The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is facing significant scrutiny after auditors revealed over USD 16 million in unaccounted expenses from its financial statements for the year ending June 30, 2023.
This discrepancy raises the total losses for the year to USD 25.43 million, far exceeding the previously reported deficit of USD 9.25 million.
The audit, conducted by external firm EY, highlighted USD 12 million in unallocated technical costs and other unrecorded expenses.
This revelation as reported by The Guardian has sparked internal tension, with CAF’s audit and compliance committee alleging that there has been unauthorized interference by CAF’s general secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba, who appointed the external auditor.
Mosengo-Omba, who took over with a USD 30 million deficit in 2021, has been under investigation for various governance breaches and has denied accusations of dishonesty.
The audit committee remains concerned about potential interference in the investigation process, especially with Mosengo-Omba’s alleged attempts to present contested documents to the auditors.
These financial issues come as CAF prepares for its presidential election, where current president Patrice Motsepe is expected to face competition, including from veteran Egyptian football administrator Hany Abo Rida.
The scandal raises questions about financial oversight and governance at the heart of African football’s governing body.
