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CAF Secretary General Quits as AFCON Dispute Rages, Tournament Set for Major Expansion

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 30th, 2026.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is undergoing a significant leadership and structural shift following the resignation of its Secretary General, Veron Mosengo-Omba, amid lingering controversy surrounding recent continental competitions.

Mosengo-Omba, who served in the role for five years, confirmed his departure in a statement released on Sunday, explaining that he chose to step aside after clearing doubts raised during his tenure. His remarks, widely circulated by outlets including BBC Sport Africa and referenced in discussions on SuperSport, suggested a desire to exit on a note of personal and professional closure.

“I leave with peace of mind,” he noted, indicating that the organisation is in a stronger position than when he assumed office.

His exit comes in the wake of the contentious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, a match that has continued to generate debate across the football world. Senegal had originally secured a narrow victory over hosts Morocco, but CAF later overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win following a dispute involving a late penalty incident. As reported by ESPN Africa, Senegal has since taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The controversy has cast a shadow over CAF’s governance, even as the body pushes forward with major reforms. The organisation also recently rescheduled the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, shifting the tournament to a later date in the year—an adjustment that, according to CAF Online, was made to accommodate broader logistical considerations.

Despite the turbulence, CAF leadership is pressing ahead with ambitious plans to reshape African football. President Patrice Motsepe announced that the AFCON tournament will be expanded from 24 to 28 teams, a move aimed at increasing inclusivity and continental representation. While the detailed format is yet to be unveiled, the decision has already sparked conversations among analysts and fans, as noted by Goal Africa.

In another significant shift, the competition cycle will be altered. After the 2027 edition—scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the tournament will transition from a biennial to a four-year cycle.

To fill the competitive gap and maintain commercial momentum, CAF is also exploring the introduction of a new Nations League-style competition. The proposed tournament, expected to launch in 2029, would involve all 54 member associations and align with FIFA’s international match calendar.

Meanwhile, CAF’s Competitions Director, Samson Adamu, has been appointed to oversee administrative duties on an interim basis pending the selection of a substantive Secretary General.

Mosengo-Omba’s resignation marks the end of a turbulent but transformative chapter for CAF, as the organisation balances internal challenges with an evolving vision for the future of African football.