Why CAF Secretary General Mosengo-Omba Resigned

Why CAF Secretary General Mosengo-Omba Resigned 

By Niyi Busari 

Veron Mosengo-Omba has stepped down as Secretary General of Confederation of African Football (CAF), marking a significant leadership change during a period of turbulence for African football’s governing body, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a statement released on Sunday, Mosengo-Omba said he was retiring after more than three decades in international football administration. However, his departure comes amid mounting pressure and growing scrutiny of CAF’s leadership.

“I have decided to step down from my position as Secretary General of CAF to devote myself to more personal projects,” he said, adding that he leaves the organisation “more prosperous than ever” and with a clear conscience after addressing allegations made against him.

Mosengo-Omba’s exit follows sustained calls for his removal, including criticism over his tenure extending beyond CAF’s mandatory retirement age of 63. Discontent had surfaced both publicly—particularly on social media—and within CAF’s executive ranks.

His resignation also coincides with a broader crisis facing CAF, including a controversial decision to strip Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The move, taken by CAF’s Appeals Board, has sparked backlash and intensified concerns about governance and transparency within the organisation. Senegal’s government has since called for an international investigation into CAF’s operations.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently acknowledged the organisation is grappling with questions over its integrity, further underscoring the challenges facing African football’s leadership.

Mosengo-Omba, 66, a Swiss national of Congolese origin, previously worked at FIFA and is known to have longstanding ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. During his tenure at CAF, he became a polarising figure, with some staff accusing him of fostering a toxic workplace environment. An internal investigation into those claims, however, cleared him of wrongdoing.

Despite announcing his retirement, Mosengo-Omba is expected to remain active in football administration. According to reports, he is preparing to contest the presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s football federation in upcoming elections.

Such a move could position him for a future leadership role within CAF, particularly amid speculation—denied by Motsepe—that the CAF president could step down to pursue political ambitions in South Africa, where he has been mentioned as a potential successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In the interim, CAF confirmed that its Competitions Director, Samson Adamu, will serve as acting Secretary General.

Mosengo-Omba’s departure leaves CAF at a critical juncture, as it seeks to restore confidence and navigate ongoing controversies affecting the image of African football.