Rabat, Morocco — The former Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Veron Mosengo-Omba, has come forward to defend the controversial decision to award Morocco a 3-0 victory over Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Speaking to France 24, Mosengo-Omba thanked King Mohammed VI and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) for their support during the tournament.
Mosengo — Omba clarified that he and CAF President Patrice Motsepe had no involvement in the disciplinary procedures that followed the final. He explained that Morocco filed an appeal based on Article 82 of the AFCON regulations, which stipulates that a team that withdraws or refuses to play without referee’s approval is considered to have lost the match. However, CAF’s disciplinary committee ruled that the case did not meet the conditions of Article 82.
Senegal also challenged the decision, taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. Mosengo-Omba emphasized the independence of CAS, stating that it operates outside of CAF’s authority. He denied accusations that CAF is under outside control, asserting that such claims lack evidence.
Despite the controversy, Mosengo — Omba insisted that CAF followed its statutes and respected due process. He disclosed his earlier consideration of resignation but decided to remain in his role to oversee the AFCON, which he described as a record-breaker in terms of revenue and global attention.
Mosengo — Omba joined CAF in 2021, following a career at FIFA. Although his tenure faced criticism over governance and decision-making processes, he remained in the position until announcing his resignation on March 29.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Abderrahim Kabbour
