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Rabat – Euromed University of Fez organized a high-level conference on Monday in partnership with the Africa Cup of Nations( AFCON) organizing committee, placing the role of football in African soft power, identity, and governance at the center of discussions.
The conference gathered African ambassadors, officials from football federations, members of the Confederation of African Football, sports experts, legal specialists, and students.
The meeting formed part of a forward-looking academic initiative that examined AFCON 2025 not merely as a sporting competition but as a structuring instrument within Africa’s political, economic, and symbolic dynamics.
The debates explored how AFCON can shape narratives around Africa, strengthen diplomatic ties, and contribute to youth engagement across the continent.
The presence of students from different African countries added a generational dimension to the discussions, reinforcing the idea that football intersects with education, mobility, and shared identity.
Euromed University of Fez President Mostapha Bousmina said the conference offered an opportunity to assess the broader impact of AFCON 2025.
In his opening remarks, Bousmina emphasized the importance of sports, particularly football, as a lever for influence, cohesion, and structuring at the African level.”
“The university previously organized a mini AFCON bringing together students from different countries represented in the competition. This is an opportunity to discuss the impact of AFCON, how it was organized, and the outcomes for our country, as well as for Moroccan and African youth.”
He also cited Morocco’s central role in hosting major continental sporting events, showcasing the country’s efforts in infrastructure, sports governance, training, and strategic planning to ensure an exemplary organization of the AFCON, while preparing for an even greater global event, or the 2030 World Cup.
As AFCON 2025 approaches its end, the conference reflected a growing awareness that football in Africa now plays a role that extends well beyond the pitch, intersecting with diplomacy, governance, and the future of African youth.
During the event, speakers shed light on the opportunities by Morocco’s hosting of the tournament as a driver of international influence.
