Regional CAF Club Licensing discussions in full swing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, has become the next stop for the ongoing Regional CAF Club Licencing Workshops, which are geared at equipping all of CAF’s 54 Member Associations with the essential tools and knowledge to best implement CAF Club Licencing regulations.

Following a successful kick-off last month in Mauritania followed by Algeria, the East African nation of Ethiopia has become the third stop for the four-nation series of workshops spearheaded by CAF Professional Football Department.

For this edition, a total of 16 African nations have gathered at the nation’s capital for the four-day workshop currently taking place between 09 – 12 May and will see all participating Member Associations delving deep into CAF Club Licensing matters as follows:

·      Updates on the usage of the CAF Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP) for the club licensing procedure.

·      Review of the status of the implementation of CAF Club Licensing System in the Member Associations' national competitions.

·      Ensuring that the Member Associations are ready to communicate the licensing decisions before the set deadline for clubs' engagement in CAF Inter-club competitions 2024-25 (men's and women's).

·      Conducting a refresher session on stadium pre-inspection procedures.

·      Train Club Licensing Managers (CLM) in using the CLOP, specifically the stadium module.

·      Conduct practical on-site stadium inspection training.

Officially welcoming CAF and participating Member Associations, Ethiopian Football Federation President who is also a CAF Executive Committee Member, Mr Esayas Jira said that CAF’s efforts of gathering its Member Associations for such workshops represented a significant step in the ever-evolving growth of African football development.

“This gathering represents a significant milestone in the development of football across our continent. We are not just talking about rules and regulations; we are discussing the very essence of professionalism, integrity, and progress in African football. Club licensing is not merely a bureaucratic process; it is the cornerstone upon which the future of African football stands. It ensures that our clubs operate on sound financial footing, maintain high standards of infrastructure, and prioritize the development of youth talent,” said an encouraged Jira.

Mr Jira also hailed the workshop as a step in ensuring that African football fosters a culture of accountability and transparency.

“In essence, it lays the groundwork for sustainable growth and success, both on and off the pitch. Through the implementation of club licensing, we are fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within our football ecosystem. We are sending a clear message that excellence is non-negotiable, and that every club, regardless of its size or stature, must adhere to the same set of standards”, concluded the FA President.

The next and final stop of the regional workshops will be in Ghana between 19 – 23 May 2024.

CAF Club Licensing Workshop – Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)

Participating Member Associations:

Ethiopia (Host), Somalia, Seychelles, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Libya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zanzibar (guest), Gambia, Kenya