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The Union of North African Football (UNAF; Arabic: اتحاد شمال إفريقيا لكرة القدم, romanized: Ittiḥād Shamāl Ifrīqyā li-Kurat al-Qadam; French: Union nord-africaine de football) is an association football organising body. It was launched in 2005 by the North African members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. The post of president will be rotated among the five founding nations.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

The Union of North African Football (UNAF) was founded in 2005 and includes the countries of Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia and is continued to the Confederation of African Football that have 53 national football associations distributed into 6 regions. The UNAF is the sixth region of the continent by division accredited to the CAF and the Union has presided over in the first parliamentary period immediately following its founding by Mr. Samir Zaher a former president of the Egyptian Football Association, the president is elected during a plenary session for a period of 4 years by the members of the Union and are the heads of the five unions and the president-elect proposes as his deputy from among the immediate superiors five national unions during the first meeting of an executive office following the election as General Assembly by the Executive Office to determine the heads and members of the committees.

The recent president elected is Mr. Wadii Jari, a president of the Tunisian Football Federation. He was unanimously elected chairman of the UNAF for a term of four years and during the electoral general assembly, which was held on Saturday 25 October 2014 in Tunis. He was also selected Mr. Gamal Allam, a head of the Egyptian Football Association as a vice-president of the UNAF unanimously. On the other hand, the General Assembly approved in particular on the administrative and financial reports of the UNAF as well as the adoption of the estimated budget of the Union project for the year 2015 and the report of the Finance Committee meeting held on 23 October 2014. The program was approved on the North African Union's activities for the year 2015.[2]

Board of directors

[edit]

Current board of directors

[edit]
President Years
President Libya Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani
General Secretary Tunisia Mahmoud Hammami
Assistant General Secretary Tunisia Ridha Kraiem
Chairman of the Technical Committee Algeria Chafik Ameur
Chairman of the Finance Committee Morocco Hassan Filali
Chairman of the Referees Committee Egypt Essam Abdel Fattah
Chairman of the Medical Committee Tunisia Chafik Jarraya

Former presidents

[edit]
President Years
Egypt Samir Zaher 2005–2008
Algeria Mohamed Raouraoua 2008–2011
Morocco Ali Fassi-Fihri 2011–2014
Tunisia Wadie Jary 2014–2018
Libya Jamal Al-Jaafari 2018–2019
Libya Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani 2019–2024
Egypt Gamal Allam 2024–2025
Egypt Hany Abo Rida 2025–Present

Member associations

[edit]

UNAF has 5 member associations. All associations were founding members of UNAF. All of them are members of the Confederation of African Football and the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA).

Code Association National teams Founded FIFA affiliation CAF affiliation UAFA affiliation UNAF affiliation IOC member
ALG  Algeria
1962 1963 1964 1974 2005 Yes
EGY  Egypt
1921 1923 1957 1974 2005 Yes
LBY  Libya
1962 1964 1965 1974 2005 Yes
MAR  Morocco
1955 1960 1959 1976 2005 Yes
TUN  Tunisia
1957 1960 1960 1976 2005 Yes

Competitions

[edit]
See also: List of association football competitions and FIFA International Match Calendar

UNAF runs several competitions which cover men's, women's, youth, clubs and futsal.

Current title holders

[edit]
See also: Portal:Current events/Sports, 2025 in association football, 2025 in sports, and FIFA International Match Calendar
For events postponed or cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, see Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports.
Competition Year Champions Title Runners-up Next edition Most titles
National teams
U-23 tournament 2011  Saudi Arabia 1st  Algeria TBA  Algeria (2)
U-20 tournament 2024  Morocco 3rd  Egypt TBA  Tunisia (9)
U-18 tournament 2019  Morocco 1st  Egypt TBA  Morocco (1)
 Tunisia (1)
U-17 tournament 2024  Egypt 4th  Morocco TBA  Algeria (4)
 Morocco (4)
 Tunisia (4)
 Egypt (4)
U-16 tournament 2022  Egypt 1st  Morocco TBA  Mauritania (1)
 Tunisia (1)
 Egypt (1)
U-15 tournament 2019  Morocco 2nd  Algeria TBA  Morocco (2)
Futsal tournament 2010  Libya 3rd  Morocco TBA  Libya (3)
National teams (women)
Women's tournament 2020  Morocco 1st  Tanzania TBA  Morocco (1)
 Tunisia (1)
U-21 women's tournament 2019 Algeria Algeria 1st Morocco Morocco TBA Algeria Algeria (1)
U-20 women's tournament 2023  Morocco 2nd  Algeria TBA  Morocco (2)
U-17 women's tournament 2024  Tanzania 1st  Tunisia TBA  Tanzania (1)
Schools women's tournament 2022 Morocco School Al-Khattab de Rabat 1st Tunisia School Laroui de Sousse 2024 (Egypt, 14–20 December)
Club teams
Club cup 2015 Morocco Raja Casablanca 1st Egypt Ismaily SC TBA Morocco Raja Casablanca (1)
Club teams (women)
Women's club tournament 2009 Tunisia ASF Sahel 1st Egypt Wadi Degla TBA Algeria ASE Alger Centre (1)
Morocco FC Berrechid (1)
Tunisia ASF Sahel (1)
CAF Women's Champions League UNAF Qualifiers 2025 Morocco AS FAR 3rd Egypt FC Masar 2026 Morocco AS FAR (3)
Women's U-20 club tournament 2024 Algeria Afak Relizane 1st Tunisia ASF Sousse TBA Algeria Afak Relizane (1)

Defunct competitions

[edit]
Competition Year Champions Title Runners-up – Most titles
Club teams (Men's)
UNAF Cup of Champions 2010 Tunisia Club Africain 2nd Algeria MC Alger – Tunisia Club Africain (2)
UNAF Cup Winners Cup 2010 Algeria ES Sétif 1st Libya Al-Nasr Benghazi – –
UNAF Super Cup 2010 Algeria ES Sétif 1st Tunisia CS Sfaxien – Algeria ES Sétif (1)

Major tournament records

[edit]
Legend

For each tournament, the number of teams in each finals tournament (in brackets) are shown.

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
FIFA World Cup record
Team 1930
Uruguay
(13) 		1934
Italy
(16) 		1938
France
(15) 		1950
Brazil
(13) 		1954
Switzerland
(16) 		1958
Sweden
(16) 		1962
Chile
(16) 		1966
England
(16) 		1970
Mexico
(16) 		1974
West Germany
(16) 		1978
Argentina
(16) 		1982
Spain
(24) 		1986
Mexico
(24) 		1990
Italy
(24) 		1994
United States
(24) 		1998
France
(32) 		2002
Japan
South Korea
(32) 		2006
Germany
(32) 		2010
South Africa
(32) 		2014
Brazil
(32) 		2018
Russia
(32) 		2022
Qatar
(32) 		2026
Canada
Mexico
United States
(48) 		2030
Morocco
Portugal
Spain
(48) 		2034
Saudi Arabia
(48) 		Years
 Algeria occupied by France × • • • R1
13th		 R1
22nd		 • • • • • R1
28th		 R2
14th		 • • Q 5/15
 Egypt × R1
13th		 × × • × × × × • • • • R1
20th		 • • • • • • R1
31st		 • Q 4/16
 Morocco protectorate of France • × R1
14th		 • • • R2
11th		 • R1
23rd		 R1
18th		 • • • • R1
27th		 4th Q Q 7/16
 Tunisia protectorate of France • × • • R1
9th		 • • • • R1
26th		 R1
29th		 R1
24th		 • • R1
24th		 R1
21st		 Q 7/16
Total (4 teams) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 4 TBD TBD 19
Firsts
  • 1934:  Egypt first African team to qualify for the World Cup
  • 1970:  Morocco first African team to draw a match in the World Cup
  • 1978:  Tunisia first African team to win a match in the World Cup[3]
  • 1982:  Algeria first African team to win two matches in the World Cup[4][5]
  • 1986:  Algeria first African team to qualify two consecutive World Cups
  • 1986:  Morocco first African team to reach the knockout stage (round of sixteen)[6]
  • 2022:  Morocco first African team to reach the semi-finals[7]

Olympic Games For Men

[edit]
Olympic Games (Men's tournament) record
Team 1900
France
(3)		 1904
United States
(3)		 1908
United Kingdom
(6)		 1912
Sweden
(11)		 1920
Belgium
(14)		 1924
France
(22)		 1928
Netherlands
(17)		 1936
Germany
(16)		 1948
United Kingdom
(18)		 1952
Finland
(25)		 1956
Australia
(11)		 1960
Italy
(16)		 1964
Japan
(14)		 1968
Mexico
(16)		 1972
West Germany
(16)		 1976
Canada
(13)		 1980
Soviet Union
(16)		 1984
United States
(16)		 1988
South Korea
(16)		 1992
Spain
(16)		 1996
United States
(16)		 2000
Australia
(16)		 2004
Greece
(16)		 2008
China
(16)		 2012
United Kingdom
(16)		 2016
Brazil
(16)		 2020
Japan
(16)		 2024
France
(16)		 2028
United States
(...)		 Years
 Algeria Part of France • • • • QF
8th		 • • • • • • • • R1
14th		 • • 2/28
 Egypt R1
8th		 QF
8th		 4th R1
9th		 R1
11th		 R1
9th		 • R1
12th		 4th • • • • QF
8th		 • R1
12th		 • • • • QF
8th		 • QF
8th		 4th 13/28
 Morocco Part of France • R1
13th		 • QF
8th		 • • R1
12th		 • R1
15 		• R1
16th		 R1
10th		 • R1
11th		 • • 3rd 8/28
 Tunisia Part of France R1
15th		 • • • • • • R1
13th		 • R1
14th		 • R1
12th		 • • • • • 4/28
Total (4 teams) 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 2 0 1 0 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 0 2 1 1 2 27

Africa Cup of Nations

[edit]
Africa Cup of Nations record
Team Sudan
1957
(3) 		United Arab Republic
1959
(3) 		Ethiopia
1962
(4) 		Ghana
1963
(6) 		Tunisia
1965
(6) 		Ethiopia
1968
(8) 		Sudan
1970
(8) 		Cameroon
1972
(8) 		Egypt
1974
(8) 		Ethiopia
1976
(8) 		Ghana
1978
(8) 		Nigeria
1980
(8) 		Libya
1982
(8) 		Ivory Coast
1984
(8) 		Egypt
1986
(8) 		Morocco
1988
(8) 		Algeria
1990
(8) 		Senegal
1992
(12) 		Tunisia
1994
(12) 		South Africa
1996
(15) 		Burkina Faso
1998
(16) 		Ghana
Nigeria
2000
(16) 		Mali
2002
(16) 		Tunisia
2004
(16) 		Egypt
2006
(16) 		Ghana
2008
(16) 		Angola
2010
(15) 		Equatorial Guinea
Gabon
2012
(16) 		South Africa
2013
(16) 		Equatorial Guinea
2015
(16) 		Gabon
2017
(16) 		Egypt
2019
(24) 		Cameroon
2021
(24) 		Ivory Coast
2023
(24) 		Morocco
2025
(24) 		Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
2027
(24) 		Years
 Algeria Part of France × GS • • • • • 2nd 4th 3rd GS 3rd 1st GS •• QF GS QF GS QF • • 4th • GS QF GS 1st GS GS Q 21/35
 Egypt 1st 1st 2nd 3rd × × 3rd • 3rd 4th • 4th × 4th 1st GS GS GS QF QF 1st QF QF GS 1st 1st 1st • • • 2nd R2 2nd R2 Q 27/35
 Libya • × • × × × × 2nd • • × × × × × × • • • GS • • GS • • • • • • • 3/35
 Morocco × • × × • GS × 1st GS 3rd • • 4th 4th • GS • • QF GS GS 2nd GS GS • GS GS •• QF R2 QF R2 Q 20/35
 Tunisia 3rd GS 2nd • × × × • 4th × GS • • • • • GS 2nd QF 4th GS 1st QF QF GS QF GS QF QF 4th QF GS Q 22/35
Total (5 teams) 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 2 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 4 4 4 4 4 TBD 93

African Nations Championship

[edit]
African Nations Championship record
Team 2009
Ivory Coast
(8) 		2011
Sudan
(16) 		2014
South Africa
(16) 		2016
Rwanda
(16) 		2018
Kenya
(16) 		2020
Cameroon
(16) 		2022
Algeria
(17) 		2024
Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
(TBD) 		Years
 Algeria • 4th × × • • 2nd QF 3/8
 Egypt × × × × • × × × 0/8
 Libya GS • 1st • 4th GS GS × 5/8
 Morocco • • QF GS 1st 1st •• 1st 5/8
 Tunisia • 1st • QF × •• × •• 2/8
Total (5 teams) 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 15

FIFA Futsal World Cup

[edit]
FIFA Futsal World Cup record
Team 1989
Netherlands
(16)		 1992
Hong Kong
(16)		 1996
Spain
(16)		 2000
Guatemala
(16)		 2004
Taiwan
(16)		 2008
Brazil
(20)		 2012
Thailand
(24)		 2016
Colombia
(24)		 2021
Lithuania
(24)		 2024
Uzbekistan
(24)		 Years
 Algeria R1
15th		 × × × × × × × • • 1/9
 Egypt × × R1
12th		 R2
6th		 R1
9th		 R1
13th		 R2
14th		 QF
8th		 R1
19th		 • 7/9
 Libya × × × • × R1
16th		 R1
24th		 • • R1
18th 		3/9
 Morocco × × × • • • R1
23rd		 R1
20th		 QF
8th		 QF
7th 		4/9
 Tunisia × × × × × • • • × × 0/9
Total (5 teams) 1 0 1 1 1 2 3 2 2 2 15

Futsal Africa Cup of Nations

[edit]
Futsal Africa Cup of Nations record
Team Egypt
1996		 Egypt
2000		 h/a
2004		 Libya
2008		 Burkina Faso
2011		 South Africa
2016		 Morocco
2020		 Mozambique
2024		 Years
 Algeria × × × × × • • 0/7
 Egypt 1st 1st 1st 2nd 2nd 2nd 4th 7/7
 Libya × 3rd × 1st R1 4th 3rd 5/7
 Morocco × 2nd 3rd 3rd 1st 1st 1st 6/7
 Tunisia × × × R1 R1 × × 2/7
Total (5 teams) 1 3 2 4 − 4 3 3 20

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

[edit]
Year
Team
 Beach Soccer World Championships FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Appearances
1995
Brazil
(8) 		1996
Brazil
(8) 		1997
Brazil
(8) 		1998
Brazil
(10) 		1999
Brazil
(12) 		2000
Brazil
(12) 		2001
Brazil
(12) 		2002
Brazil
(8) 		2003
Brazil
(8) 		2004
Brazil
(12) 		2005
Brazil
(12) 		2006
Brazil
(16) 		2007
Brazil
(16) 		2008
France
(16) 		2009
United Arab Emirates
(16) 		2011
Italy
(16) 		2013
French Polynesia
(16) 		2015
Portugal
(16) 		2017
The Bahamas
(16) 		2019
Paraguay
(16) 		2021
Russia
(16) 		2024
United Arab Emirates
(16) 		2025
Seychelles
(16) 		WC
/10 		FIFA
/13 		Total
/23
 Egypt • • • • • • • • • • × • • • • • • • • • • R1
12th		 • 0 1 1
Total (1 team) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1

Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations

[edit]
Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations record
Year
Team
 2006
South Africa
(6) 		2007
South Africa
(8) 		2008
South Africa
(8) 		2009
South Africa
(9) 		2011
Morocco
(9) 		2013
Morocco
(8) 		2015
Seychelles
(8) 		2016
Nigeria
(8) 		2018
Egypt
(8) 		2021
Senegal
(7) 		2022
Mozambique
(8) 		2024
Egypt
(8) 		Apps
⁄12
 Algeria × × × × 6th × × × × × × × 1
 Egypt 3rd 5th 4th 4th 3rd R1 6th 3rd 3rd 5th 2nd 4th 12
 Libya × × × R1 8th R1 × 8th 8th × × × 5
 Morocco 6th × × 5th 5th 3rd 5th 4th 4th 3rd 3rd 3rd 10
 Tunisia × × × × × × × × × × × × 0
Total (5 teams) 2 1 1 3 4 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 30

Former tournaments

[edit]

FIFA Confederations Cup

[edit]
FIFA Confederations Cup record
Team 1992
Saudi Arabia
(4) 		1995
Saudi Arabia
(6) 		1997
Saudi Arabia
(8) 		1999
Mexico
(8) 		2001
South Korea
Japan
(8) 		2003
France
(8) 		2005
Germany
(8) 		2009
South Africa
(8) 		2013
Brazil
(8) 		2017
Russia
(8) 		Years
 Egypt • • • R1
7th		 • • • R1
6th		 • • 2/10
 Tunisia • • • • • • R1
6th		 • • • 1/10
Total (2 teams) 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 3

Rankings

[edit]

Men's national futsal teams

[edit]
UNAF CAF FIFA Country Points
1 1 8  Morocco 1502
2 2 37  Egypt 1112
3 3 42  Libya 1080
4 8 93  Tunisia 800
5 9 96  Algeria 790

Last updated 23 June 2023

African school football championship

[edit]

The 2023 CAF African Schools Football Championship Qualifiers took place in Cairo, Egypt.[10][11] Libya won the boys category and Morocco won the girls category, thus both qualifying African Schools Football Championship Finals.[12][13][14]

Controversy

[edit]

On 20 November 2009, the Egyptian Football Association withdrew its membership citing the incidents that accompanied the playoff between Egypt and Algeria,[15][16] but returned in 2011.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

UNAF

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Union of North African Football (UNAF) is a sub-regional confederation dedicated to the development and organization of association football among North African nations, comprising the member associations of Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. Established in 2005 as an initiative of these countries' football federations under the umbrella of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), UNAF serves to foster regional competition, youth development, and infrastructure improvement in the sport. UNAF's primary activities include hosting annual youth tournaments across various age groups, such as the U-17, U-18, and U-20 championships, which act as qualifiers and preparatory events for continental CAF competitions. These events have produced notable talents and strengthened intra-regional rivalries, with member nations like and frequently dominating due to their established football programs. Additionally, UNAF coordinates women's football initiatives, including qualifiers for the , promoting gender inclusion in a region where the sport has historically been male-dominated. While UNAF has contributed to elevating North African football's profile within CAF—evidenced by the consistent qualification of its members to major tournaments like the and —the organization operates without major publicized controversies, focusing instead on administrative collaboration amid geopolitical tensions among members. Its efforts align with broader CAF goals of grassroots development and competitive balance, though challenges persist in areas like Libya's instability affecting hosting capabilities.

History

Formation in 2005

The Union of North African Football Federations (UNAF) was established in 2005 as a sub-regional body under the (CAF), comprising the national associations of , , , , and . These five federations, sharing geographic proximity and cultural ties, sought to enhance intra-regional cooperation beyond CAF's continental framework, focusing on joint development initiatives and dedicated tournaments. Headquartered in , , UNAF's creation addressed the need for localized governance to address North Africa's specific football challenges, such as talent pipelines and competitive balance among dominant national teams. The founding emphasized youth and developmental categories from inception, with the inaugural UNAF U-20 Tournament held in later that year, underscoring the priority on nurturing emerging talent through regular sub-regional fixtures. This event, hosted from 16 to 22 December 2005, involved the core member nations and set a precedent for UNAF's role in supplementing CAF qualifiers and bilateral matches, promoting higher standards without diluting national commitments to broader African competitions. Unlike broader Arab or pan-African bodies, UNAF's narrow focus enabled agile organization of events tailored to North African dynamics, including logistical ease and rivalries like the Maghreb-Egypt axis.

Key Developments and Milestones (2006–2025)

In 2010, UNAF conducted prominent club competitions, including the Cup Winners Cup, which Algerian side Entente Setif captured by defeating a Libyan opponent in the final. That year also marked the debut of the North African Super Cup, pitting regional champions against cup winners to foster competitive exchanges among North African clubs. UNAF expanded its youth initiatives with regular tournaments serving as qualifiers for (CAF) events. The 2020 U-20 Tournament took place in , featuring national teams from , , , , and host to enhance regional talent pipelines. In March 2023, UNAF organized a women's U-20 developmental tournament in league format across three matchdays, aimed at bolstering female participation and skills in the sub-region. By 2024, UNAF's U-20 qualifiers for the TotalEnergies Africa U-20 Cup of Nations culminated in Morocco's victory during the event held in , , from November 14 to 26, with the hosts also advancing; this success highlighted Morocco's dominance and provided direct pathways to continental competition. These efforts underscore UNAF's ongoing role in coordinating sub-regional events to support CAF structures, though participation has occasionally been limited by logistical and interest factors among members.

Governance

Organizational Structure

The Union of North African Football (UNAF) is structured as a zonal confederation under the (CAF), comprising five member national federations: , , , , and . Governance is led by a president elected by the member associations, who serves as the chief executive responsible for strategic direction, regional competitions, and coordination with CAF. The current president, Hany Abo Rida of the Egyptian Football Association, was elected in March 2025, succeeding compatriot Gamal Allam. The executive framework includes an executive committee drawn from representatives of the member federations, which convenes to make decisions on policy, budgets, and developmental initiatives. This committee ensures rotational leadership and equitable participation among members, aligning with CAF's zonal statutes that define UNAF as the Northern Zone. UNAF also nominates a delegate to the CAF Executive Committee; as of 2025, this role is held by Sadi Walid of . To support operations, CAF provides dedicated administrative assistance, including an for UNAF appointed in early 2025 to coordinate workshops, courses, and football development programs across the zone. This position facilitates implementation of CAF-aligned activities without overriding the autonomy of UNAF's member-driven decision-making. Overall, the structure emphasizes collaboration among national bodies to promote North African football, with authority vested in periodic general assemblies of the federations.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Union of North African Football (UNAF) provides oversight and strategic guidance for the confederation's operations, including tournament organization and regional development initiatives within its five member federations: , , , , and . Composed primarily of representatives from these national associations, typically their presidents or designees, the board elects the UNAF president and appoints key executive roles to ensure alignment with (CAF) statutes. Hany Abo Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, was elected UNAF president on March 11, 2025, succeeding Gamal Allam in the role. His election occurred alongside broader CAF executive committee voting, reflecting UNAF's integration into continental governance structures. Abo Rida's leadership emphasizes enhanced regional competitions and youth development, building on UNAF's zonal priorities. Mahmoud Hammami serves as UNAF's , handling day-to-day administration, event coordination, and liaison with CAF. Hammami, a Tunisian with prior in UNAF's and secretariat roles, has been in organizing tournaments such as the 2024 UNAF U-17 Championship in . Additional board functions are delegated to standing committees, including technical, finance, and development panels chaired by experts from member nations, though detailed current compositions are managed internally and reported via CAF channels. For instance, Algerian FA president Walid Sadi represents UNAF on the CAF Executive Committee, elected in March 2025, underscoring the board's role in broader African football policy.

Current Leadership

Hany Abo Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, serves as the current president of UNAF, having been elected on March 11, 2025, during an assembly in . He succeeded Gamal Allam, another Egyptian, in the role. The executive bureau, which manages UNAF's operations, comprises representatives from member federations but currently lacks a dedicated , as confirmed in a July 24, 2025, meeting in , . That session reviewed finances from July 1, 2024, to July 30, 2025, and planned youth tournaments, including a U-18 event in December 2025. Walid Sadi, president of the , represents UNAF on the CAF Executive , elected in March 2025.

Former Presidents

Ben Ammar Hamouda, then-chairman of the , was selected as the inaugural president of UNAF upon its establishment in February 2005 to lead the regional body's initial organizational efforts among the member associations of , , , , and . Wadii Jari, president of the , was elected as UNAF president on October 26, 2014, during an elective general assembly in , succeeding the prior leadership for a four-year mandate focused on enhancing regional competitions and development programs. Abdulhakim Alshalmani, head of the Libyan Football Federation, was elected president on November 30, 2019, at a congress in Tunis, emphasizing strengthened collaboration within North African football amid ongoing regional challenges. Gamal Allam, an Egyptian football administrator and former president of the Egyptian Football Association (2012–2016 and 2022 onward), held the UNAF presidency by October 2024, overseeing tournaments such as the UNAF U-17 Championship before being succeeded in March 2025.

Membership

Member Associations

The Union of North African Football (UNAF) consists of five full member associations, representing the national governing bodies for in , , , , and . These federations are all founding members, having joined upon UNAF's establishment on 24 February 2005 in , , with headquarters subsequently based in , . Each association is also a full member of both the (CAF) and , enabling coordinated regional development and qualification pathways for continental and global competitions.
CountryAssociation Name (English/French Acronym)Key Notes
(Fédération Algérienne de Football, FAF)Hosts UNAF events periodically; active in youth and senior qualifiers.
(Egyptian Football Association, EFA)Frequent UNAF tournament participant and multiple-time regional champion in youth categories.
Libyan Football Federation (Libyan Football Federation, LFF)Participates despite periodic domestic instability; involved in all recent UNAF qualifiers.
(Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, FRMF)Strong performer in UNAF events; advocates for intra-regional player transfers.
(Fédération Tunisienne de Football, FTF)Hosts UNAF headquarters; regular organizer of regional tournaments.
No associate or provisional members are currently recognized by UNAF, maintaining a focused regional bloc distinct from broader or Mediterranean football bodies. All associations actively collaborate on developmental initiatives, including U-17, U-20, and senior-level qualifiers for CAF pathways, as evidenced by round-robin formats in recent events.

Eligibility and Regional Focus

The Union of North African Football (UNAF) maintains a regional focus on , encompassing the subregion and , with membership eligibility strictly limited to the national football federations of , , , , and . These five associations, all full members of the (CAF) and , form the exclusive membership base, enabling targeted initiatives in youth development, infrastructure, and subregional competitions tailored to shared geographic, climatic, and cultural contexts. Eligibility requires alignment with CAF's zonal framework, which designates as a distinct zone separate from other African subregions like (WAFU) or East/Central Africa (CECAFA/UNIFFAC); non-North African associations or entities lacking CAF/FIFA recognition are ineligible for full membership or voting rights. This closed structure, unchanged since UNAF's 2005 establishment, prioritizes intra-regional cohesion over expansion, avoiding dilution of resources across broader African geography. Participation in UNAF events, such as zonal qualifiers, further demands compliance with CAF standards on player eligibility, stadium infrastructure, and governance, ensuring competitive integrity.

Objectives and Activities

Promotional and Developmental Goals

UNAF pursues promotional goals by coordinating sub-regional competitions that elevate the profile of across , including qualifiers for continental events organized by the (CAF). These tournaments, such as the UNAF zone qualifiers for the held in from August 31 to September 9, 2025, aim to boost participation and regional interest in the sport. Developmental objectives emphasize talent nurturing, particularly in underrepresented areas like women's and youth football, through targeted events that provide competitive experience and skill-building opportunities. For instance, UNAF has organized under-20 women's club tournaments explicitly as developmental platforms to strengthen national teams and expand the women's game. Similarly, youth competitions, including U-20 women's events featuring victories by teams from and in March 2023, support zonal teams in achieving continental success by enhancing technical proficiency and tactical awareness. These efforts align with broader CAF directives for zonal unions to localize football growth, focusing on engagement and preparation for international qualifiers without direct funding mandates. UNAF's activities thus prioritize competition as a for , addressing regional disparities in player pathways while promoting unity among member associations from , , , , and .

Collaboration with CAF and FIFA

UNAF functions as a sub-regional entity within the (CAF), organizing tournaments that serve as qualifiers for CAF's continental age-group and club competitions. For instance, the UNAF U-20 Tournament determines North African representatives for the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, as demonstrated by and qualifying through the 2024 edition held in , , from November 14 to 26. Similarly, UNAF conducts qualifiers for the , with the 2025 edition hosted in from August 24 to 30 to select the regional participant. These activities align with CAF's statutes, which recognize UNAF as one of six regional unions responsible for coordinating football development and competition pathways in . UNAF's initiatives, including U-17 and U-18 events, support CAF's broader goals of enhancing youth talent pipelines and regional integration, often adhering to qualification formats approved by CAF to ensure seamless progression to continental stages. In collaboration with , UNAF incorporates elements of the FIFA Forward development programme, which funds , training, and youth competitions across member associations. A notable example is the inaugural UNAF FIFA Forward U-18 Tournament in 2025, involving n nations to promote grassroots and elite youth development under FIFA's global framework. This partnership extends FIFA's investment in African football—exceeding USD 1 billion since —by leveraging UNAF's regional structure for targeted programmes in . Overall, these collaborations emphasize UNAF's role in bridging local efforts with continental and international standards, prioritizing empirical talent identification and alignment over broader political considerations.

Competitions

Senior and Youth Tournaments

The Union of North African Football (UNAF) primarily focuses youth national team tournaments on under-17, under-20, and under-23 age groups, which often function as regional qualifiers for (CAF) continental championships. These events promote development among member associations—, , , , and —through competitive round-robin or formats tailored to limited participation. Senior-level national team tournaments for men are rare, with sporadic editions like the 2007–2008 UNAF Tournament featuring matches among full senior squads, including versus . For women's senior teams, UNAF has held dedicated tournaments, such as the 2021 UNAF Women's Tournament, which provided competitive fixtures and statistics tracking for participating nations. These events emphasize regional rivalry amid broader CAF integration, though men's senior competitions remain infrequent due to the dominance of the . Youth tournaments receive regular scheduling, with the UNAF U-17 Tournament serving as a key preparatory stage. In the 2024 edition hosted in from April 25–30, clinched the title via a round-robin system involving all five members; they topped the standings after a 1–1 draw with hosts in the decisive final match, securing qualification pathways to the CAF . The UNAF U-20 Tournament, similarly structured, was contested in in 2022, offering fixtures, standings, and player statistics for development. Recent UNAF U-20 qualifiers for the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, held in starting November 2024, saw and claim opening wins, underscoring the tournament's role in advancing two teams to the continental finals. UNAF U-23 tournaments have also occurred, such as the 2010 edition where defeated 4–0 and beat (as guests) 2–1 in group stage matches. These youth events prioritize skill-building and / pathway alignment, with outcomes directly influencing broader African representation.

Futsal and Beach Soccer Competitions

The Union of North African Football (UNAF) has not established dedicated regional tournaments for or national teams, with such disciplines primarily governed at the continental level by the (). UNAF member associations—, Egypt, , , and Tunisia—participate individually in 's and Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, which serve as qualifiers for 's global events. For instance, secured the 2024 title by defeating 4-0 in the final held in , marking their third championship and qualification for the . In , defended their title at the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in , , defeating in the final on October 26, 2024, while claimed third place over . UNAF nations have shown competitive presence, with and frequently advancing to later stages, though no collective regional framework under UNAF coordinates preparation or qualifiers exclusively for . This contrasts with UNAF's more active role in 11-a-side youth and senior tournaments, reflecting a prioritization of conventional formats amid limited infrastructure for and in the region. Developmental efforts in these variants remain tied to national federations' initiatives, often supported by CAF programs rather than UNAF-specific events, as evidenced by the absence of documented regional championships in official CAF or member records.

Current Title Holders

Egypt holds the title in the UNAF U-17 Tournament, having won the 2024 edition with a 7-1 victory over in the final match on November 24, 2024, securing qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco is the current champion of the UNAF U-20 Tournament, clinching the 2024 title through victories including 2-1 over Egypt and Tunisia, a 1-1 draw with Algeria, and a 4-0 win against Libya, which qualified them for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. In women's club football, AS FAR of Morocco won the 2025 UNAF Women's Club Championship, held in Tunisia from August 31 to September 9, marking their third title and earning a spot in the CAF Women's Champions League final tournament.
CompetitionCurrent HolderYear Won
UNAF U-17 Tournament (Men)Egypt2024
UNAF U-20 Tournament (Men)Morocco2024
UNAF Women's Club ChampionshipAS FAR (Morocco)2025
UNAF does not regularly organize senior men's national team tournaments, focusing instead on youth development and club competitions as qualifiers for CAF events. Recent editions of futsal and beach soccer events under UNAF lack publicly documented title holders as of October 2025, with regional teams often competing at the continental CAF level where holds the men's title from 2024.

Defunct or Suspended Events

The UNAF Club Championship, contested between the league champions of North African member associations, was held for three editions from the 2008–09 to the 2010–11 seasons before being discontinued without official explanation from the organizing body. of claimed victory in two editions (2008–09 and 2010–11), while ES Sétif of won the intervening 2009–10 tournament. The North African Super Cup, established in 2010 as a single-match contest between the UNAF Club Championship winner and the UNAF Cup winner, produced one edition won by before its planned 2011 renewal was cancelled amid regional instability from the Arab Spring revolutions, which disrupted cross-border travel and security arrangements. No subsequent attempts to revive the competition have occurred, effectively suspending it indefinitely. These club-level events, initiated shortly after UNAF's formation in 2005 to foster regional rivalry, ceased amid broader challenges including political unrest and limited participation interest, with no replacement structures announced by the union.

Performance Records

Qualifications for Global Tournaments

National teams from UNAF member associations—, , , , and —qualify for senior global tournaments such as the through the (CAF) qualification process, which consists of group stages featuring matches against other African nations. Unlike youth competitions, UNAF does not organize preliminary qualifiers for senior events; instead, direct performance in CAF's multi-year campaigns determines advancement. For the , expanded to nine direct African slots plus one intercontinental playoff spot, , , , and secured direct qualification by topping or performing strongly in their respective groups as of October 2025, marking the first instance where all four UNAF-eligible nations advanced simultaneously. Libya remains the only UNAF member without a World Cup appearance. and have each qualified for seven editions, for five, and for four including 2026. Qualification for Olympic men's football, limited to four African slots, occurs via the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (U-23 AFCON), where the top three finishers plus the playoff winner advance; UNAF nations have demonstrated consistent success here due to their competitive regional depth. Egypt holds the strongest record among UNAF teams, qualifying for multiple editions including Paris 2024, while Morocco also advanced to Paris 2024 after strong U-23 AFCON performances. Algeria and Tunisia have qualified sporadically, with Tunisia reaching the Olympics in 1996; Libya has no Olympic appearances. For youth global tournaments, UNAF plays a direct role by hosting regional qualifiers that feed into CAF's U-17 and U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, from which the top four teams per event qualify for the respective FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups. The UNAF U-17 Championship, for instance, determines North Africa's representative(s) for the U-17 AFCON; Egypt won the 2024 edition in with a 7-1 final victory over , securing CAF progression. Similarly, Morocco's victory in the 2023 UNAF U-20 qualifiers propelled them to win the U-20 AFCON and subsequently the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in . These sub-regional events, typically involving round-robin formats among the five members, enhance preparation and ensure at least one UNAF team advances to continental stages, though slot allocation favors larger zones like . often struggles, qualifying less frequently due to internal challenges.

Regional Championship Achievements

Egypt's under-17 national team secured the UNAF U-17 Tournament title in 2022 by defeating in the final match held in . In 2024, Egypt repeated as champions after a 1-1 draw against host nation in the decisive fixture, clinching the tournament through the overall standings. These victories highlight Egypt's recent dominance in the under-17 category within North African regional competition. Tunisia's under-20 national team won the 2021 UNAF U-20 Tournament by overcoming in the final, marking their third consecutive title in the competition. This success underscores Tunisia's strong performance in youth development tournaments organized by UNAF, which often serve as qualifiers for the CAF U-20. In the UNAF U-23 Tournament, early editions saw claim the 2006 title, while triumphed in 2007 via a victory over following a 0-0 draw. captured the 2010 edition, defeating regional rivals in the process. These outcomes reflect competitive balance among UNAF members in the under-23 age group during the tournament's initial years.

National Team Successes and Shortcomings

National teams from UNAF member associations—Algeria, , , , , and —have collectively produced some of Africa's most prominent football achievements, particularly in the (AFCON) and qualifiers. leads with seven AFCON titles, earned in 1957, 1959, 1986, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2019, establishing it as the continent's most decorated senior men's side. secured the 1976 AFCON and has qualified for six s, including a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 tournament, the deepest run by any African team. claimed AFCON victories in 1990 and 2019, alongside four World Cup appearances, reaching the round of 16 in 1986 and 2014. has qualified for five World Cups (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018), while reached the 1982 AFCON final and won the (CHAN). lifted the 1970 AFCON as hosts, its sole major title. These successes stem from robust domestic infrastructures in countries like and , which have invested in youth academies and professional leagues, yielding talents such as Egypt's and Morocco's . In World Cup qualifiers for 2026, four UNAF teams—, , , and —advanced to strong positions, with securing automatic qualification first among African sides on October 14, 2025. However, collective regional dominance remains elusive; UNAF teams have won only 10 of 34 AFCON titles overall, and beyond 's 2022 breakthrough, no other has advanced past the quarterfinals. Shortcomings arise primarily from political instability and interstate rivalries, which disrupt intra-UNAF cooperation and match schedules. Algeria-Morocco tensions, rooted in disputes over , have caused repeated forfeits: Morocco withdrew from the 2023 CHAN in Algeria on January 23, 2023, citing flight restrictions and security concerns. Similar issues canceled club ties in 2024 over jersey map designs, exacerbating bilateral boycotts since 2018. Libya's national team endured FIFA suspension from 2013 to 2018 due to , limiting participation and development. Sudan's ongoing conflict since 2023 has forced home games abroad, though recent qualifiers yielded unbeaten runs under coach . Absent regular senior UNAF tournaments—unlike youth events—members rarely compete regionally, hindering tactical cohesion and exposing weaknesses in smaller nations like and , which lag in FIFA rankings and global qualifications. These factors contribute to inconsistent global performances, with early exits common despite talent pools.

Rankings

Men's Senior National Teams

The men's senior national teams affiliated with UNAF—representing , , , , , and —are evaluated primarily through the / Men's World Ranking system, which employs an Elo-based model to assess performance in international matches. As of the October 17, 2025 update, leads among UNAF teams at 12th globally, reflecting strong recent results including a semifinal appearance at the and consistent continental success. follows at 32nd, bolstered by historical achievements like three titles, though recent form has varied. ranks 35th, drawing from its 2019 victory and robust qualifying campaigns. Tunisia holds the 41st position, supported by frequent quarterfinal appearances and defensive solidity in qualifiers. , at approximately 110th, has shown sporadic improvement through regional tournaments but faces challenges from domestic instability affecting preparation. ranks lowest among active UNAF participants, around 160th, hampered by prolonged civil conflict limiting competitive matches since 2023. These positions underscore Morocco's dominance in the region, with the other teams competing closely for continental spots despite varying infrastructure and geopolitical constraints.
Global RankTeamKey Recent Achievements
122022 World Cup semifinalists; 2023 Arab Cup runners-up
322017, 2019 finalists
352019 champions
412021 round of 16
~110Libya2023 UNAF Cup participation amid recovery efforts
~160SudanLimited internationals due to 2023-ongoing conflict

Women's and Youth Teams

leads the UNAF women's senior national teams in the , positioned at 59th globally as of August 2025, reflecting its third-place standing in and stronger infrastructure for women's football development compared to regional peers. follows at 80th, bolstered by recent improvements in West African regional competitions. and rank closely at 95th and 96th, respectively, with performances in continental qualifiers showing moderate competitiveness but limited progression beyond group stages in major tournaments like the . remains unranked, as its national team operates without full recognition and has engaged in few official matches, though participation in the 2025 FIFA Unites: Women's Series signals emerging efforts.
Global RankAssociationPoints (approx.)
591,450
801,279
951,215
961,207
UnrankedLibyaN/A
Youth teams lack formalized FIFA rankings, with evaluations derived from outcomes in UNAF-specific events and CAF youth qualifiers, where match results and qualification rates indicate relative strengths. In the 2023 UNAF U-20 Women's Tournament hosted in , demonstrated early dominance by defeating 3-1 and topping initial standings, highlighting its edge in regional youth rivalries ahead of broader African competitions. exhibits superior youth pipeline sustainability, securing automatic qualification for the 2025 as host nation and advancing through preparatory tournaments, while and have qualified for CAF U-17 finals but struggled against top African sides. Libya's youth programs remain underdeveloped, with minimal documented participation in ranked events. These disparities underscore varying investments in grassroots and academy systems across UNAF, with 's hosting role expected to elevate regional standards post-2025.

Futsal and Beach Soccer Rankings

dominates futsal rankings among UNAF member nations, holding the sixth position in the FIFA Men's Futsal World Ranking as of August 2025, with a points total surpassing 1480, making it Africa's highest-ranked team. follows as the second-best UNAF performer at 36th globally, while ranks 45th; and lag further behind, with limited participation in major international futsal events contributing to their lower standings. These positions stem from performances in CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and global tournaments, where 's consistent semifinal and final appearances underscore its technical superiority, though UNAF-specific futsal competitions have been dormant since the North African Futsal Tournament's last edition in 2010.
CountryFIFA Global Rank (Aug 2025)Confederation Rank (CAF)
6th1st
36th2nd-3rd
45th4th
Unranked top 50Lower
Unranked top 50Lower
In beach soccer, BSWW World Rankings place Morocco as the leading UNAF nation, with approximately 902 points as of late 2025, reflecting strong showings in CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, including bronze medals in recent editions. Egypt trails with around 690 points, benefiting from semifinal appearances, while Tunisia lacks a current BSWW ranking due to inactivity. Algeria and Libya show minimal global presence, with no top-50 rankings, highlighting underdeveloped infrastructure and infrequent qualification for continental events like the CAF Beach Soccer AFCON. UNAF does not publish dedicated beach soccer rankings, relying instead on these international metrics, where North African teams collectively underperform compared to West African powerhouses like .

Youth and Grassroots Initiatives

African School Football Championship

The Union of North African Football (UNAF) organizes zonal qualifying tournaments for the (CAF) African Schools Football Championship, targeting U-15 boys and girls from school teams across its member associations: , , , , and . Launched by CAF in 2022 as part of its Football for Schools program, these qualifiers promote grassroots development by selecting regional representatives for the annual continental finals, emphasizing accessible, school-based competition to nurture young talent. UNAF events typically feature round-robin formats among national school selections, held in host cities within the region, with winners advancing to compete against qualifiers from other CAF zones. In the 2022-23 season, Algeria's boys' team won the UNAF qualifiers, securing qualification for the inaugural continental finals in , . Morocco claimed the girls' title that year, demonstrating early regional dominance. The 2023 qualifiers, hosted in , from December 17 to 19, saw retain the girls' crown with a 12-0 final victory over , while boys' matches remained competitive among , , and others. repeated as girls' champions in the 2023-24 season. For the 2024-25 edition, hosted the boys' qualifiers in , topping the round-robin with a 1-0 win over and a 0-0 draw against to advance to the continental finals in , . These tournaments highlight UNAF's role in fostering competitive environments that integrate and , though participation varies by association due to logistical and developmental factors. North African qualifiers have consistently produced strong performers, contributing to the program's goal of engaging over 800,000 youth continent-wide in structured football activities.

U-17 and U-20 Development Programs

The U-17 and U-20 development programs under the Union of North African Football (UNAF) center on regional tournaments that function as both talent nurturing platforms and qualifiers for the (CAF) at corresponding age groups. Involving national teams from core members , , , , and , these events emphasize competitive match experience to build technical skills, tactical awareness, and international exposure for young players, facilitating pathways to continental and potentially global stages. The UNAF U-17 Tournament targets players under 17 years old, providing a structured environment for scouting and development amid North Africa's football landscape. Held in in April 2024, 's U-17 team secured the championship via a 1-1 draw against the hosts, earning direct qualification to the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. In a subsequent November 2024 edition serving as AFCON qualifiers, reaffirmed dominance with a 7-1 victory over , alongside wins including 3-2 against and 2-1 versus , underscoring their regional prowess. These outcomes highlight how the tournament aids in identifying prospects, though participation remains limited to UNAF's five primary nations, potentially constraining broader developmental impact. Similarly, the UNAF U-20 Tournament supports under-20 athletes through biennial or annual competitions that double as CAF U-20 AFCON qualifiers. The 2024 edition, hosted in from November 14 to 26, saw claim the title with key results including 2-1 victories over and , a 1-1 draw with , and a decisive win against , propelling them to the 2025 continental finals. This format promotes sustained engagement, with winners gaining momentum for higher-level exposure, as evidenced by 's subsequent global youth performances; however, the programs' efficacy depends on consistent federation investment, given occasional logistical hurdles in hosting.

Controversies and Criticisms

Political Interference and Rivalries

The Algeria-Morocco rivalry, exacerbated by disputes over and closed borders since 1994, has frequently spilled into football, complicating UNAF's regional initiatives. Matches between the two nations often escalate into diplomatic incidents, with fans and officials invoking political slogans, as seen in the 2022 qualifiers where post-match tensions highlighted underlying geopolitical friction. This antagonism has led to reluctance in joint hosting or participation in UNAF youth tournaments, undermining the body's goal of fostering sub-regional development since its founding in 1991. Government influence over national federations poses another layer of interference, contravening FIFA's statutes on autonomy. In , the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) faced FIFA threats in 2023 after postponing internal elections, perceived as yielding to political pressures from the . Similarly, Egypt's federation has drawn warnings for undue state meddling in governance and player selections, with FIFA emphasizing separation from political authorities. and exhibit comparable patterns, where federation leaders are often aligned with ruling regimes, prioritizing national prestige over independent administration. Libya's federation, fragmented by ongoing civil conflict since 2011, has seen rival governments vie for control, disrupting consistent UNAF engagement. These dynamics foster intra-UNAF rivalries beyond the pitch, such as disputes over tournament venues or qualification formats influenced by bilateral tensions. For instance, Egypt's historical dominance clashes with rising Moroccan ambitions, amplified by state-backed investments, leading to accusations of favoritism in regional allocations. While UNAF avoids outright suspensions—unlike broader CAF cases—such interference erodes trust, limiting collaborative programs and exposing the union to oversight risks.

Administrative and Corruption Issues

The administrative framework of the Union of North African Football (UNAF), comprising the federations of , , , , and , has been undermined by recurrent allegations and governance lapses within its member associations, which directly impede regional coordination and development initiatives. These issues, often involving financial mismanagement, illicit contracts, and misuse of funds, reflect broader patterns of opacity in African football administration, where national bodies exert significant influence over UNAF's operations. In , the (FTF) faced a high-profile case culminating in the of former president Wadie Jary, who was sentenced to four years in on February 21, 2025, for approving an unlawful contract with a that involved undue financial benefits. Jary, arrested in October 2023, had led the FTF from 2021 until his detention, highlighting vulnerabilities in and oversight processes that extend to regional engagements under UNAF. Algeria's federation has endured systemic probes into executive misconduct, with three former presidents—Kheireddine Zetchi, Mohamed Raoua, and Kamel Kaci—under investigation as of July 2, 2024, for , , and of public funds totaling millions of Algerian dinars. This followed a prosecutor's announcement implicating high-ranking FAF officials in schemes, compounded by the arrest of Zetchi on November 28, 2024, amid revelations of unchecked financial irregularities during prior tenures. Such scandals have stalled national reforms and strained UNAF's collaborative programs, including youth tournaments reliant on federative stability. Egypt's (EFA) was judicially disbanded on March 29, 2016, by the National Supreme Administrative Court after documented evidence of graft in fund allocation and contract awards, prompting temporary government oversight to restore order. Persistent administrative inertia, including post-2019 resignations tied to mismanagement of hosting duties, has perpetuated distrust and delayed UNAF-wide infrastructure projects. Morocco's (FRMF) initiated an internal probe in 2024 into alleged arbitration fraud and match manipulation in domestic leagues, suspending officials and club executives implicated in bribery schemes that risked tainting regional qualifiers. A separate 2025 controversy involved RS Berkane's participation, where accusations of procedural irregularities surfaced, underscoring enforcement gaps that affect UNAF's competitive integrity. Libya's federation, while less embroiled in financial corruption, has grappled with administrative dereliction, exemplified by the October 2024 AFCON qualifier fiasco where logistical failures stranded Nigeria's team, leading to the president's resignation and CAF sanctions for breaching hosting protocols. These operational shortcomings exacerbate UNAF's challenges in maintaining equitable regional events amid unstable . Collectively, these incidents reveal a pattern of weak internal controls and accountability deficits, eroding investor confidence and hindering UNAF's mandate to foster unified North African football development, though no direct charges have targeted the zonal body itself.

Match-Fixing and Fan Behavior Incidents

Match-fixing allegations have surfaced in domestic leagues of UNAF member associations, though direct incidents tied to UNAF-organized tournaments remain undocumented. In , a 2022 match-fixing scandal involving drew widespread condemnation, with the club's president stating that corruption was "eating away" at the amid investigations into manipulated results and referee influence. Similarly, in , the Egyptian Football Association probed a 2018 league match ending 21-0 for suspected fixing, following accusations from the opposing team that players intentionally conceded goals. These cases highlight vulnerabilities in lower-tier competitions, often linked to betting syndicates, but UNAF has not reported systemic fixing in its regional youth or senior fixtures. Fan behavior incidents in North African football, including rivalries among UNAF members, have frequently escalated into violence, exacerbated by intense nationalistic tensions. The 2012 Port Said stadium disaster in saw clashes between Al Masry and Al Ahly supporters result in 74 deaths and over 500 injuries after a league match, prompting a nationwide ban on spectators until 2018 due to persistent hooliganism. In inter-member conflicts, a 2015 CAF Champions League semifinal between Algeria's and Morocco's Raja Casablanca involved post-match riots leading to the suspension of both clubs' chairmen by CAF for failing to control crowds. Recent continental clashes underscore ongoing issues with UNAF-affiliated club fans abroad. During the April 2025 CAF Champions League quarterfinal between South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Tunisia's Espérance de Tunis, traveling Espérance supporters clashed with local fans, prompting security interventions and a formal CAF complaint from Espérance alleging unruly behavior by hosts, while Sundowns disputed the claims and apologized for disruptions. Similar hooliganism marked Egypt's matches against South African sides, contributing to CAF calls for stricter oversight of North African supporters, noted for recurrent vandalism and pitch invasions in away fixtures. Rivalries within UNAF nations have also fueled domestic unrest. In September 2024, riots erupted during an African Champions League match in between and Tunisia's US Monastir, resulting in one fan's death, property damage, and Tunisian complaints to CAF over attacks on their delegation; Algerian officials deflected blame toward external instigation by . A 2022 U-17 tournament final in saw Moroccan players assaulted by local fans post-match, drawing condemnation from Moroccan authorities and highlighting security lapses in regional youth events. These episodes reflect broader patterns where political animosities amplify fan aggression, undermining UNAF's efforts to foster cooperative development.

Impact and Challenges

Contributions to North African Football

The Union of North African Football (UNAF), established in 2005, has primarily contributed to regional football development through the organization of youth and women's tournaments that serve as qualifiers for (CAF) continental events, thereby fostering talent identification and competitive experience among member nations , , , , and . For instance, the UNAF U-17 Tournament functions as a direct pathway to the CAF , enabling North African teams to hone skills against regional peers before advancing to broader African competition; 's 1-1 draw victory over on April 30, 2024, secured their UNAF U-17 title and progression. Similarly, the UNAF U-20 Tournament provides annual international exposure for under-20 players, promoting technical growth and tactical familiarity within the zone. UNAF's initiatives extend to women's football, where regional qualifiers for the have elevated participation and performance standards, as evidenced by AS FAR's dominance in the 2025 UNAF women's tournament, which qualified them directly for continental play and highlighted infrastructure investments in . These events encourage cross-border matches, reducing insularity and building rivalries that mirror higher-stakes CAF encounters, with scheduled calendars including women's U-20 championships to sustain momentum. Additionally, UNAF's arbitration committee oversees referee training, evaluation, and appointments, enhancing officiating quality across , as seen in the 2025 reappointment of Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi to standardize regional standards. Through these structured competitions, UNAF has indirectly bolstered North Africa's disproportionate success in African football, where the region supplies multiple qualifiers and CAF title contenders, by creating a developmental that prioritizes pipelines over ad-hoc national efforts. Collaborative efforts, such as the 2018 joint preparation of a tri-nation bid for the , further underscore UNAF's role in aligning infrastructure and strategic goals among members. Under leadership like Hani Abou Rida's presidency in recent years, emphasis on stability has aimed to amplify these impacts, though measurable outcomes remain tied to participation in CAF qualifiers rather than standalone metrics.

Barriers to Growth and Global Competitiveness

The Union of North African Football (UNAF) faces significant barriers to expanding its influence and enhancing the global competitiveness of its member associations, primarily due to entrenched political rivalries among members that undermine regional cooperation. The longstanding diplomatic tensions between and , exacerbated by disputes over , have repeatedly disrupted joint football activities, including qualifiers and tournaments. For instance, in January 2023, withdrew from a (CAF) CHAN qualifier hosted in 's neighbor rather than travel through , highlighting how border closures since 1994 hinder player exchanges, scouting, and unified development programs. These rivalries extend beyond bilateral matches, fostering a fragmented approach to UNAF initiatives and preventing the bloc from leveraging for CAF resources or international partnerships. Infrastructure deficits, particularly in conflict-affected Libya, further impede UNAF's growth by limiting training facilities, stadium maintenance, and youth academies essential for sustained talent production. 's ongoing political instability since the 2011 uprising has resulted in fragmented governance, with armed factions controlling regions and diverting funds from sports development, leading to outdated pitches and irregular league operations. Despite sporadic efforts to rebuild, such as CAF-supported renovations, the lack of stable —compounded by in public spending—has left Libyan football lagging, pulling down UNAF's overall developmental average. Talent drain to exacerbates these issues, as top North African players prioritize overseas contracts, depleting domestic clubs and national team benches while generating minimal reinvestment in regional structures. Between 2010 and 2023, exported over 1,000 footballers annually to , with North African nations like and contributing significantly, yet domestic leagues receive limited transfer fees due to weak bargaining by federations. This outflow, driven by superior salaries and facilities abroad, hinders UNAF's ability to build competitive pipelines, as evidenced by inconsistent performances in sub-regional U-17 and U-20 tournaments compared to more integrated zones. UNAF's constrained membership—limited to five associations—restricts revenue generation and scale, confining it to niche sub-regional events that fail to attract major sponsorships or FIFA funding on par with larger CAF zones. With no expansion beyond Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia despite invitations to others like Sudan, UNAF lacks the critical mass for global advocacy, such as hosting FIFA-recognized qualifiers independently. Governance challenges, including corruption and political meddling in federation decisions, further erode trust and efficiency, as seen in broader African football where mismanagement diverts development funds. These factors collectively cap UNAF's role as a competitive powerhouse, prioritizing national silos over bloc-wide innovation.

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