Advice for Angola

The FA’s Head of Media Relations Scott Field, England 2018 World Cup bid consultant Tunde Adelakun and former Northern Ireland and Premier League Manager Lawrie Sanchez were invited by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to co-host a media management seminar in Angola in November, ahead of the Cup of African Nations (CAN).

Aimed at Team Media Officers, LOC managers and volunteers for COCAN (the competition’s organising body), as well as local press, the seminar’s goal was to help prepare and manage the expectations of all those who will be involved in CAN next year.

"It was a pleasure to be able to help to pass on our working knowledge of the media, and the feedback from CAF, COCAN and the participating nations was positive, "said Scott.

"The workshop highlighted many areas where best practice can be employed in the Cup of African Nations in January and we look forward to watching how the tournament unfolds, not least through the media."

The FA’s International Development Manager, Maria de León, accompanied the delegation and was delighted with the feedback from the CAF representatives.

“CAF were impressed with The FA’s contributions, knowing that COCAN would benefit immensely from another organisation’s insight into media relations,” she said.

Whilst in Luanda, the English delegation was also invited to attend the draw ceremony for CAN, featuring Angolan dancers and musicians, and a presentation of the country’s preparations for the competition. 

This event was the first to be organised as part of the recently renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding between The FA and CAF.