ABIDJAN, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ivorian sports authorities have announced plans to ensure the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) infrastructures are well-maintained, following the conclusion of the tournament, according to information obtained by Xinhua on Thursday.
The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has prepared a note outlining the creation of a specialized entity dedicated to the upkeep and management of these facilities. This initiative aims to safeguard the legacy of AFCON 2023 and utilize it to benefit Ivorian and African football.
"We propose the transformation of the AFCON cities into a sub-regional development hub and the establishment of a special fund for the development of youth football," stated Yacine Idriss Diallo, president of the FIF, in the document.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, during the award ceremony for the 2023 African champion Ivorian team on Tuesday, declared that maintaining and operating the AFCON 2023 infrastructure is an "immediate priority."
Cote d'Ivoire allocated 900 billion FCFA (approximately 1.8 billion U.S. dollars) for AFCON 2023. This investment covered the construction of AFCON villages, roads, hotels, and six stadiums, including the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan, which has a capacity of 60,000 seats and was constructed by China. ■
