Amr Fahmy’s tenure as a top executive at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has come to an abrupt end after just two years in office. Fahmy, who served as the director of African operations at Lagardère Unlimited before joining CAF, had been appointed to his current role following Ahmad’s election as CAF president. His departure was confirmed on Thursday, following a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee.
CAF has not provided an official explanation for the dismissal. However, multiple sources suggest that the decision may be linked to a combination of health issues and internal controversies. Fahmy reportedly experienced health challenges last year that occasionally kept him away from his duties, raising concerns among CAF officials about his ability to maintain the demands of the role.
Beyond health-related concerns, Fahmy has also been linked to internal leaks within the organization. Reports indicate that he may have been responsible for the disclosure of confidential CAF documents in recent months. These leaks reportedly exposed questionable governance practices under President Ahmad, attracting significant scrutiny and criticism from the African football community. While the full extent of Fahmy’s involvement has not been independently verified, these developments have fueled speculation that internal political dynamics played a central role in his removal.
In the wake of Fahmy’s dismissal, CAF has opted to promote from within rather than seek an external replacement. Mouad Hajji, a Moroccan official who was appointed as CAF General Coordinator in January, has been selected to take over Fahmy’s position. Hajji brings with him experience in administration and coordination within the continental body and is expected to provide stability during a period of transition. His appointment signals CAF’s preference for continuity and internal knowledge, rather than bringing in an outsider who may require time to adapt to the organization’s structure and operations.
Fahmy’s departure comes at a challenging time for CAF, which has faced criticism in recent months regarding transparency and governance. The leaks associated with his tenure have intensified calls for reform within the organization, putting additional pressure on President Ahmad and his team to demonstrate accountability and efficiency. While the exact reasons for Fahmy’s dismissal remain officially undisclosed, the timing and context suggest that CAF leadership is seeking to reassert control and address internal concerns.
For Amr Fahmy, the dismissal marks the end of a brief but eventful period at the heart of African football administration. Despite the controversies, he remains a prominent figure in the sport, with a career shaped by both achievements and challenges in the complex landscape of continental football governance.
Mouad Hajji’s appointment now marks a new chapter for CAF’s management team. As he steps into the role, all eyes will be on his ability to navigate the organization’s ongoing challenges, maintain operational continuity, and rebuild trust following a period of internal turbulence. With the CAF Executive Committee backing the internal promotion, Hajji will have the opportunity to solidify his influence and help guide African football through a critical phase of development and oversight.
