CAF Secretary General Mosengo-Omba Resigns Amid AFCON 2025 Title Dispute

CAF Secretary General Mosengo-Omba Resigns Amid AFCON 2025 Title Dispute

The Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football, Véron Mosengo-Omba, has stepped down from his position, bringing an end to a career spanning more than three decades in international football administration.

Mosengo-Omba announced his resignation in a statement issued Sunday from Cairo, Egypt, saying his decision was driven by a desire to focus on personal pursuits after years of service to African football.

“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,” he said.

His exit comes at a time of heightened tension within African football, following the lingering controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Mosengo-Omba, however, said he leaves office with a clear conscience, noting that he had addressed allegations that trailed his tenure.

“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,” he added.

He expressed appreciation to CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, as well as colleagues and stakeholders across the continent for their support, urging them to sustain the progress made within the organisation.

His resignation comes amid an ongoing dispute over the outcome of the 2025 AFCON final involving Senegal and Morocco.

The controversy deepened after CAF, on March 17, overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory in the final and awarded Morocco a 3-0 win following a protest-linked disruption during the match.

Senegal’s players had staged a walk-off in the second half, objecting to a penalty decision in favour of Morocco, an incident that later formed the basis of CAF’s ruling.

Despite the decision, Senegal have continued to insist they are the rightful champions. Over the weekend, the team publicly paraded the AFCON trophy ahead of an international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France in Paris, in what observers described as a symbolic protest.

Head coach Pape Thiaw maintained that his side won the title on merit and remains focused on future competitions.

“We know we’re African champions. We’re going to keep working to win more trophies. It’s clear in our minds that competitions and trophies are won on the pitch. We’ve done that; we’re African champions,” he said.

Thiaw also urged his players to remain focused despite the off-field tensions, as preparations continue for upcoming international fixtures, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, Morocco, now officially recognised as champions by CAF, have moved on from the dispute. The team recently played a friendly match against Ecuador in Madrid, marking the debut of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dismissed the controversy, saying the team was focused on future challenges rather than revisiting the decision.

Senegal have since lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although Moroccan authorities insist the matter has been settled.

Mosengo-Omba’s resignation adds another layer to the unfolding developments within CAF, as the continental football body faces scrutiny over its handling of the AFCON final and broader governance issues.