Fatma Samoura to be ‘high commissioner for Africa’ as CAF begs FIFA for reforms

Emergency Executive Committee of Confederation of African Football (CAF) has pleaded with Fifa to help conduct a forensic and administrative review of the body.

The emergency ExCo of Caf met on Wednesday at the Marriot Hotel in Cairo which is the base of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations to finalise the decision.

This is the first time a Confederation will ask the world football body to assist in auditing and reforming its operations for a period of six months.

A Caf ExCo member told TheCable that Fatma Samoura, secretary general of Fifa will be assigned the title of the “high commissioner for Africa” to oversee the affairs of the body from August 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020.

According to Osasu Obayiuwana, Samoura will also continue in her position in Fifa while she sort out the chaotic state of the scandal-battered Confederation.

“She (@fatma_samoura ) will delegate her functions within the @FIFAcom administration in accordance with the relevant regulations.” There is an option for a renewal of the commissionership at the end of the 6-month term, if @CAF_Online & FIFA mutually agree to do so.

— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) June 19, 2019

Advertisement

“She will delegate her functions within the world football ruling body administration in accordance with the relevant regulations,” Osasu Tweeted.

“There is an option for a renewal of her new role with the Continent body at the end of the 6-month term, if Caf and Fifa mutually agree to do so.”

This development is coming barely thirteen days after Ahmad Ahmad, Caf President, was invited and questioned by French investigators for allegedly breach of contract with Puma.

It was reported that Caf unilaterally broke a contract with German sports merchandise giant Puma, before signing a merchandise deal with a French supplier, Tactical Steel.

Amr Fahmy, former secretary general of Caf, had accused Ahmad of corruption.

Fahmy in a document sent to Fifa ethics and investigations committee accused Ahmad of costing the Confederation an additional $830,000 (€739,000) because he ordered equipment through Tactical Steel.

Other issues the Confederation president is accused of include alleged sexual harassment of staff, overspending on new cars and selective “personal allowance” payments to a number of African FA presidents.

Also the decision to replay the African Champions League final which was marred by Wydad Casablanca boycott following the failure of the VAR system, called for concern.

Ahmad was released without any charge following his invitation in Paris and has dismissed all allegations against him as “false”.

The 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will kick-off on June 21 to July 19 in Egypt.