The Secretary-General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Veron Mosengo-Omba, has formally resigned from his post amid mounting pressure and controversy surrounding the organisation. Calls for his removal had been growing for some time, particularly in the context of recent unrest in African football, and the latest developments appear to have accelerated his departure.
In his resignation statement, Mosengo-Omba said he had chosen to step down. His exit, however, comes at a time when CAF is facing a significant leadership and credibility crisis. The controversy has been especially pronounced following CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, prompting widespread criticism across the continent. Calls for an independent investigation into alleged corruption within CAF have also intensified.
Mosengo-Omba’s tenure had already faced scrutiny due to his continuation in office beyond the mandatory retirement age of 63. Both social media commentators and members of CAF’s Executive Committee had increasingly questioned the legitimacy of his ongoing role.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mosengo-Omba said in his statement:
“After more than 30 years of uniting people, providing education, and opening new opportunities on the international stage, I have decided to step down as CAF Secretary-General. I now wish to focus on personal projects.”
He also acknowledged the role of recent criticism in his decision:
“Although some have gone to great lengths to spread doubts about me, I am now able to retire peacefully, without obstruction, leaving behind a stronger and more prosperous CAF than when I began.”
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has commented on the ongoing dispute regarding Senegal’s appeal over the AFCON title. Speaking after an Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, he stated that CAF would “respect and implement” the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), adding,
“My personal opinion is irrelevant. We will abide by the ruling and ensure its enforcement.”
The controversy stems from last January’s AFCON final, in which Senegal initially defeated Morocco 1–0. However, in protest at a referee decision during the match, Senegal’s team left the field in what was deemed a ‘match abandonment.’ Subsequently, CAF’s appeals board awarded the title to Morocco, a decision Senegal has challenged at CAS.
Recent Leadership Concerns
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement Age | Mosengo-Omba remained in office beyond the mandatory age of 63 |
| Corruption Allegations | Calls for investigation into CAF’s governance and financial transparency |
| AFCON 2025 Controversy | Senegal stripped of title following match abandonment; Morocco awarded the championship |
| Executive Scrutiny | Growing criticism from CAF committee members and social media observers |
Mosengo-Omba’s resignation marks the end of a turbulent chapter for CAF, as the organisation navigates both governance challenges and high-profile sporting disputes. With CAS yet to deliver its ruling on Senegal’s appeal, CAF’s leadership and credibility remain under intense scrutiny.