After a turbulent period within African football, CAF appears to have taken a decisive step toward reform. On Wednesday in Cairo, at the conclusion of the CAF Executive Committee meeting, Senegalese FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura was appointed as the “FIFA General Delegate for Africa,” tasked with overseeing critical changes within the confederation.
Samoura’s mandate, set for a six-month period, involves conducting a comprehensive audit of CAF. According to the confederation’s statement on Thursday, her mission is “to carry out a general audit of the CAF in order to assess the current situation within the confederation and to contribute to the acceleration of the process of implementing the ongoing reforms, intended to ensure that the CAF operates in a transparent, efficient manner and according to the highest governance standards.” The appointment underscores FIFA’s commitment to restoring accountability and improving governance at the continental body.
The move comes amid allegations of corruption involving CAF President Ahmad Ahmad, who has appeared to pass the responsibility to FIFA in an effort to stabilize the institution. Ahmad acknowledged significant failings within the confederation, particularly in financial management. “I inherited an institution completely devoid of rules… I acknowledge my failure to improve CAF’s financial transparency. Even I, as president, couldn’t get my finance director (Mohamed El Sherei) to disclose our accounts, hence his recent suspension. He did whatever he wanted; he didn’t follow any rules. The same goes for the former secretary general. They decided everything,” Ahmad told France Football, highlighting systemic issues that have hindered CAF’s operations.
Fatma Samoura is scheduled to begin her assignment on August 1, 2019, with the mandate concluding on June 31, 2020. During this period, she will evaluate CAF’s internal structures, financial procedures, and governance mechanisms, providing recommendations to ensure the confederation functions transparently and efficiently.
The results of this audit are expected to be released shortly after her review, offering insight into the current state of CAF and setting the foundation for meaningful reform. By entrusting this task to FIFA, the confederation aims to address longstanding issues and implement changes that restore confidence in African football administration. The appointment of Samoura represents a significant step in reinforcing governance standards and improving the overall accountability of the continent’s governing body.
