AGP Executive Report

FIFA Race: Arsène Wenger is being discussed as a possible challenger to Gianni Infantino in the 2027 FIFA presidential election, as the incumbent faces criticism over a plan to sell World Cup commercial rights. AFCON Debate: CAF officials are divided over returning the Africa Cup of Nations to a two-year cycle. Patrice Motsepe says the change is under review, but no decision has been made. Cabo Verde Football: At CAF’s strategy conference on Sal Island, Motsepe highlighted annual funding of $700,000 for each member association and a goal of raising it to $1 million. Cape Verde international Pico Lopes, meanwhile, is finding his feet again at Shamrock Rovers after the mental demands of his World Cup rise.

FIFA Leadership: Arsène Wenger is being discussed as a possible challenger to Gianni Infantino in the 2027 FIFA presidential election, amid criticism of Infantino’s leadership. AFCON Debate: CAF officials remain divided over whether to restore the Africa Cup of Nations’ traditional two-year schedule; two federation presidents reportedly opposed the change at a recent committee discussion, after the issue was raised at CAF’s conference in Sal. Cape Verde’s World Cup Star: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes is finding balance after the attention and demands that followed Cape Verde’s World Cup run.

Football in Sal: At CAF’s strategy conference in Cape Verde, Patrice Motsepe said the confederation is reviewing its plan to stage AFCON every four years, with a return to the traditional two-year cycle under consideration. CAF also highlighted its annual funding of $700,000 for each member association and aims to raise it to $1 million. Cape Verde’s World Cup Star: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says captain Pico Lopes is finding his form again after managing the mental fatigue and attention that followed his standout World Cup run with Cape Verde.

CAF Summit: At its strategy conference on Sal Island, all 54 African football associations backed Gianni Infantino’s 2027 FIFA re-election bid. CAF president Patrice Motsepe also said the confederation is reviewing its plan to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, with a return to the traditional two-year cycle under consideration. Football Funding: Motsepe said each CAF association receives $700,000 annually, and CAF hopes to raise that to $1 million through sponsorships and commercial partnerships. He also urged investment in academies and youth football. Cape Verdean Star: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says captain Roberto “Pico” Lopes is back in form after learning to manage the demands and mental fatigue that followed his standout World Cup performances for Cape Verde.

CAF in Sal: At its strategy conference in Cabo Verde, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said annual funding for each of Africa’s 54 football associations rose to $700,000 in 2021, with a goal of reaching $1 million through new sponsorships. He also said CAF is reviewing its plan to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, leaving open a return to the traditional two-year cycle. Cabo Verdean Football: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says World Cup standout Roberto “Pico” Lopes is recovering from the mental fatigue of sudden fame by learning to limit off-field commitments. Arts and Identity: Fall River’s FABRIC Arts Festival explores themes of identity and place, bringing a community arts focus to a city with strong Cabo Verdean ties.

CAF Funding: At its strategy conference in Sal, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said each of the 54 African football associations receives $700,000 a year, up from $200,000 in 2021. CAF hopes to raise that to $1 million per association through sponsorships and commercial deals. AFCON Format: Motsepe said CAF is reviewing its plan to move the Africa Cup of Nations to a four-year cycle, with a return to the traditional two-year schedule under consideration. No decision has been made. FIFA Election: The conference also saw all 54 African associations back Gianni Infantino for another term as FIFA president. Cape Verde on the Rise: Cape Verde is attracting more solo female travellers as tourism grows, while national-team regular Pico Lopes is finding his form again at Shamrock Rovers after managing the demands of his World Cup breakthrough.

AFCON Future: At a strategy conference in Cabo Verde, CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the confederation is reviewing its plan to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, leaving the door open to a return to the traditional two-year cycle. No decision has been made. Football Leadership: The same gathering saw all 54 African football associations back Gianni Infantino for another FIFA term, while Motsepe urged the continent to learn from past setbacks and aim to win the World Cup. Cape Verdean Football: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says captain Roberto “Pico” Lopes is back to his best after learning to manage the demands and mental fatigue that followed his World Cup rise. Tourism: Cape Verde’s visitor appeal is growing, with solo female travel highlighted in recent coverage; the RIU Touareg resort has also reopened after a full renovation.

AFCON Review: At a CAF strategy conference in Cabo Verde, president Patrice Motsepe said the plan to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years is under review, with a return to the traditional two-year cycle among the options. No decision has been made. Cabo Verde’s World Cup Star: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes is back in form after learning to manage the mental fatigue and attention that followed his standout World Cup performances for Cabo Verde. Tourism: Cabo Verde welcomed a record 1.25 million hotel guests in 2025, as Sal resorts report growing interest from solo women travellers.

AFCON in Cabo Verde: At a CAF strategy meeting on Sal, president Patrice Motsepe said the plan to move the Africa Cup of Nations to a four-year cycle is under review, with a return to biennial tournaments being considered. No final decision has been announced. Cape Verde Football: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says captain Roberto “Pico” Lopes is recovering from mental fatigue after the attention surrounding Cape Verde’s World Cup campaign. Cape Verde also slipped in the latest FIFA rankings after losing to Rwanda, who rose nine places. Cape Verdean Music: A profile revisits musician Paul Pena, whose Cape Verdean parents raised him in Massachusetts. A respected guitarist and songwriter, he also became known internationally for his Tuvan throat singing.

AFCON Review: At a CAF strategy meeting in Cabo Verde, president Patrice Motsepe said officials are reconsidering the move to a four-year Africa Cup of Nations cycle, with a return to every two years under discussion. Pico Lopes: Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley says Cape Verde World Cup standout Roberto “Pico” Lopes is finding his form again after managing the mental fatigue and off-field demands that followed his summer breakthrough. Cabo Verdean Music Legacy: A profile revisits musician Paul Pena, born in Massachusetts to Cape Verdean parents, whose career spanned songwriting and acclaimed Tuvan throat singing. Arts & Identity: Fall River’s FABRIC Arts Festival is exploring themes of identity and place.

African Football: At a CAF strategy conference on Sal, president Patrice Motsepe urged African teams to aim for the World Cup title. All 54 CAF associations also backed Gianni Infantino’s bid for another FIFA term. Cape Verdean Arts: The FABRIC Arts Festival runs in Fall River through October 11, bringing Cape Verdean artists and traditions into a programme exploring migration, identity and belonging. Music Legacy: A recent profile revisits Cape Verdean-American musician Paul Pena, whose career spanned San Francisco’s music scene and Tuvan throat singing.

Cape Verdean Music: A profile spotlights Paul Pena, the blind-born musician raised by Cape Verdean parents who became known for his guitar work and mastery of Tuvan throat singing. Diaspora Arts: The FABRIC Arts Festival runs Oct. 8–11 across southeastern New England, bringing Cape Verdean artists and traditions into a wider conversation about migration, identity and belonging. Film: Justin Timberlake’s 2021 drama Palmer climbed to No. 1 on Apple TV’s movie chart in Cabo Verde on Oct. 1.

Diaspora Arts: The FABRIC Arts Festival returns Oct. 8–11 across southeastern New England, bringing Portuguese, Cape Verdean and other immigrant stories into its mix of art, music, performance, food and storytelling. New Music: Cabo Verdean singer Fattú Djakité teamed up with German artist Yvonne Catterfeld on “Irgendwas,” inspired by their musical journey to Cabo Verde. Live Music: Singer Lucibela, often compared to Cesária Évora, is set to perform Oct. 15 in Saugerties, New York, with songs steeped in love, longing and memory. Cultural Legacy: A new profile revisits Paul Pena, the Cape Verdean American musician and songwriter who became known internationally for his mastery of Tuvan throat singing.

Diaspora Arts: The FABRIC Arts Festival returns to Fall River Oct. 8–11 with music, art and storytelling around migration and identity, including Cape Verdean artists and traditions. New Music: Cape Verdean singer Fattú Djakité teamed up with German artist Yvonne Catterfeld on “Irgendwas,” inspired by a musical journey to Cabo Verde. Music Spotlight: A profile revisits Paul Pena, the Cape Verdean American musician and songwriter who became known internationally for his Tuvan throat singing. On Stage: Singer Lucibela, often compared to Cesária Évora, is set to perform in Saugerties, New York, on Oct. 15. Young Artists: Gabreilla Perry and Drayson Andrade received scholarships from the Oak Grove Cape Verdean Cultural Center; Andrade is studying comic art design.

FIFA Leadership Shake-Up: FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s March 18 vote campaign is in full swing as federations weigh in after backlash over his withdrawn plan to sell private investors a stake in World Cup commercial rights; AP tallies show 87 of 211 federations backing him, 49 against, with many still undecided. Faith & Community: Bishop Tavares urged Christians to reject violence in all forms, including online abuse, and to care for creation on St. Francis’ feast, linking peace and environmental responsibility. ECOWAS Courts: ECOWAS swore in five new Community Court judges in Abuja, calling for impartiality and protection of citizens’ rights. Cabo Verde Football Spotlight: CAF’s Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde (Oct 7–9) will feature Arsène Wenger and coaches including Cabo Verde’s Bubista, with a focus on Africa’s World Cup progress. Volleyball Recognition in Sal: CAVB honored Nigeria’s Habu Ahmed Gumel at its Congress in Sal, Cape Verde, celebrating decades of service to African volleyball. Arts & Culture: The FABRIC Arts Festival returns Oct 8–11 in Fall River, spotlighting Portuguese contemporary art and music while weaving Cape Verdean identity and migration themes into the program.

FIFA Politics: Infantino’s World Cup investment plan fallout is still reshaping the March FIFA vote, with an AP tally showing 87 of 211 federations backing him and 49 against—while many positions remain undecided. ECOWAS & Law: The ECOWAS Court of Justice swore in five new judges in Abuja, with Senegal’s Bassirou Faye urging impartiality and protection of citizens’ rights. Cabo Verde in Sports Spotlight: CAF’s Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde (Oct 7–9) will feature Arsène Wenger and coaches including Cabo Verde’s Bubista, as Africa’s World Cup momentum is discussed. Volleyball Honors in Sal: CAVB honoured Nigeria Olympic Committee president Habu Ahmed Gumel at its Congress in Sal, Cape Verde, celebrating decades of volleyball development. Cape Verde Arts & Culture: The FABRIC Arts Festival returns Oct 8–11 in Fall River, using “fabric” as a metaphor for migration and identity—explicitly bringing Cape Verdean artists and traditions into the program. Travel & Lifestyle: RIU Touareg in Boa Vista reopens after a full renovation of all 1,181 rooms, shifting to a more family-focused all-inclusive setup.