CAF Vice President and President of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Augustin Senghor, suffered a setback in his bid for a seat on the FIFA Council at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Congress held in Cairo on Wednesday.
The election result led to Senghor’s immediate resignation from his position as CAF’s first vice president.
Senghor, who has been a prominent figure in African football since becoming FSF president in 2009, received only 13 votes in the election, falling far short of the 49 votes garnered by Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa.
This decisive defeat not only cost Senghor a position on the global governing body but also prompted his swift departure from CAF’s leadership.
The loss marks a dramatic shift for Senghor, who had been serving as CAF’s first vice president since March 2021.
During his tenure, he had been part of an administration focused on stabilizing CAF’s financial situation and improving its governance following a period of crisis.
His resignation brings an abrupt end to years of involvement with the continental organization, leaving a void in CAF’s top leadership.
Fouzi Lekjaa, the victor in this election, is known for his strategic vision and influential roles in football administration.
As the president of the Moroccan Football Federation since 2014, Lekjaa has been instrumental in enhancing Morocco’s football infrastructure and youth development programs. His election to the FIFA Council further solidifies his position as a key player in global football governance.
The outcome of this election and Senghor’s subsequent resignation highlight the competitive and often unpredictable nature of football politics in Africa.
It remains uncertain whether Senghor will seek re-election as president of the Senegalese Football Federation, leaving questions about his future role in football administration.
