By ABIRHIRE THOMAS
The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) and VISA today signed an agreement making VISA the official and exclusive payment partner for several CAF Competitions.
The scope of this partnership includes the following CAF Competitions: the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Côte d’Ivoire 2023, the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025, the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (“WAFCON”) 2024 and the CAF WAFCON 2026.
With the CAF African Schools Football Championship, VISA will continue its legacy of empowering athletes and building a more inclusive world through sport.
As the exclusive payment partner for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023, VISA will bring its payment technology to customers and connect African football’s passionate and engaged fans and spectators through unique and unforgettable experiences during the competition.
VISA will also launch its Player Escort Program for the competition, offering children between the ages of 8 and 12, a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk with their favourite players to the pitch before the matches.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “We welcome VISA which is a reputable and established global brand to the African Football Family. This partnership will contribute to increasing the popularity and attractiveness of CAF Competitions amongst football fans and spectators in Africa and worldwide.
The TotalEnergies AFCON Cameroon 2021 was watched by more than 600 million people in approximately 180 Countries in Africa and Worldwide. We are confident that the TotalEnergies AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 will bring together and engage more football fans and spectators.
We are also delighted that VISA shares our commitment to invest, develop and grow Schools Football for Boys and Girls and Women’s Football on the African Continent.”
During the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023, 24 African National Teams will play 52 matches across 6 stadiums with VISA providing its digital payment technology at all venues for tickets bought online and in-person.
Senior Vice-President and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at VISA Mrs Aida Diarra stated: “The AFCON is one of the largest and most-loved football tournaments globally, with millions of fans tuning in from around the World to watch Africa’s best Teams and players.
“Our partnership with CAF and the upcoming tournament in Côte d’Ivoire provides a platform for us to enhance the overall fan experience and further connect with our clients, partners, consumers and the communities in which we do business.
“We are looking forward to bringing new and unique experiences that will make the tournament truly memorable for fans everywhere.”
