CAF executive member challenges legitimacy of secretary general Veron Mosengo-Omba

Samir Sobha, President of the Mauritius Football Association and a member of the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has publicly questioned the legitimacy of Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, insisting that his current tenure is no longer valid under CAF regulations.

In statements reported by The Guardian, Sobha declared that he would not accept Mosengo-Omba’s presence at upcoming CAF meetings, arguing that the Congolese official is no longer legally entitled to hold office.

“As per the statutes, he is occupying the seat illegally right now,” Sobha said. “I don’t think that the SG is in any legal position to make decisions, to sign a document.”

The Executive Committee member called on CAF President Patrice Motsepe to rectify the situation, stressing the need to respect the governing body’s internal regulations.

“I’m pleading with the president to rectify this position … We need to respect the statutes … When it comes to this issue, I think that it is clear.

“This decision [that Mosengo-Omba must vacate his position] needs to be taken, to make sure that we can get, very soon, a full-fledged and legitimate general secretary,” Sobha added.

He further claimed that a majority of African FA presidents share the view that Mosengo-Omba’s mandate has already expired.

“Right now, most FA presidents in Africa agree that Mr Mosengo is out of mandate,” Sobha stated.

Despite his criticism, Sobha expressed personal respect for Motsepe, noting: “Patrice Motsepe is a very good person; that’s my personal opinion. But it happens that things are not going in the right direction. Some issues need to be fixed.”

Sobha also revealed that had Mosengo-Omba attended last Friday’s meeting, he would have openly voiced his opposition to his presence.

According to The Guardian, CAF’s employment manual sets the retirement age for staff at 63, with the possibility of a single three-year extension granted by either the President or the Secretary General.

Mosengo-Omba began his tenure as Secretary General in March 2021 at the age of 61. He turned 63 in October 2022 and was subsequently granted a three-year extension. However, that extension reportedly expired in October last year, raising questions about the legality of his continued stay in office.

The situation now places CAF under renewed scrutiny as internal governance and compliance with its statutes come into focus.

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