Breaking News: Mosengo-Omba to step down as CAF general secretary amid mounting pressure

Veron Mosengo-Omba will step down as general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) when the organisation’s Executive Committee meets in Cairo on Friday, AfricaSoccer.com understands.

The DR Congo official’s decision comes after growing pressure over his continued stay in office despite surpassing CAF’s mandatory retirement age, a situation that has sparked criticism within the organisation’s top leadership.

Sources within CAF Exective Committee indicate that if Mosengo-Omba refuses to resign, some members of the powerful baord are prepared to formally push for his immediate removal during Friday’s meeting in Cairo.

Instead, those close to the outgoing general secretary say he is opting to leave voluntarily to avoid further public confrontation, following what insiders describe as an increasingly “toxic” environment surrounding his position.

His departure is expected to trigger immediate uncertainty within CAF’s administrative structure, with no clear successor in place and no deputy general secretaries appointed during his tenure.

Controversy over retirement rules

At the centre of the dispute is CAF’s Regulation 130, which sets the compulsory retirement age for staff at 63, with a maximum three-year extension allowed at the discretion of the president or general secretary.

Mosengo-Omba, who was appointed in March 2021 at the age of 61, reached that threshold in October 2022. CAF president Patrice Motsepe granted him a three-year extension, which expired in October 2025.

Under CAF rules, no further extensions are permitted beyond that point, meaning his continued stay in office since then has been widely viewed by critics as a breach of internal regulations.

Despite this, Mosengo-Omba remained in position, even continuing to oversee operations during major tournaments like December’s AFCON in Morocco, a move that raised concerns about governance and accountability within African football’s governing body.

Speaking last month, Motsepe avoided directly addressing the issue, stating only that CAF would act “in accordance with governance and best practice”.

Governance concerns and internal tensions

Mosengo-Omba’s prolonged stay has exposed deeper tensions within CAF, with some observers warning of a governance crisis at the organisation.

Critics argue that allowing a top official to remain in office beyond the legal limit undermines the credibility of CAF’s decision-making processes, with fears that contracts or agreements signed during this period could be challenged.

The silence of CAF’s key oversight bodies, including its Audit and Governance Committees, has further fuelled concerns about accountability and the concentration of power within the organisation.

His close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also drawn scrutiny, with some insiders suggesting it contributed to his ability to remain in office despite mounting criticism.

FIFA has not publicly commented on the situation, a stance that has been interpreted by critics as tacit support.

Legacy of progress and controversy

Mosengo-Omba leaves CAF with a mixed legacy.

During his time in charge of the organisation’s administration, CAF recorded significant commercial growth, expanded its competitions and increased support for member associations, while also implementing reforms aimed at improving governance after previous scandals.

However, his tenure has also been marked by persistent allegations of favouritism and internal restructuring decisions that raised questions about merit and transparency.

Some staff appointments during his leadership have come under scrutiny, including individuals perceived to have benefited from close ties to his office.

His exit is likely to heighten uncertainty among sections of CAF’s workforce, particularly those believed to have enjoyed protection under his leadership.

What next for CAF?

With Mosengo-Omba’s departure imminent, CAF now faces the challenge of stabilising its administration while searching for a new general secretary.

The absence of deputies means the organisation could face short-term disruption as it transitions to new leadership at a critical moment for African football. As a stop gap measure, Mosengo-Omba could be asked to stay in charge while a successor is found to avoid a gap.

Friday’s Executive Committee meeting in Cairo is expected to provide further clarity on the next steps, as CAF seeks to restore confidence and reinforce its governance structures in the wake of the recent controversy of stripping Senegal as the AFCON champions.

For now, Mosengo-Omba’s exit brings an end to a turbulent chapter — but leaves significant questions about the future direction of African football’s governing body.