The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) in collaboration with the Sport Commission has announced it has started its preparation to host the 70th edition of FIFA congress. Ethiopia has been chosen to host the upcoming world football governing body’s supreme legislative body, the FIFA congress.
Ethiopia was named to host the congress after the conclusion of its 69th edition, which took place in Paris, France in 2019. During that time, the AU Chairperson stated that the congress will take place at the Unions headquarters in May, 2020. In this regard, the EFF and Sport Commission have set a new committee to commence preparations earlier. Over 3000 guests are expected to participate in the congress.
It is to be recalled that, major takeaways from the 69th were the re-election of Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, until 2023. Furthermore, the congress also approved the activity report and financial statement for 2018 as well as a detailed budget for 2020, which includes USD 810 million allocated, to be invested in football. Each of the 211 members of FIFA has one vote in the congress and the members of FIFA can propose host candidates for the World Cup and Presidency of FIFA.
Ethiopia is the first East African and the fourth African country to host the FIFA congress, next to Morocco in 2005, South Africa in 2010 and Mauritius in 2013. Meanwhile, several media outlets across the world are also expected to participate in the congress.
