Total are the new sponsors of the Confederation of African Football for the next eight years.

CAF and Total reached an agreement on Thursday and the oil giant will support the continent’s ten principal competitions starting with the African Cup of Nations to be held in Gabon in 2017. The tournament has been renamed the Total Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to CAF online, Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Football said the partnership will spur the growth of football on the continent.

“This partnership is a major milestone in our ongoing search for additional resources to accelerate African football’s development, bring its governance up to date, upgrade its sports infrastructure and advance its performance globally,” commented Issa Hayatou.

“As a leading multinational in its field, with strong ties to Africa, Total will make a significant contribution to CAF’s initiatives to foster personal and professional growth for young Africans.”

Patrick Pouyanné, president and Chief Executive Officer of Total was elated to be part of the football world which brings together different cultures from across the continent.

“We are delighted to partner with CAF, because Africa is part of Total’s makeup,” remarked Pouyanné.

“Through this commitment, we hope to strengthen ties to our stakeholders and customers through exciting, celebratory events that are always popular, including within our own teams.”

As the title sponsor of 10 CAF competitions, Total will be seen at more than 1,500 matches during:

·         The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

·         The African Nations Championship (CHAN).

·         The CAF inter-club competitions (CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Super Cup).

·         The Youth competitions (U-23, U-20 and U-17 Africa Cup of Nations).

·         The Women Africa Cup of Nations.

·         The Futsal Africa Cup of Nations.