AFCON Final Scandal: CAF Official Apologizes to Morocco and Demands Accountability

Samir Sobha, an influential member of the CAF executive committee, caused shockwaves by issuing an official apology to the Kingdom. Reflecting on the Atlas Lions’ defeat to Senegal (1-0), he denounced the disastrous handling of the match: “I want to implore the Moroccan Federation to forgive us for the injustice done to it… They were robbed,” he told the Guardian.

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The official notably highlighted the absence of sanctions after the Senegalese players left the pitch for 15 minutes following a disputed penalty: “The rules were not respected as they should have been… after the Senegalese team left the field, all the players should have been shown a yellow card.” Although he does not dispute Senegal’s title, Sobha believes CAF must “put its ego aside” and acknowledge its wrongdoing toward the Moroccan public.

“He is occupying the position illegally”: Véron Mosengo-Omba’s legitimacy challenged

Beyond the pitch, Samir Sobha is calling for an administrative earthquake. He claims that Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba should have retired on 15 October 2025, after reaching the age limit and exhausting his sole extension: “According to the statutes, he is currently occupying the position illegally. I do not think the SG is legally in a position to make decisions or sign a document.”

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This situation could create a dangerous legal vacuum for the institution. Faced with this rebellion, CAF president Patrice Motsepe is attempting to calm tensions: “We are dealing with these issues not only in accordance with legality, but also with governance.” However, for Sobha, the urgency is clear: “Most association presidents in Africa believe that Mr. Mosengo is outside his mandate.”