CAF Executive Committee faces internal tensions over refereeing and leadership
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee meeting held Friday in Dar es Salaam revealed underlying tensions, with several members opting to participate via videoconference rather than attend in person, according to Sport News Africa.
While CAF president Patrice Motsepe publicly announced the confirmation of the 2027 AFCON co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, and the introduction of a biennial African Nations League to compensate for AFCON’s shift to every four years, internal discussions were less harmonious.
Sources indicate that attending members strongly criticized the refereeing commission following multiple controversies during AFCON 2025.
Several executives demanded the dissolution of the commission and the removal of its president, Congolese official Olivier Safari Kabene, seeking a fresh start. The matter was extensively debated behind closed doors.
Motsepe indirectly addressed the refereeing issues during his press conference, stating: “The referees’ reports during the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire were excellent… In Morocco, based on the elements produced, it was a disappointment.”
Another point of contention concerned CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba.
Having exceeded the age limit of 63 years for the position and used his only authorized term extension, several members requested his departure to comply with regulations.
No official announcements regarding these internal disputes have been made.
