Addis Ababa, October 22, 2024 (FBC) – The FDRE President Taye Atske-Selassie has asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to endorse Ethiopia’s bid to host the 2029 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2029) tournament.
The Ethiopian head of state made this statement while addressing the opening session of the 46th General Ordinary Assembly of CAF at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.
The event is being in the presence of CAF President Patrice Motsepe, CAF Executive Committee members, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, President of CONMEBOL Alejandro Domínguez, football federations and presidents of regional football associations from CAF member countries, as well as other stakeholders of the sport.
Former African football stars, including Samuel Eto’o, Jay Jay Ockocha, Al-Hadji Diouf, among others are also in attendance.
In his remarks, President Taye said this gathering reflects shared passion for football and collective aspiration to advancing this sport in Africa. In today’s world, sport is a cornerstone to unite the continent, transcending and differences. This perfectly aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063 which envisions a unified Africa characterized by robust cultural identity, shared heritage and values.
In light of this, the Ethiopian government recognizes and wholeheartedly supports the pivotal role played by CAF to achieve these aspirations, President Taye said.
Accordingly, Taye extended his gratitude to the CAF president Patrice Motsepe for his exemplary leadership of the continent’s football governing body. Under his presidency, the continent witnessed remarkable commitment to fostering the sport at all levels with a special focus in cultivating young, dynamic and promising talent, the Ethiopian president underscored.
It is almost certain that Africa musters supreme talents in football and these talents are becoming the bedrock of major football leagues across the world, President Taye reminded.
He underlined the need to bring the World Cup trophy to the African soil although many players with African root are becoming instrumental for the victory of non-African nations to claim the prestigious football trophy.
The key to elevating the football sport and nurturing young talent lies in the scaling up of the collective efforts. With this foundational talent in place, African football can thrive and occupy its rightful place on the global stage, Taye underlined.
In that regard, the President reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment in forging a legacy that honors the continent’s past and paves the way for future triumphs. He also reminisced the role played by his country in establishing CAF in 1957 and in putting Africa in its rightful place in FIFA.
Mentioning Ethiopians’ enormous love for the football game, the country’s historic attachment with the development of football in Africa makes it fitting to have the momentous gathering of the 46th General Ordinary Assembly. The event is also perfectly alignment the country’s bid and aspiration to host AFCON 2029, Taye underlined.
Stating that Ethiopia is home to over 70 percent of its population under the age of 30, President Taye said sport is one of the significant part of the national plan to harness the young demographic dividend. The government is heavily in sports education and in construction of sports infrastructures and renovating existing ones.
When given the opportunity to host AFCON, Ethiopia is looking forward to creating exceptional experience for teams, fans, the rest of the football sport’s family, and other stakeholders, he asserted.
In that regard, President Taye asked CAF to endorse his country’s bid to host the prestigious continental sports event.
For his part, President of Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) Mr. Esayas Jira said his country holds a special place in African football and expressed his gratitude to one of the pioneering figures in African football, Yidenekachew Tessema, a founding member of CAF in the late 1950s and the 4th CAF President.
He underscored that Ethiopia has long been the cornerstone of African football and continues to play a pivotal role in its future. He added, the collaborative efforts between CAF and FIFA need to be further strengthened, and stressed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to host the 2029 edition of African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Meanwhile, CAF President Patrice Mosepe thanked the People and Government of Ethiopia for graciously hosting the historic continental congress.
In his remarks, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that Ethiopia contributed significantly to CAF and the unity of Africa. He further urged African countries to invest in youth football to nurture the stars of tomorrow.
It was indicated that Ethiopia had hosted the Africa Cup of Nations tournament half-a-century ago.