By Kunle Adeyanju
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been thrown into fresh uncertainty following the resignation of its Secretary General, Véron Mosengo-Omba, amid mounting criticism and controversy linked to the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
Mosengo-Omba announced his departure in a statement, describing it as a personal decision after decades of service in football administration.
“After over 30 years of an international professional career dedicated to promoting an ideal form of football that brings people together, educates, and creates opportunities for hope, I have decided to step down from my position as secretary general of CAF to devote myself to more personal projects,” he said.
His resignation, however, comes at a turbulent time for African football’s governing body, with growing backlash over CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title—an outcome that has triggered widespread outrage and calls for an independent probe into the organisation.
Mosengo-Omba insisted he leaves office without any lingering doubts over his integrity.
“Now that I have been able to dispel the suspicions that some people have gone to great lengths to cast on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving CAF more prosperous than ever,” he added.
The 66-year-old, a former FIFA official and associate of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has been a polarising figure within CAF. While an internal investigation cleared him of wrongdoing following staff complaints about workplace conditions, criticism persisted, including concerns over his continued stay beyond the organisation’s retirement age.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe was among those Mosengo-Omba thanked in his farewell message.
“I sincerely thank the CAF president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, my teams, and all those who… have enabled CAF and organised African football to make real and remarkable progress,” he said, expressing hope that such progress would endure.
Despite stepping down, Mosengo-Omba is reportedly eyeing a return to football leadership, with expectations he will contest for the presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation in upcoming elections.
His exit also comes as CAF grapples with what Motsepe recently acknowledged as questions over the body’s integrity, particularly in the aftermath of the AFCON controversy. The Senegalese government has since called for an international investigation into CAF’s operations.
CAF confirmed that its competitions director, Samson Adamu, will serve as acting Secretary General pending further decisions.
