AFCON 2015 framework agreement signed

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) signed the Framework Agreement on the organization of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2015 with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) on Monday, April 21, 2014 in Rabat Morocco.

CAF was represented by its 2nd Vice President, Almamy Kabele Camara and FRMF by its president Fouzi Lekjaa at the signing of the 78 page document which lays out among others things the legal framework for collaboration between the two institutions, defines the responsibilities of each stakeholder and actions to be executed in areas such as marketing, media, transportation, lodging, ticketing, accreditation, security and finances. The signing of the agreement was followed by a press conference with local media who were keen to find out CAF's conclusions about Morocco's preparedness following the CAF inspection visit from 14 to 21 April 2014. The CAF Inspection team travelled to the competition host cities namely Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir and Tangier.

CAF second vice president Almamy Kabele Camara, who led the inspection mission, said that CAF was satisfied with the quality of the inspected facilities (stadiums, hotels, roads, and telecommunications). The Moroccan government, represented by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Karim Aqary reaffirmed the commitment of the authorities to ensure every effort is not spared to make AFCON 2015 a success.

Mr Agary also revealed that it was decided to work on improving the infrastructure of the stadium in Rabat in keeping with the high standards set at other venues.

At each stage of the inspection visit, the CAF delegation met the administrative and municipal authorities of each of the host cities of the competition to lay the foundations for a partnership to ensure the success of CAF’s flagship competition which will be played under the theme of the “Celebration of Africa”.

To enhance cooperation and coordination of the smooth running of the tournament, Morocco has created a platform where the Ministries of Higher Education, National Education and the Youth and Sports will work together with their representatives and those from host cities and football leagues, all pooling their resources to make it a successful AFCON finals.

CAF and the Moroccan AFCON 2015 LOC will meet again in Cairo Saturday, April 26, 2014, on the eve of the AFCON 2015 qualifying draw. The Organising Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations will among other things affirm official dates of the qualifying tournament schedule and the final tournament. The final draw will take place on November 26, 2014 in a city that will be named during next week’s CAF meetings in Cairo.

The CAF delegation to Morocco led by the 2nd Vice President Almamy Kabele Camara, included Slim Aloulou, advisor to the Executive Committee, CAF Secretary General, Hicham El Amrani , Belkhayat Said, a member of the Organising Committee of the African Nations Championship, Junior Binyam CAF Media Director and Khaled Nassar, CAF Assistant Director of Competitions.