Several commentators unfortunately seem to have
misunderstood and misinterpreted President Infantino’s speech. He stated that
football is one of the tools that should contribute to the economic and social
development and upliftment of many Africans and also to building a better
future and dignity amongst many people on the African Continent. President
Infantino did not say that the FIFA World Cup every 2 years will stop Africans
from crossing the Mediterranean Sea.
The leadership of the 54 African football nations that are
members of CAF have at previous meetings expressed their unanimous support for
the FIFA World Cup taking place every 2 years due to the developmental and
upliftment benefits to Africa and the developing world.
CAF and the African football community are aware that if
African governments, domestic and global businesses and investors and other
development and social partners do not significantly contribute, to the
provision of quality education, jobs, health services and other infrastructure
facilities and create an inclusive and better future for the poor, and
particularly Africa’s approximately 300 million youth between the ages of 15
and 25; Africa will experience periods of consistent and sustained political
and social instability and uprisings as well as migrations of millions of
people within and outside the African Continent, seeking a better and brighter
future.
It is in this context that football is seen in Africa as an
important tool and partner for governments, investors, philanthropists and the
domestic and global football community in contributing to improving the living
conditions of the poor and building an inclusive and bright future for the
people of Africa and particularly the youth.
CAF appreciates the partnership and commitment of FIFA and
President Infantino to the development and growth of football in Africa and the
world.