CAF set for high-stakes Cairo meeting over AFCON dispute

Confederation of African Football will hold a high-stakes Executive Committee (COMEX) meeting in Cairo on Sunday, with the controversial decision to strip Senegal national football team of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title at the centre of discussions.

The meeting comes amid growing tension within African football’s governing body following the appeals jury’s ruling to award the title to Morocco national football team. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning both the process and its implications for the credibility of CAF competitions.

The situation has been further complicated by internal disagreements within the organisation. Reports suggest divisions among members of the Executive Committee, with some expressing opposition to CAF president Patrice Motsepe during recent discussions.

Attention has also turned to CAF’s administrative leadership, with speculation surrounding the future of Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba.

He has faced criticism in connection with several sensitive matters, including the handling of the AFCON final decision.

Some committee members are reported to have voiced concerns about his role, particularly given his perceived proximity to Gianni Infantino.

Despite the tense backdrop, the COMEX meeting will address a wide-ranging agenda that extends beyond the current controversy.

Proceedings are set to begin with opening remarks from Motsepe, followed by updates on CAF competitions delivered by the Secretary General.

Key topics include preparations for upcoming tournaments such as the 2026 interclub finals, the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as well as futsal and beach soccer events. The committee will also review the competition calendar for the 2026–2029 cycle.

Preparations linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup are also expected to feature prominently, alongside discussions regarding member associations’ participation in the 76th FIFA Congress.

Another significant item on the agenda is the allocation of future tournaments, including upcoming editions of the Africa Cup of Nations and youth competitions. Long-term development projects, such as the proposed Africa Nations League, will also be examined.

However, the central focus remains the fallout from the AFCON final decision. The Executive Committee is expected to assess the appeals jury’s ruling, which has triggered one of the most significant governance challenges in recent CAF history.

Governance reforms will also be discussed, including preparations for the 48th Ordinary General Assembly, potential revisions to CAF statutes, and evaluations of its standing committees.

Reviews of refereeing standards and recent disciplinary decisions are also scheduled.

As CAF convenes in Cairo, the outcome of the meeting could prove decisive in addressing both the immediate controversy and broader structural issues within African football.