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Troost Ekong Questions CAF, FIFA Decisions, Warns on Credibility of African Football

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 22nd, 2026.

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has raised concerns over recent rulings by CAFand FIFA, describing them as troubling developments that could undermine confidence in African football governance.

Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, the 2023 AFCON Most Valuable Player expressed frustration over what he sees as a growing trend of match outcomes being influenced beyond the pitch. According to Sunday Punch, Ekong noted that disputes in African football are increasingly being settled through administrative and legal channels rather than sporting competition.

“It feels like African football is one place where matches continue off the pitch, with decisions being revisited in courtrooms far too often,” he said, calling for greater transparency and consistency in decision making.

One of the decisions that drew his criticism was CAF’s ruling on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final involving Senegal and Morocco. The Confederation of African Football overturned the initial outcome after Senegal’s players briefly left the field in protest, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory on the grounds of regulatory violations. The development, as reported by The Guardian Nigeria, sparked debate across the continent about fairness and disciplinary standards.

Ekong also reacted to FIFA’s dismissal of Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Nigeria Football Federation had challenged the eligibility of certain players but saw the complaint thrown out due to procedural issues, including late submission and non payment of required fees. The Nation reports that the federation is considering further action on the matter.

Reflecting on both cases, Ekong suggested that many of these controversies could be avoided through stronger administrative processes before competitions begin. He stressed the need for proper verification of player eligibility and improved officiating standards.

“There should be thorough checks from the outset to ensure that everything is in order, from player documentation to officiating standards. That would prevent many of these disputes,” he said.

The defender also advocated for a more inclusive approach to football administration in Africa, urging CAF to involve former players in its decision making structures. According to Daily Times, he believes that those with firsthand experience of the game can offer valuable insights that would strengthen governance.

“Former players understand the realities of the game and should be part of shaping its future. Their input can help improve decision making and restore trust in the system,” he added.

Ekong concluded by emphasizing that while African football continues to showcase immense talent and excitement on the field, its administrative framework must evolve to match that quality and maintain global credibility.