CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba Retires Amid Fallout from Controversial AFCON 2025 Final Decision

The general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Veron Mosengo-Omba, has resigned amid a period of significant turmoil for the governing body of African football.

Mosengo-Omba announced his retirement in a statement released on Sunday, March 29, 2026. His departure comes at a time when CAF is facing intense scrutiny over its handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, particularly the controversial decision to strip Senegal of the title and award it to hosts Morocco.

The 66-year-old Congolese-Swiss administrator, who has served as deputy to CAF President Patrice Motsepe, alluded to the controversies that marked his tenure. In his statement, he said he was retiring with peace of mind after dispelling suspicions cast against him, claiming he was leaving CAF “more prosperous than ever.”

Mosengo-Omba had faced criticism for continuing in the role beyond CAF’s mandatory retirement age of 63. He was also accused by some staff members of creating a toxic work environment, although an internal investigation cleared him of wrongdoing.

According to Reuters, CAF’s competitions director, Samson Adamu, will serve as acting general secretary following the resignation.

The resignation occurs against the backdrop of the chaotic AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and hosts Morocco on January 18, 2026, in Rabat. With the score goalless deep into stoppage time, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review for a challenge by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz.

Senegal players and coach Pape Thiaw walked off the pitch in protest, causing a 15- to 17-minute delay. Captain Sadio Mané eventually convinced the team to return. Díaz missed the penalty, which was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The match went to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored to give Senegal a 1-0 victory on the field.

Morocco’s football federation appealed, arguing that Senegal had violated rules by leaving the pitch. On March 17, 2026, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title – their first since 1976.

Senegal has strongly rejected the decision, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable.” The Senegalese Football Federation filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to restore the original result. CAS has confirmed receipt of the appeal.

In a show of defiance, Senegal paraded the AFCON trophy around the pitch at Stade de France in Paris before a friendly against Peru on March 28, drawing strong support from fans.

The AFCON title saga has deepened questions about CAF’s governance, refereeing standards, VAR usage, and disciplinary processes, especially when host nations are involved. Critics argue the ruling sets a dangerous precedent by overturning an on-field result months later, while supporters say rules on forfeiture must be applied consistently.

The organisation is also dealing with the last-minute postponement of the women’s AFCON, further damaging its credibility.CAF President Patrice Motsepe has said the body will respect any final CAS decision while affirming members’ right to appeal.

Mosengo-Omba’s exit adds to the leadership uncertainty at CAF at a critical time, as the organisation navigates legal challenges, public backlash, and the need to restore trust across the continent.

The outcome of Senegal’s CAS appeal could have far-reaching implications for the record books of AFCON 2025 and the perceived integrity of African football governance.