Senegal Football Federation (FSF) president Augustin Senghor has dismissed claims of the so-called Nouakchott Protocol, an alleged behind-the-scenes agreement influencing leadership positions within African football, as speculation.
Speaking ahead of the CAF Executive Committee elections on Wednesday, March 12, where new members will be selected for the FIFA Council, Senghor distanced himself from any such arrangement.
“I can say today that I am not aware of this Nouakchott Protocol that we are talking about, and I am not a member of it, if it exists,” he told Senegalese daily Le Soleil.
With CAF elections historically marked by intense lobbying and strategic alliances, Senghor acknowledged that negotiations for leadership positions have long been part of the process.
However, he cautioned against practices that could conflict with FIFA’s ethical standards.
“Since I joined CAF under the late President Hayatou, there has always been a lot of discussion about positions and arrangements,” he said.
“This can be a problem if it conflicts with the ethical principles established by FIFA.”
Despite the political maneuvering, Senghor insists his candidacy for a FIFA Council seat is fully justified, given Senegal’s growing influence in African and global football.
“It is something that seems logical, given what Senegal represents in the world of continental football,” he stated, underscoring the nation’s rising footballing stature following its 2021 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and recent strong performances on the world stage.
The FIFA Council election will be crucial in determining Africa’s representation within world football’s governing body.
Senghor, as CAF’s first vice-president, remains a strong candidate to extend his influence at the highest level.
With African football leadership under increased scrutiny, the election results will not only determine who represents the continent but also test the transparency and integrity of the process.
