New President of the Malagasy Football Federation: Alfred Randriamanampisoa takes the reins
In sports news, a new face is emerging within Malagasy football. Alfred Randriamanampisoa has just been elected President of the Malagasy Football Federation in a vote validated by the national electoral commission. Former outgoing vice-president and founding president of the Elgeco Plus club, Randriamanampisoa won a large majority of the votes allocated by the presidents of the regional leagues.
This election marks a turning point for football in Madagascar, with the hope of a new era marked by transparency and development. The new president, aged 46, is also a deputy for Anstirabe of Madagascar and a member of the IRD party, thus supporting outgoing president Andry Rajoelina. This proximity to those in power could offer financial advantages to the Federation and the regional leagues.
However, Randriamanampisoa insists that his political support was not decisive in his election. Rather, he highlights his commitment and collaboration with the presidents of the regional leagues for four years. His active involvement with the leagues, thanks to material and financial donations, would have played a key role in his victory.
The Malagasy Football Federation is often courted by the political class for its media visibility, notably thanks to the performances of the national team, the Barea. In 2019, the national team reached the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations (CAN), thus offering an opportunity for popularity for the current president, Andry Rajoelina.
However, Randriamanampisoa insists that his election has “nothing to do with politics” and claims to work in collaboration with the President of the Republic to improve Malagasy football. He also emphasizes that this collaboration between the Federation and the State is necessary in all countries, whether African or European.
During his four-year mandate, the new President of the Malagasy Football Federation will focus in particular on qualifications for the next CAN scheduled for 2024 and the World Cup scheduled for 2026. He also announces a desire to further support women’s football and to break with the practices of his predecessor, Raoul Rabekoto, convicted in absentia in 2021 for embezzlement.
There is no doubt that the new President will bring a wind of change to Malagasy football. With his experience in the sporting environment and his commitment to regional leagues, Randriamanampisoa hopes to advance football in Madagascar and improve the visibility of the national team on the international scene. To be continued…