inked by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela. It was signed in Cairo, Egypt. 

The partnership outlines a comprehensive framework for future collaboration, aimed at fostering the growth of African football at all levels.

In his address during the Yaounde event, Ambassador Chataigner expressed honour and joy in discussing the newly signed agreement with Samuel Eto'o, who is also a member of the CAF Executive Committee. 

While commending Eto'o for his role in promoting the historic collaboration, Chataigner insisted on the strength of their long-standing relationship.

He noted that: "They often say, older marriage, happier marriage… and so, I must say today that this is an older partnership, and therefore it will be a happy partnership”.

 

Building on shared values

Speaking further during Tuesday’s ceremony, Ambassador Chataigner stressed that the agreement marks a crucial moment in the Europe-Africa partnership, built on the values of solidarity, inclusion, respect, and sustainable development. 

He stated that football, being a universally unifying force, perfectly embodies the said values.

Chataigner noted that football in Cameroon, as elsewhere, is more than just a sport as it is a national passion, a source of pride, unity, and cohesion.

“From the streets of Douala to the stadiums of Yaounde, Garoua, Maroua, and Bafoussam, across all ten regions of Cameroon, football offers hope to an entire generation. It inspires, unites, educates, and serves as a powerful tool for peace, dialogue, national unity, and human development,” the Ambassador underscored.

 

Prioritising dev’t of women’s football

According to Chataigner, a key focus of the partnership is the development of women's football and increasing the participation of women in the sport. 

He asserted that sport can only be a driver of social transformation if it's accessible to everyone, without distinction. 

He stressed that African and Cameroonian girls, like girls everywhere, should have the opportunity to dream of becoming future stars in safe, equitable, and empowering environments. 

Promoting women's football, he stated, means promoting equality and strengthening the social impact of sport.

FECAFOOT President speaking at the ceremony

Collective commitment

Ambassador Chataigner acknowledged the strong commitment of Team Europe in Cameroon, represented by five major European footballing nations, notably Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, and Italy. 

"We are here to build bridges, not walls," Chataigner stated. 

He further admitted the significant role Cameroonian players in France play in fostering diplomatic ties between the two nations.

 

Key initiatives of agreement

According to the EU, the major agreement includes EU sponsorship of flagship CAF competitions from 2025 to 2027, including the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in 2025 and 2027, the 2024 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled for July 5-26, 2025, and the CAF African Schools Football Championship. 

A crucial element of the agreement is the support for the African Schools Football Championship, which aims to reach up to 33,000 schools across Africa.

 

Enter FECAFOOT President 

Speaking at the gathering, FECAFOOT President, Samuel Eto'o expressed gratitude to the European Union for its support to young footballers. 

He assured the EU of FECAFOOT's unwavering commitment to the cause, highlighting concrete initiatives such as the FIFA Safeguarding training programme implemented across all levels of Cameroonian football.

Eto'o further mentioned collaborations with partners like the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, which combats irregular migration of young players, and the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, which focuses on their education, reproductive health, and personal development. 

"This strategic partnership with the Confederation of African Football is not just about sport. It is likely to forge links, transform potential into opportunity, and empower young people in a healthy, secure environment conducive to the development of their talents," Eto'o stated. 

He pledged FECAFOOT's steadfast commitment to the partnership for a significant and lasting impact.

FECAFOOT's boss has expressed honour that Cameroon is the first country where the EU is rolling out this programme, which will eventually benefit all 54 African nations. 

He expressed hope that the exchanges will instill strong values in young beneficiaries.

 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3464 of Wednesday June 04, 2025

 

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