Rabat – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safe and world-class AFCON in Morocco.
The confederation, in partnership with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), launched a training program from November 7-17, covering all six host cities. The program aims to enhance operational safety and security in line with CAF standards and international best practices, CAF stated today.
Christian Emeurwa, CAF’s Head of Safety and Security, said the success of the competition does not only come with the “brilliance of the football on the pitch”
He highlighted the importance of safety and security behind eerie matches.
“This dedicated training for the host city Safety and Security Commanders marks another milestone in our collective commitment to protect the game, its people, and its passion,” he said.
He also reiterated CAF’s appreciation to Morocco’s Ministry of Interior for its “Exceptional facilitation” to conduct the training, as well as to Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) and LOC for the partnership.
He also extended his appreciation to city commanders and members of the Safety and Security Pilotage Committees, commending their professionalism and unity as the “backbone of a safe and world-class AFCON.”
The training seeks to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of CAF’s operational safety and security requirements. It also serves as a platform for the LOC Security Commission to present its security approach.
Key officials have been participating in the program, including officials and commanders responsible for security and emergency operations in each host city.
Morocco is hosting the opening of the global tournament on December 21. Twenty-four teams will take part in the tournament. The teams are divided into six groups of four teams for the group stage.
Group A includes Morocco, Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Group B covers Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Group C includes Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Group D has Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana.
Group E covers Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
As for Group F, it includes Côte d’Ivoire, which won the title last year. It also covers Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.
The opening game will feature the host country, Morocco, against Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on December 21.
