Ethiopian Football Federation clarifies intent behind DC United friendly

Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) Secretary General Bahiru Tilahun said the national team will not lose anything due to the upcoming exhibition game against MLS club DC United in America on August 2nd. The Waliyas are gearing up for their preparations in Addis Ababa before heading across the Atlantic for the match.

Tilahun told reporters at the EFF headquarters that the Ethiopian national team’s friendly game against DC United has a business purpose. “The agreement we have with DC United has a business point of view. So we should comprehend that it is a business dealing. We will earn $25,000 USD as a participation fee, and if we win the tie, we will pocket $50,000 USD. We are not leaving behind a debt; rather, it is a profit,” said Tilahun.

EFF hopes the tie will earn them significant revenue from the sale of kits, as a large number of Ethiopians from the diaspora live in the Washington D.C. area. The federation will not incur any expenses, as DC United will cover costs for the next three years. Tilahun downplayed claims that the national team should not play against a club. “Playing against a club is not a new thing. Many top European clubs have played against national sides.”

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers on the horizon, Mesay Teferi’s charges hope to make the best out of the DC United encounter. Tilahun said this will be a preparation match for the team. “The game against DC United will serve as a preparation match ahead of the Egypt clash.”

EFF and DC United agreed to stage friendly games for the next three seasons back in June. DC United’s co-owner, Eyob Joe Mamo, is an Ethiopian-born American businessman.