CAF Awards Ivory Coast $14M for Youth Football and Infrastructure Growth

The announcement was made during the African Football Coaches Symposium in Abidjan on September 12, 2024, where CAF Secretary General Veron Mosemgo-Omba and the President of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), Yacine Idriss Diallo, signed the agreement.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized the impact this fund will have on the development of Ivorian football. "This money will help uncover new talents and produce some of the best footballers on the continent, particularly in Ivory Coast. It will help us discover the next Yaya Touré or Didier Drogba," Motsepe explained.

FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo clarified how the funds will be used, noting that it will focus on youth football for both boys and girls. "There is a set of guidelines that will be provided by CAF, and we will use this fund based on those guidelines, similar to how FIFA manages development projects. For now, I cannot specify how the money will be allocated," Diallo stated.

He also stressed the need for infrastructure investment: "There are no stadiums for young players. If we can build facilities to allow youth to play football, it will be a significant step. This is where talent development begins," he concluded.