CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba Resigns over AFCON 2025 Controversy
CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba Resigns over AFCON 2025 Controversy
Véron Mosengo-Omba has announced his resignation as the Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), amid the controversy over the African Cup of Nations Champion.
Mosengo-Omba’s resignation brought an end to his long-standing career in international football administration spanning more than three decades.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from Cairo, Egypt, Mosengo-Omba said his decision to step down was driven by a desire to focus on personal projects after years of service dedicated to promoting football as a tool for unity, education, and opportunity.
“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 stated.
Mosengo-Omba noted that his exit comes after clearing allegations and suspicions that had trailed his tenure, stating that he leaves the organisation with “peace of mind and without constraint.”
“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 gratitude to the CAF leadership, particularly the President, Patrice Motsepe, as well as his colleagues and stakeholders across African football for their support during his tenure.
“I sincerely thank the CAF’s President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, my teams, and all those who, directly or indirectly, have enabled CAF and organized African football to make real and remarkable progress,” Mosengo-Omba stated.
He further urged stakeholders to sustain the gains recorded within the continental football body.
“Let us hope that the progress made will last and be sustained,” he said.
Mosengo-Omba’s resignation comes amid the ongoing controversy over the 2025 AFCON Champion between Senegal and Morocco.
Senegal’s national team on Saturday paraded the AFCON trophy before their international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France in Paris, insisting they remain the rightful champions of Africa despite being stripped of the title.
Led by captain Kalidou Coulibaly, the Teranga Lions took a lap of honour with the trophy following a pre-match performance by Senegalese music icon Youssou N’Dour, in what appeared to be a symbolic rejection of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial ruling.
CAF had on March 17 overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the January final, awarding the North African side a 3-0 win.
The decision came about two months after a 14-minute walk-off by Senegalese players during the final match in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco.
The ruling stirred widespread debate across the football community, with Senegal swiftly filing an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. However, Moroccan authorities have maintained that the matter is settled.
Speaking for the first time since the decision, Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw doubled down on his team’s stance, declaring that the title was won fairly on the pitch.
“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,” Thiaw said.
Thiaw, who was central to the walk-off controversy and is facing possible sanctions, said his priority is to keep his squad focused amid the ongoing dispute.
“The most important thing is not to get distracted,” he added.
Despite the off-field tensions, Thiaw is expected to lead Senegal into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, with preparations already underway. Saturday’s friendly against Peru will be followed by another clash against Gambia in Dakar on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Morocco, now officially recognised by CAF as AFCON champions, played out a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a friendly match in Madrid on Friday.
The game marked the debut of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who has been tasked with preparing the team for the upcoming World Cup.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dismissed the controversy, signalling the team’s intent to move forward.
“We’re focused on what’s to come and not getting into that. The answer from us would be what our federation said and that’s all. We’re looking forward,” he said.
