BBC SPORT | Football | Africa | Caf's fresh start



By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport Online in Cairo

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) opens the doors of its new headquarters on Sunday.

The impressive complex, located in the 6th of October city (20 kilometres outside the Egyptian capital, Cairo) is an improvement on their current abode in the El Borg district, which was constructed in 1973.

"We needed a leap into the new century"

Mustapha Fahmy, Caf general secretary

Work began on the new building on 6 May 2001, when the foundation stone was laid by Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

This followed the decision of Caf's executive committee to purchase land for the construction of the building on 29 July 2000.

Having several competitions under its ambit, including the Cup of Nations, club competitions and youth championships, the new building will help Caf cope with its growing responsibilities.

Rising profile

The $4m complex has three floors, with a large conference room capable of receiving up to 200 people. It is also equipped with two smaller meeting rooms.

"We had to create space for new personnel in the forthcoming years," said Mustapha Fahmy, the general secretary of Caf.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter with Caf boss Issa Hayatou
Blatter laid the foundation stone

The enlargement of its marketing and technical development programs is one of its key priorities.

"With this enormous advancement in African football, the development of its administration had to be at the same level," said Fahmy.

"It was vital to make a technological leap into the new century," said Fahmy.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, as well as the Fifa boss are expected to grace Sunday's grand opening.


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