Featured

FIFA says Samoura’s 6-month CAF mission ‘successfully completed’

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:05 pm

FIFA’s six months in control of African soccer appeared to end when Fatma Samoura’s temporary leadership of the continent’s governing body was not extended on Sunday.
Samoura, the FIFA secretary general, was dispatched to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in August with the task of cleaning up the organization.
FIFA declared Samoura’s mission as “General Delegate for Africa” complete after a meeting of the CAF executive committee without mentioning the confederation’s president, Ahmad, who has been subject to an ethics investigation. Ahmad has faced accusations of sexual harassment and bribery, as well as claims of personal and financial impropriety. FIFA’s statement did not mention Ahmad.
Changes implemented during Samoura’s mission include enhanced financial controls, better salaries for staff and new ethics structures, FIFA said. Details of an audit of CAF were not publicly provided after the meeting in Rabat, Morocco.
“The six month mission agreed between FIFA and CAF to help accelerate the implementation of the reform process in the African governing body is completed with the delivery of a set of findings, recommendation and proposals,” FIFA said.
“FIFA is happy that the joint effort made with
CAF was done and delivered within the initial proposed time frame and reiterates its commitment to be at the disposal of African football to assist in the process of raising its level to the top of the world.”
After working with CAF general secretary Mouad Hajji and other experts, FIFA said Samoura “completed several reforms focusing on three pillars: good governance, financial management and internal procedures; efficient and professional organisation of competition; growth and development of African football.”
FIFA said it would work to create and finance a group of professional referees for Africa, ensure there is at least $1 billion available for the 54 nations to invest in infrastructure, implement unspecified governance changes and pursue changes to competitions “in line with the strategy” that was presented by President Gianni Infantino on Saturday.
Infantino told CAF leaders that the Africa Cup of Nations tournament should halve in frequency and only be played every four years. Infantino suggested annual under-16 and under-18 tournaments for boys and girls instead of the current under-17 events every two years. The boys’ tournaments could grow from 24 teams to 48 if FIFA’s ruling council agrees. Girls’ tournaments could grow to 24 teams from 16.
AP

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

UAE Invests $30 million to Support Ghana’s Biodiversity and Climate Goals

In an effort to combat the climate crisis worldwide, the United Arab Emirates has united with Ghana to commit $30…

September 30, 2024

Algeria to Donate MiG-29 Fighter Jets to Strengthen Sudan’s Air Force

In a strategic maneuver to firm up regional defense cooperation, Algeria is reportedly set to donate its surplus MiG-29 fighter…

September 28, 2024

Police Deployment in Haiti by Kenya Strengthens Security-Ruto Urges International Support

While visiting Haiti last Saturday, Kenyan President William Ruto praised the great progress in the security build-up on the island…

September 27, 2024

What Sudan Needs: An Urgent Humanitarian Response, Say UN and Global Leaders

As fighting in Sudan is intensifying, with an increasingly dire hunger crisis, UN agencies and Member States called on Wednesday…

September 27, 2024

Lupita Nyong’o wants to show Africa through her eyes

Lupita Nyong'o has brought African characters - both fictional and real - to life in memorable ways throughout her career,…

September 26, 2024

Burkina Faso Foils Destabilization Plot Involving Civilians and Foreign Operatives

This was according to a statement by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, as he announced on the country's national television that…

September 25, 2024

This website uses cookies.