Véron Mosengo-Omba, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary, has resigned after repeated calls for his removal and at a turbulent time for the game on the continent. Mosengo-Omba, 66, said he was retiring to devote himself to personal projects.
“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,” he said in a statement.
The resignation comes amid a crisis of confidence in the organisation’s leadership, with a growing fallout over the decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and calls for an investigation into alleged corruption at African football’s governing body.
Mosengo-Omba had been criticized for staying on as general secretary well past CAF’s mandatory retirement age of 63. He thanked CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, his teams, and others who contributed to CAF’s progress.
CAF’s competitions director, Samson Adamu, will take over as acting general secretary. Mosengo-Omba is expected to run for the post of president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Football Federation in upcoming elections, potentially positioning himself for CAF’s top job if Motsepe resigns.
