April 9 – The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the French Football Federation (FFF) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the growth of women’s football in Egypt.
The agreement was signed in Cairo by EFA President Hany Abu Rida and FFF President Philippe Diallo, as part of a state visit by French president Emanuel Macron to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The MoU will see the federations collaborate on technical and structural initiatives, including the creation of training camps, advanced coaching courses, and bilateral exchange programmes for players and coaches.
Women’s football in Egypt remains underdeveloped, with limited resources and domestic competition, and the national team absent from recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualification campaigns. France, by contrast, is home to one of the most advanced women’s football systems in Europe, with regular Champions League contenders and a deep grassroots network.
“This productive collaboration represents a pivotal step in our commitment to advancing Egyptian football,” said Abu Rida. “We are confident that this partnership with the French Football Federation will yield substantial and enduring benefits.”
FFF President Diallo said the partnership reflects a long-term commitment to supporting the women’s game internationally. “This agreement lays the groundwork for a robust, long-term partnership that will mutually benefit both federations and contribute significantly to the growth of women’s football,” he said.
While few details have been released about timelines or targets, officials say the first exchanges and coaching workshops could begin later this year. The EFA hopes the agreement will help Egypt re-establish itself as a regular competitor in continental competitions and eventually push towards qualification for future FIFA Women’s World Cups.
The collaboration comes at a time when FIFA and CAF have both increased pressure on national federations to invest more seriously in their women’s programmes. Egypt’s women’s league was relaunched in recent years but remains semi-professional with limited visibility.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1744697231labto1744697231ofdlr1744697231owedi1744697231sni@g1744697231niwe.1744697231yrrah1744697231