The race for CAF’s vice-presidency has taken a dramatic turn following the resignation of Augustin Senghor as First Vice-President and intense anger among the Anglophones after being completely excluded from the FIFA Council places, AfricaSoccer.com invesitgations in Cairo have revealed.
Senghor’s exit has paved the way for fresh appointments, with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe under mounting pressure to make strategic selections that reflect regional balance and political considerations.
Adding to the intrigue, Iddriss Yacine Diallo, once considered a frontrunner for the prestigious First Vice-President position, has reportedly lost favor due to his lack of popularity among delegates.
Meanwhile, growing frustration among Anglophone federations—following their complete shutout from the FIFA Council elections—has further complicated the selection process.
Push for Anglophone Representation in CAF Leadership
With no Anglophone representatives securing a place on the FIFA Council, Motsepe is under pressure to ensure fairer representation in the CAF vice-presidency appointments, insiders have told AfricaSoccer.com
Several high-profile names are being considered to address this imbalance , including:
- Kurt Okraku (Ghana)
- Mustapha Raji (Liberia)
- Isayas Jira Bosho (Ethiopia)
CAF sources indicate that at least two Anglophones are likely to be appointed as vice-presidents to balance the Francophone-dominated FIFA Council elections.
Samuel Eto’o and Sadi Walid in the Mix
Beyond the Anglophone candidates, Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o is also being considered for a vice-presidential role.
However, despite his rising influence, his candidacy remains divisive within Motsepe’s inner circle. His outspoken nature and political maneuvering have earned both admiration and resistance.
Algeria’s Sadi Walid has also emerged as a strong contender for one of the five vice-presidency slots, with North African representation expected to play a key role in Motsepe’s decision.
Co-Opted Positions for FIFA Council Losers?
CAF’s two co-opted positions—direct appointments by Motsepe—are expected to go to candidates who unsuccessfully contested the FIFA Council elections.
This move is seen as a way to maintain unity and reward loyalty while ensuring that experienced figures remain part of the governing structure.
The co-opted positions could serve as compensation for sidelined Anglophone candidates or be used to bring back figures with strong influence within CAF’s administration.
This is where Amjau Pinnick, the Nigerian who brought Motsepe to power, will be considered to head the intense disappointment over his FIFA Council electoral setback.
A Defining Moment for Motsepe
With CAF’s leadership hierarchy set to take shape in the coming days, Motsepe’s decisions will have long-term implications for African football governance. His balancing act between political alliances, regional representation, and loyalty will determine the strength of his administration heading into the next cycle.
With Senghor out, the fight for the First Vice-President position remains open, and the pressure to appease sidelined Anglophone federations could force Motsepe to rethink his choices.
The coming days will reveal whether CAF’s leadership will embrace a more balanced approach or deepen existing political divisions.
