The Executive Board of the African Clubs Association (ACA), on Friday names Morocco as the official headquarters for the Association.
The African Clubs Association (ACA), 8 of the 12 members voted in favour of Morocco.
Côte d’Ivoire was also vying for hosting ACA’s HQ but Morocco won the bid as the North African Kingdom offered not only to host the ACA HQ but also the needed funding for its operation, demonstrating its contributions and strong support for the structures for African football.
The Moroccan bid was chosen in the wake of the country’s ongoing efforts to develop African football and its investment in world-class sports infrastructure.
The Moroccan proposal stood out thanks to the country’s vision of empowering African clubs. In addition, Morocco’s strong track record of hosting major sporting events, including the FIFA Club World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, was a deciding factor in the decision.
In addition to hosting the men and women’s Africa Cup of Nations this year, the country is preparing to co-organize the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Morocco and the African Clubs Association are set to sign a memorandum of understanding on January 27 during the Africa Cup of Nations draw.
This is expected to mark the beginning of a long-term partnership and reinforces the association’s presence in Morocco.
ACA President Hersi Said congratulated Morocco, including Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan Royal Football Federation (FRMF), for the successful bid.
“We are excited to begin this new chapter with Morocco as the host of the African Clubs Association,” said Hersi Said.
The African Club Association was set up in 2023 and Kenya had been initially designated to host its HQ but crippling financial issues pushed CAF officials to look for solutions, leading to the vote for Morocco.
ACA brings together the presidents and managers of African clubs. Its main objective is to enhance and defend the interests of African football clubs.
★ Young Africans President, Hersi Said – ACA President
★ Kaizer Chief’s Jessica Motaung and Paul Bassey from Akwa united – Deputies
Full Board: African Club Association
UNAF Zone:
✓ Khaled Abdelkader – Al Ahly, Egypt
✓ Mohamed Boudrika – Raja, Morocco
WAFU A:
✓ Rodney Edmond Michael – Mighty Blackpool FC, Sierra Leone
✓ Famakan Dembele – AS Real Bamako, Mali
WAFU B :
✓ Ayibatin Wilfrido – AS Loto FC, Benin
✓ Paul Bassey – Akwa United, Nigeria
CECAFA:
✓ Hersi A. Said – Young Africans, Tanzania
✓ Hassan Ali Eissa – Al Hilal, Sudan
COSAFA:
✓ Jessica Motaung – Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa
✓ Salamo Newboy Hei – African Stars, Namibia
UNIFFAC :
✓ Ravel Mondjo Mbouloungou – CS de Bendje, Gabon
✓ Guy Kapya Kilongozi – AS Maniema Union, DR Congo
Last year, the World Football Governing Body FIFA, picked Morocco to host its first of its kind FIFA African Headquarters.
