African Football Officials Praise Addis Ababa Development, Support Ethiopia’s Bid to AFCON 2029

Addis ababa: The recent 46th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Addis Ababa has brought attention to Ethiopia's urban development and its aspirations to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2029. Attendees of the assembly, including prominent football officials from across Africa, lauded the city's progress and hospitality, while also expressing support for Ethiopia's bid to host the prestigious tournament.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Mahmoud Hammami, Executive Director of the North African Football Union (UNAF), articulated his positive impressions of Addis Ababa, highlighting the significant urban renaissance, cleanliness, and the vitality observed throughout the city. Hammami noted the warm reception given to the CAF delegation, emphasizing the strong connection between sports fans and government officials with football in Ethiopia. He expressed optimism about Ethiopia's future development and praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's announcement of the cou ntry's readiness to host the 2029 AFCON as evidence of governmental commitment to the sport.Mutasim Gafar, a member of the CAF Executive Committee and President of the Sudan Football Association (SFA), also commended the hospitality experienced in Addis Ababa. He acknowledged the historical ties between Ethiopia and Sudan within the CAF framework, dating back to the organization's founding in 1957. Gafar expressed enthusiasm for Ethiopia's potential as a host for the 2029 AFCON, citing the nation's growing football culture and public enthusiasm as key factors.Augustino Maduot Parek, Vice President of the East and Central African Football Association and President of the South Sudan Football Association, echoed these sentiments. He noted that Ethiopia's warm reception was expected and reaffirmed his support for the country's AFCON bid. As a representative of CECAFA, Parek confirmed that Ethiopia is integral to African football and emphasized the procedural steps necessary for the bid's approval by the CAF Executive Office.Source: Ethiopian News Agency