CAF general secretary steps down following AFCON final controversy

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The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco will be remembered as one of the most controversial matches in African football history. Minutes later, a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco when Brahim Díaz went down.

In protest, Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch. Despite the on-field triumph, CAF later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the field, awarding a 3–0 victory to Morocco.

In defiance, Senegal paraded their AFCON trophy during a friendly against Peru in Paris, calling the ruling an “administrative robbery.” CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe said, “The matters relating to the incidences that took place at the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 are before [the Court of Arbitration for Sport].” “We will respect and implement whatever decision is taken by CAS.” Amid this turmoil, CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba announced his resignation, citing personal projects. Motsepe expressed confidence, saying, “Samson has started immediately and he will be leading us going forward” “The vice-presidents will lead the process and report to me on the appointment of a permanent general secretary.” CAF has announced statutory reforms, stating, “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) announced today that it is implementing changes and improvements to the CAF Statutes and Regulations that will strengthen the trust and confidence in the CAF referees, VAR operators and the CAF Disciplinary Board and Appeal Board.