Mamelodi Sundowns boss Dr Patrice Motsepe has revealed his ten-point manifesto in his bid for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Presidency.
Also in the running for the highest seat in African football is the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Augustin Senghor, president of the Mauritanian Football Federation, Ahmed Yahya and the former president of the Ivorian Football Association, Jacques Anouma.
Current CAF President Ahmad Ahmad cannot run for the Federation’s presidency again due to a FIFA-imposed five year suspension for corruption.
During the manifesto launch, Dr Motsepe revealed that he has no intentions of moving the CAF headquarters from Cairo, Egypt, to Johannesburg should his bid be successful.
Dr Patrice Motsepe launches his manifesto ahead of CAF elective congress:
Below are Dr Motsepe’s ten-point action plan:
- Invest in developing and growing football in African and build partnerships/sponsorships with potential partners
Commitment to ensuring CAF and its 54 Member Associations, in the medium to long term period, are self-supporting and globally competitive. Build mutually-beneficial partnerships and sponsorships.
- Improve efficiency and professionalism of CAF competitions and staff
Increase prize money of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations as this will contribute to the improvement in the quality of African football, youth and women’s football academies and infrastructure. This will also increase African and global fan TV interest.
- Implementation and adherence to governance and auditing global best practices
Focus on contribution to building a respected, credible and ethical football governing association I every African country. Focus on building a respected, credible and ethical African football governing body that is transparent and accountable.
- Invest in African football infrastructure
Commitment to ensuring at least one quality national stadium in every country in accordance with FIFA’s international quality standards. Build at least 200 football pitches.
- Invest in youth and the future of African football
Build youth development football facilities and infrastructure and promoting schools football in as many schools as possible. Double the annual payments for investment in youth football for each Member Association within a year.
- Develop and grow women’s football
Extensive consultations and discussions with women’s football participants and stakeholders. African women’s competitions will be restructured and rebranded within two years.
- Protect the integrity and professionalize refereeing.
The integrity, independence and professionalism of referees is crucial for the credibility and success of football in Africa. Training and educating female referees will also encouraged to increase the number of female referees officiating at top tier professional football.
- Implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR)
VAR will be implemented at all CAF senior competitions. Appropriate training and skills for all video assistant referees will be provided.
- Statutory reforms
Initiate discussions and consultations within three to six months to identify and asses statutory reforms and changes that are essential to the improvement and strengthening of the administrative, managerial and operational efficiency of CAF.
- Partnerships with FIFA and other continental governing bodies
Commitment to building a mutually-respectful and beneficial relationship with FIFA and other continental governing bodies around the world. The relationships and partnerships will be based on advancing the best interests of Africa, CAF and Member Association.
Dr Patrice Motsepe launches his 10-point manifesto for CAF Presidency bid:
