CAF reacts to chaotic Africa Cup final with host of changes. General secretary Mosengo-Omba departs

African soccer’s governing body, still reeling from the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final, has announced a series of changes and improvements to its statutes and regulations. In a bid to regain trust in its impartiality, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is implementing structural, legal, and administrative reforms.

Following a meeting of its executive committee in Cairo, CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized the importance of restoring confidence in the organization. Motsepe acknowledged the need to address the perception of bias, particularly in light of the disputed outcome of the final between Senegal and Morocco. CAF stripped Senegal of the title and awarded it to Morocco, sparking a legal battle that is still ongoing.

Motsepe stressed the importance of fair officiating and integrity in African football. He announced plans to work closely with FIFA to provide training for referees and VAR operators. Additionally, Motsepe highlighted the significance of remunerating officials adequately to prevent any compromise of integrity.

In a significant development, CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba announced his resignation after five years in the role. Mosengo-Omba, a close associate of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, cited personal reasons for stepping down. His tenure at CAF was marred by allegations of financial wrongdoing, although investigations by the Swiss Public Prosecutor’s Office found no grounds for legal action.

Mosengo-Omba’s departure paves the way for a new leadership structure at CAF. Samson Adamu from the Nigerian Football Federation has been appointed as the acting general secretary, with plans to identify a permanent successor in the near future. Motsepe expressed his intent to ensure a transparent and effective selection process for the new general secretary.

Looking ahead, Motsepe confirmed that the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will proceed as scheduled in Morocco. The tournament, initially slated for March, was rescheduled to July due to unforeseen circumstances. Motsepe reassured stakeholders that preparations for the event are underway and emphasized the importance of hosting the competition successfully.

In a bid to enhance the quality and competitiveness of African football, Motsepe announced that the Africa Cup will expand to accommodate 28 teams, up from 24 in previous editions. This move aims to provide more opportunities for African nations to participate and showcase their talent on the continental stage.

Overall, CAF is undergoing a period of transition and reform as it seeks to address past controversies and strengthen its governance structures. With a renewed focus on integrity, transparency, and inclusivity, African football is poised to enter a new era of growth and development.

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