GFA President Opens CAF Club Licensing Regional Workshop In Accra

The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has opened the CAF Club Licensing Regional Workshop which successfully commenced in Accra on Monday, May 20, 2024, urging collective efforts and collaboration for the progress of African Football.

Addressing representatives of 15 Member Associations at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, President Simeon-Okraku welcomed participants to the four-day workshop in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, stressing the fact that Club Licensing is a key element of the developmental agenda of the continent’s governing body for football.

President Simeon-Okraku presided over the opening ceremony of the workshop which is being attended by the General Secretaries and Club Licensing Managers of 15 Member Associations (MA’s) of CAF.

“I am very happy to welcome all of you to this special city called Accra. I count Ghana as a blessed country to be given this opportunity to host all of you on behalf of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). I know our President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe (CAF President) is watching us closely because Club Licensing is a key part of the many things on his heart. He has said on many platforms that Africa must develop football and CAF must deliver football in the best possible way,” President Okraku said in his opening remarks.

“And for us at CAF to deliver football, we have to go through these moments. Club Licensing has become a key part of our developmental agenda. It’s the reason why I am very happy to be part of this special occasion which marks a major milestone in this long developmental journey led by Mohammed Sidat (the Head of Professional Football for CAF) and his team.”

President Simeon-Okraku underlined the significance of the workshop.

“Hosting this workshop in Accra underscores our collective commitment to advancing football in Africa. Your presence here today signifies the importance of this mission and our shared vision for the future of African football.

“Club licensing is critical for establishing unified standards across all African football clubs. This ensures that clubs meet necessary criteria in areas such as infrastructure, financial stability, and player development.”

“Licensing drives professionalism, improves the quality of administration, coaching, and overall club management. It is indeed the cornerstone for creating a sustainable and competitive football environment.” President Simeon-Okraku reiterated.

He called for collective efforts among stakeholders and expressed gratitude to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

“The progress of African football relies on our collective efforts and collaboration. Together, we can achieve the goals of the club licensing system and enhance the quality of football across the African continent.”

“As we gather here today, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to CAF, the organizers, and all participants for your avowed commitment and dedication towards the development of the African game using the vehicle of the Club Licensing system. Indeed, your commitment is vital to the success of our shared vision and mission.”

He expressed his optimism about the future of the Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP) which is set to be operational in the 2024/2025 Season.

“I am optimistic about the outcomes of this workshop and this engagement that promises a bright future for football in Africa. Let us share together; let us deliberate together; let us commit to ensuring that we push the agenda of the African game to the best of our ability. Let’s learn, let’s share and, at the end of it all, let’s party.” he concluded

The workshop in Ghana is the final lap of the CAF Regional Club Licensing Workshops, following successful events in Mauritania, Algeria, and Ethiopia.

The general objectives of the workshop are to train users for the Club Licensing Online Platform (CLOP), present the CAF Club Licensing regulatory framework (2022 edition) for men and women as well as to discuss the mandatory criteria for domestic and continental competitions.

The 15 Member Associations attending the workshop include host, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, São Tomé e Príncipe

The Ghana Football Association was heavily represented at the Opening Ceremony of the workshop by a delegation which included Vice-President Mark Addo, Executive Council members Samuel Aboabire and Eugene Noel Nobel as well as General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo; Club Licensing Committee Chairman, Dr. Kwame Baah Nuakoh, Club Licensing Manager Esme Mends and Head of National Teams, Alex Asante.

Other distinguished guests were also in attendance.

The Club Licensing Regional Workshop in Accra is under the supervision of Muhammed Sidat, the Head of Professional Football for CAF.

 

 

 

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