There have been whispers of the aftermath of this year’s African Cup of Nations final, most recently when Senegal were stripped of the title after being sent off against Morocco.
Senegal players were sent off during the final (Image: Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Beron Mosengo-Omba has resigned as African Football Secretary-General. His decision came within days of the federation being accused of corruption by the Senegalese government.
Senegal were recently stripped of their controversial AFCON title after defeating hosts Morocco in the final in January. The players, enraged by the delay in awarding the penalty, walked off the pitch and refused to return for 17 minutes.
When the match returned, Morocco’s Brahim Dias controversially missed a spot-kick and Senegal advanced to the final after extra time. However, after a subsequent investigation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the title to Morocco. The statement acknowledged that Senegal had “abandoned the final match” by being sent off, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently appealed this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but the Senegalese government declared that the “unprecedented and extremely serious decision” was based on a “clearly incorrect interpretation of the regulations”, leading to a grossly illegal and extremely unjust outcome.
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read more: Senegal unveils AFCON trophy as stars defy controversial decision to strip them of titleread more: Morocco breaks silence on Senegal’s AFCON title stripping with statement
CAF is currently facing corruption allegations and has lost one of its leading figures to retirement. Mr Mosengo-Omba, 66, made the announcement on Sunday: “After more than 30 years of an international professional career promoting the ideals of football that bring people together, educate and create opportunities for hope, I have decided to step down as CAF Secretary-General to focus on more personal projects.”
“Now that I have dispelled the suspicions that some people put so much effort into putting on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without any restrictions, leaving CAF in a more prosperous state than ever before.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, my team and all those who have directly or indirectly enabled CAF and the African football organization to make truly remarkable progress. Let us hope that the progress that has been made is sustained and sustained.”
Who will be chosen as the 2026 AFCON winner? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Belon Mosengo-Omba has resigned (Image: WIKUS DE WET/AFP, Getty Images)
Mosengo-Omba has been criticized for continuing to be hailed as CAF general secretary past the CAF’s mandatory retirement age of 63, but Mauritius Football Association president Sameer Soba told the Guardian last month: “In accordance with the law, he is currently occupying the seat illegally.
“I don’t think the SG is in a legal position to make decisions or sign documents…I’m pleading with the president to correct this position…We need to respect the statute…I think that’s clear when it comes to this issue.”
“This decision needs to be taken to ensure we have a full-fledged and legitimate general secretary soon. Most African FA presidents now agree that Mr Mosengo is done with the job.”
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