This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
Published on July 20, 2019, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) is in dire need of reforms. The agency, responsible for governing football in Africa, has been marred by problems including poor working relations among top officials, shaky administration, and impropriety.
The recent controversy surrounding the Caf Champions League final match between Morocco's Wydad Casablanca and Tunisia's Esperance on June 1 is a case in point. The match was marred by a disputed goal, which led to Wydad Casablanca walking out of the pitch in protest. The VAR system was not functioning, and Esperance were eventually declared champions in a controversial manner.
However, the decision was later overturned, and the teams were ordered to replay the second leg at a neutral venue. Both teams have lodged appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, highlighting the need for Caf to address its administrative issues.
The leadership of Caf, particularly President Ahmad, is under increasing scrutiny. Ahmad has been accused of irregularly awarding contracts and financial impropriety. He is currently under investigation by the French authority and Fifa's anti-ethics committee.
These challenges have prompted Fifa to second its secretary-general, Fatma Samoura, to Caf as General Delegate for Africa, essentially to restore order.
