The future of Veron Mosengo-Omba as General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has come under intense scrutiny following recent remarks by CAF President Patrice Motsepe on retirement rules within the confederation.
Mosengo-Omba’s absence from the ongoing CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam has only added fuel to speculation about his tenure.
Addressing allegations that Mosengo-Omba may be occupying his post illegally, Motsepe clarified, “The retirement is governed by our rules and regulations. We deal with those things not just in accordance with legality, but governance. We will take the best decision as CAF, concerning employees.”
The President’s comments highlighted the tension between CAF’s governance protocols and Mosengo-Omba’s continued presence in office.
Mosengo-Omba, who was notably absent from the key EXCO meeting at the Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, has already reached the retirement age stipulated by CAF rules, further intensifying debate about his status.
As the administrative head of African football’s governing body, his nonattendance at such a critical gathering has been widely interpreted as a sign of uncertainty regarding his future.
The Swiss-Congolese official was appointed CAF General Secretary in March 2021, replacing Abdel Bah. Prior to this role, he served as Chief Officer for Member Associations at FIFA and worked closely with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, overseeing the FIFA Forward development programme and managing relationships with African member associations.
His CAF appointment was intended to strengthen governance, improve financial management, and bolster the institution’s credibility.
During his tenure, Mosengo-Omba has overseen administrative reforms and contributed to the development of youth and women’s football across Africa.
However, his time in office has been marked by controversy, including allegations of financial irregularities in 2024 and 2025 and questions regarding whether he should continue beyond the CAF retirement age of 63, as set out in Regulation 130 of the CAF Employment Handbook.
The regulation states: “The retirement age OF ALL EMPLOYEES SHALL BE 63 YEARS OLD. Upon reaching the retirement age, the President or the Secretary General MAY extend the employee’s employment for a MAXIMUM OF THREE YEARS.”
Born on October 15, 1959, Mosengo-Omba was 61 years old when Motsepe appointed him General Secretary in March 2021, and his age now places him within reach of mandatory retirement provisions.
Despite these concerns, Mosengo-Omba has consistently maintained that he acted with integrity and professionalism throughout his tenure, insisting that all his decisions have adhered to CAF statutes.
While CAF leadership has previously offered public support, Motsepe’s recent emphasis on retirement and institutional renewal has reignited speculation about Mosengo-Omba’s long-term future.
Observers are watching closely for any official announcement or changes in the confederation’s administrative structure.
