The 14th extraordinary general assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) took place on Wednesday, March 12, in Cairo. As expected, Patrice Motsepe was re-elected as president, Samuel Eto’o made his debut on the executive committee, and Mauritanian Ahmed Yahya secured a position on the FIFA Council. However, there was a major disappointment for Senegalese Football Federation President Augustin Senghor, who was eliminated from the election, alongside Ivorian Yacine Idriss Diallo.

Motsepe was re-elected for a second four-year term as CAF president without any opposition, as he was the only candidate running for re-election. His victory was seen as a continuation of his agenda to develop African football. The general assembly, which was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, marked a significant reshaping of CAF’s leadership.

Samuel Eto’o’s Remarkable Entry to CAF Executive Committee

One of the highlights of the assembly was the entry of Samuel Eto’o into the CAF Executive Committee. Initially rejected for candidacy, Eto’o was the only candidate nominated by the Union of Central African Football Federations (Uniffac), and he was elected by acclamation. However, it was revealed that Eto’o will not replace his compatriot Seidou Mbombo Njoya as vice-president of CAF, despite Motsepe’s offer. Instead, Eto’o’s place was given to Gabonese Pierre-Alain Mounguengui, who is 67 years old. The former 44-year-old footballer is expected to take on the leadership of a commission and sit on the executive committee alongside Bestine Kazadi Ditabala of Congo, who becomes the 5th vice-president of CAF, replacing Comorian Kanizat Ibrahim.

Surprises in FIFA Council Elections

The renewal of the six African seats on the FIFA Council also brought surprises and disappointment for some. Egyptian Hany Abou Rida and Moroccan Fouzi Lekjaa managed to retain their positions, but Nigerian Amaju Melvin Pinnick failed to secure his seat. Niger’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, known as "Colonel Pelé," caused a surprise by earning 35 votes out of 53, securing his place on the FIFA Council. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya also celebrated his election, while Senegal’s Augustin Senghor, with only 13 votes, faced a major setback. On the women’s side, Comorian Kanizat Ibrahim succeeded Sierra Leone’s Isha Johansen.

New Members of the CAF Executive Committee

The new members of the CAF Executive Committee include Walid Sadi (Algeria), Wallace John Karia (Tanzania), Kurt Okorako (Ghana), Bestine Kazadi (Congo), and Mustapha Raji (Liberia).

CAF’s Six Representatives on the FIFA Council

The six representatives of CAF on the FIFA Council are: Djibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger), Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco), Souleiman Hassan Waberi (Djibouti), Hany Abou Rida (Egypt), Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania), and Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros).

This reshuffle within the CAF leadership and the FIFA Council signifies a new chapter for African football as the continent continues its pursuit of growth and development on the global stage.