Caf launches investigation into misconduct claims

The headquarters of the Confederation of African Football is in Cairo, Egypt

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct within the organisation's secretariat.

Caf said in a statement that the alleged breach of its internal governance and auditing regulations will be investigated by an international law firm or an international audit and professional services firm.

A report on the matter will then be submitted to Caf's executive committee.

Caf secretary general Veron Mosengo-Omba was not mentioned by name in the statement but confirmed on social media that he was being investigated.

“My efforts to turn around and regularise this institution, which has been disrespected at times, are being sabotaged by an out-of-the-blue report containing grievances without documented proof,” he posted on X on Wednesday.

“The planned independent investigation will expose the falsity and origin of this report.”

Mosengo-Omba became Caf secretary general three years ago, having previously worked at world governing body Fifa.

He hails from DR Congo but also holds Swiss nationality.

Caf president Patrice Motsepe said in Thursday’s statement: “There is zero tolerance in Caf for corruption or breaching internal governance, audit and transparency regulations or for violating Caf and Fifa statutes and regulations.

“We have committed Caf to adhering to global governance, audit, transparency and ethics best practices, and established an internal governance and compliance department.

“This department brought the alleged breach of Caf’s internal audit and governance regulations to our attention.”

Motsepe added appropriate action will be immediately taken if improper conduct or behaviour is identified.

Patrice Motsepe (left) became Caf president in 2021 and appointed Veron Mosengo-Omba (right) as secretary general

According to The Guardian, the allegations say Mosengo-Omba “impeded” members of the governance, risk and compliance department from performing their duties.

The newspaper also reported that there are accusations of a “stressful, unethical and unprofessional environment" within the Caf administration.

Last month Mosengo-Omba told BBC Sport Africa that Caf's governance has improved since Motsepe became president of the Cairo-based organisation in March 2021.

“In 2021, Caf was a toxic company – nobody trusted Caf," he said.

"When Motsepe came, he put the principle of good governance and integrity in all levels of the organisation. This brings confidence to our partners.”

Mosengo-Omba also claimed Caf would be debt-free by next year, after he and Motsepe inherited a deficit of about $40m (£31m) upon taking office.