Coach Belon Mosengo-Omba’s resignation follows disagreements over the CAF board’s decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title, Africa’s premier football competition.
Published March 30, 2026
Confederation of African Football (CAF) general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba resigned on Sunday following repeated calls for his removal at a turbulent time for the game on the continent.
Mosengo-Omba said he was retiring, but his departure comes amid growing discord over the decision to strip Senegal of the African Cup of Nations title and calls for an investigation into corruption allegations at African football’s governing body, with confidence in the organization’s leadership at stake.
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His continued tenure as general secretary well beyond the organization’s retirement age of 63 has come under increasing criticism in recent days, primarily on social media, but also from members of the CAF Executive Committee.
Mosengo-Omba said in a statement: “After an international professional career spanning over 30 years dedicated to promoting the ideal of football that brings people together, educates and creates opportunities for hope, I have decided to step down as CAF Secretary-General and focus on more personal projects.”
“Now that I have dispelled the suspicions that some people put so much effort into putting on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without any restrictions, leaving CAF in a more prosperous state than ever before.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, my team and all those who have directly or indirectly enabled CAF and organized African football to make truly remarkable progress. Let us hope that the progress made is sustained and sustained,” he concluded.
accused of creating a toxic atmosphere
Mosengo-Omba has been a divisive figure within CAF and has been accused by some employees of creating a toxic atmosphere at work, but an investigation following complaints from employees cleared him of any wrongdoing.
The 66-year-old is of Congolese but Swiss nationality, a former FIFA official and a university friend of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Mosengo-Omba has said he is retiring but plans to run for president of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation in elections in the coming months, sources told Reuters.
If successful, Motsepe, who has been touted as a possible successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, would be drawn into the race for the top job at CAF if he resigns to enter politics in his native South Africa. However, Mr Motsepe denied this.
Earlier this month, Motsepe admitted that CAF was plagued by questions over its integrity, and the Senegalese government called for an international investigation into CAF’s operations following the Nations Cup final controversy.
The decision by the CAF appeals committee to strip Senegal of the Nations Cup title was a huge blow to the image of the African game.
CAF announced late on Sunday that Director of Competitions Samson Adamu will become acting general secretary.
