CAF Overhauls Referees’ Commission, SG Resigns

The recent meeting of the CAF Executive Committee in Dar es Salaam, led by President Patrice Motsepe, brought significant developments to the organization’s governance and operations. Key discussions focused on various pressing issues within the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

CAF’s Major Decisions and Announcements

During the press conference, Motsepe announced the decision to host AFCON 2027 in a collaboration between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Additionally, he introduced the concept of a League of African Nations, which is set to take place every two years. This initiative aims to fill the gap created by the AFCON schedule, which occurs every four years.

Internal Discontent within the Executive Committee

Interestingly, not all members of the Executive Committee attended the meeting in person. Several opted for video conferencing, indicating potential internal discord. Concerns were raised regarding the referees’ commission, primarily due to controversies surrounding officiating during AFCON 2025.

• Members called for the dissolution of the referees’ commission.
• A push for the dismissal of president Olivier Safari Kabene was also made.

This discussion revealed a critical need for reform within the refereeing framework of CAF, as tensions regarding arbitration decisions have been mounting.

Concerns Over Leadership and Compliance

During the press conference, Motsepe also addressed the state of refereeing, noting the quality of officiating in the recent tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire as commendable. However, he acknowledged disappointment in certain performances during the tournament in Morocco.

Another contentious issue arose regarding the position of Veron Mosengo-Omba, the current Secretary General of CAF. He has surpassed the age threshold of 63 years for his role and has utilized the sole extension allowed for his term. Several Executive Committee members expressed the need for his resignation to uphold governance standards.

Conclusion

In summary, the meeting in Dar es Salaam highlighted crucial developments within CAF, particularly regarding future tournaments and organizational reforms. As discussions continue, the scrutiny surrounding the referees’ commission and the secretary general’s position may lead to significant changes in the governance of African football.