CAF's Veron Mossengo-Omba Resigns Amid Controversy

Mossengo-Omba quits CAF

Veron Mossengo-Omba resigns as CAF general secretary, citing personal projects, amidst controversy and calls for investigation. Samson Adamu takes over as acting general secretary following Veron Mossengo-Omba's resignation amid controversy and crisis of confidence.

CAF general secretary steps down after calls for his removal and amid crisis of confidence in African football's governing body...

Veron Mossengo-Omba, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) general secretary, has resigned amid turbulent times for African football. His departure follows repeated calls for his removal, largely due to the controversy surrounding the stripping of Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations title and allegations of corruption within CAF.

Mossengo-Omba, 66, cited his decision to “devote himself to more personal projects” after over 30 years in international football administration. However, his resignation comes as CAF faces a crisis of confidence, with Senegal's government calling for an international investigation into the organization's leadership and governance.

Veron Mossengo-Omba, the general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has faced intense criticism for staying on past the mandatory retirement age of 63. The backlash has been fueled by social media and some members of CAF's executive committee, questioning his continued tenure.

Mossengo-Omba, who's 66, had been granted a three-year extension by CAF president Patrice Motsepe, which expired in October 2025. His decision to stay on despite the controversy has contributed to a crisis of confidence in CAF's leadership, amidst a growing fallout over the decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title and calls for an investigation into alleged corruption.

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— Véron Mosengo-Omba (@VeronMosengo) March 29, 2026

“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,” Mossengo-Omba said in a statement.

“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 the CAF more prosperous than ever.

“I sincerely thank the CAF's ⁠President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, my teams, and all those who, directly or indirectly, have enabled CAF and organised African football to make real and remarkable progress. Let us hope that the progress made will last and be sustained,” he concluded.

Mossengo-Omba's tenure at CAF has been marked by controversy, with some employees accusing him of creating a toxic work environment. Although an investigation cleared him of wrongdoing, the allegations reflect the divisive nature of his leadership. The 66-year-old, a Swiss citizen of Congolese origin, has ties to FIFA, having worked there and befriending president Gianni Infantino.

Interestingly, Mossengo-Omba's stated reason for leaving – retirement – was later contradicted by CAF president Patrice Motsepe at a press conference, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his departure. 

“He told me he has been asked by the DR Congo president to go and help with football development in that country,” said Motsepe.

Veron Mossengo-Omba, the former CAF general secretary, is expected to run for president of the Democratic Republic of Congo's football federation in the coming months. If successful, this could position him as a contender for CAF's top job, especially if Patrice Motsepe resigns to pursue politics in South Africa.

CAF is implementing changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations that will strengthen the trust and confidence in the CAF Referees, VAR Operators and Judicial Bodies. These changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations will also ensure that the…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 29, 2026

Motsepe, however, has denied rumors of his potential resignation, amidst speculation that he might succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa in South Africa. Mossengo-Omba's future plans are uncertain, but his next move could significantly impact African football.

CAF's president, Patrice Motsepe, recently acknowledged that the organization is facing integrity concerns. This admission comes amid controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal was stripped of its title and awarded to Morocco. In response, Senegal's government has called for an international investigation into CAF's management, citing suspected corruption.

The decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title, made by CAF's Appeals Board, has significantly damaged the image of African football. This controversy has led to a crisis of confidence in CAF's leadership, with calls for an international investigation into alleged corruption.

In response to the turmoil, CAF has appointed its competitions director, Samson Adamu, as acting general secretary, following Veron Mossengo-Omba's resignation. Mossengo-Omba, who had been criticized for staying on past the mandatory retirement age, cited personal projects as his reason for stepping down.