FIFA to send Samoura to CAF as high commissioner

Ahmad Ahmad’s days as CAF president may soon be over following a series of corruption charges dangling over his head. Already, world football governing body, FIFA is contemplating sending its General Secretary, Fatma Samoura as a ‘High Commissioner for Africa.’ This is in light of recent governance issues on the continent, reports the BBC.

If the proposal is approved, Samoura would take charge of CAF for at least six months from August 1.

African football’s ruling body has been in the spotlight recently, with Ahmad questioned by French authorities earlier this month as “part of a probe into corruption, breach of trust and forgery”.

The 59-year-old, who is also being investigated by Fifa’s Ethics Committee, was released without charge following the talks in Paris and has dismissed all allegations against him as “false”.

Other recent issues include the decision to replay CAF’s flagship club match after this month’s African Champions League final was marred by a boycott following the failure of the VAR system.

There was also controversy with regard to rescheduling the 2019, 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

“The rule of the temporary FIFA High Commissioner for Africa would be to conduct a root and brand (sic) review of governance of the confederation, oversee operational management of the organisation and recommend where needed a series of reform efforts,” a leaked memo stated.

“The Fifa High Commissioner for Africa would act under the supervision of both the Caf President and Fifa President [Gianni Infantino].”

The Senegalese would have to delegate some of her Fifa duties if she takes charge, said a source with knowledge of the process.

Caf’s Executive Committee met yesterday in Egypt, which will host this year’s Africa Cup of Nations between June 21 and July 19.

BBC Sport Africa understands that any decision would have to be rubber-stamped when the Caf Congress meets in Cairo on July 18, the eve of the 2019 Nations Cup final.

Meanwhile, the embattled CAF President, Ahmad is expected to hold a press conference in Cairo today.