Véron Mosengo-Omba: Powerful CAF Secretary General steps down

After more than four years at the helm of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) administration, Véron Mosengo-Omba has officially announced his resignation from the post of Secretary General. A new chapter begins for the continental institution—one marked by significant reforms, but also by recurring controversies.

🚨 🇳🇬 Samson Adamu appointed interim CAF General Secretary after resignation of Véron Mosengo-Omba (Swiss-Congolese).

Véron, 66, had been occupying the role despite being required to leave at CAF’s retirement age of 63.

​Adamu is son of ex-FIFA ExCo member Amos Adamu. pic.twitter.com/223nkt9epD

— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) March 29, 2026

In a statement issued this Sunday, March 29, from Cairo, the strongman of the administration explained his decision: “After more than 30 years of an international professional career dedicated to an ideal of football capable of uniting, educating, and creating opportunities that foster hope, I have decided to step down from my position as CAF Secretary General to devote myself to more personal projects.”

Mosengo-Omba—of Congolese (DRC) origin and Swiss nationality—had held the post since March 2021. He was widely regarded as CAF’s influential number two, or even as the key figure in day-to-day operations under the presidency of Patrice Motsepe. His departure comes just days after the latter’s re-election to the head of the institution.

In his statement, former Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba asserts that he is stepping down “serenely and without coercion,” having dispelled “the suspicions that some went to great lengths to cast upon me,” and leaving behind “a CAF more prosperous than ever.” He warmly thanked President Motsepe, his teams, and all those who contributed to the “real and notable strides” made in African football, while expressing his hope that “the progress achieved will endure and continue.”

An expected departure amidst a tense climate

This resignation comes amidst a climate marked by internal debates regarding the exceeding of the statutory retirement age at the organization. At 66 years old, Mosengo-Omba had been granted an extension of his mandate; however, several voices within the CAF Executive Committee had recently called into question the legality of his continued tenure in the position.

Accusations of authoritarian management, fostering a “culture of fear,” and an excessive concentration of power had also circulated in recent months—though investigations into alleged irregularities were, in some instances, closed without further action.

His record remains mixed: many credit him with playing a pivotal role in the modernization and professionalization of CAF, citing significant strides in the areas of competitions, marketing, and governance. Others, however, criticize him for an overly centralized management style.

And now?

Samson Adamu—the Nigerian official in charge of competitions—has reportedly been named as Mosengo-Omba’s successor.

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original article written in French by Ablam Gnamesso for Pan-Africa Football.