African football's governing body is facing its most serious internal crisis in years following explosive allegations of systemic bullying and a "culture of fear" orchestrated by its most senior administrator.
A Pattern of Intimidation
Multiple current and former staff members at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have come forward with disturbing accounts of workplace harassment under General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba. The allegations paint a picture of an organisation where senior executives live in constant fear of public humiliation and arbitrary dismissal.
One particularly shocking incident described how Mosengo-Omba allegedly reduced a senior staff member to tears during a meeting, then proceeded to mock their emotional response in front of colleagues. "He enjoys watching people break," one source revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Systemic Issues and Staff Exodus
The toxic environment has triggered a significant brain drain from the organisation, with at least 25 staff members departing since Mosengo-Omba's appointment. Many were highly experienced professionals who had survived previous leadership changes, suggesting the current issues run deeper than typical organisational restructuring.
Key concerns raised by staff include:
- Public humiliation of senior executives during meetings
- Arbitrary dismissal threats and job insecurity
- Favouritism and inconsistent application of policies
- Breakdown of established HR procedures
- Creation of a climate where staff fear speaking out
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Mosengo-Omba, who previously held roles at FIFA, has vigorously denied the allegations. In a statement, he acknowledged making "tough decisions" but insisted these were necessary for organisational improvement. He attributed staff departures to performance-based decisions and claimed the organisation is moving in a positive direction.
However, the scale and consistency of the allegations suggest deeper problems within CAF's leadership structure. The timing is particularly sensitive as African football continues its efforts to rebuild credibility following previous governance scandals.
Broader Implications for African Football
This crisis emerges at a critical juncture for African football, which has been working to enhance its global standing and commercial appeal. The allegations threaten to undermine these efforts, potentially affecting sponsorship deals and partnerships crucial for the development of the sport across the continent.
As pressure mounts on CAF leadership to address these concerns transparently, the football world watches closely to see how one of the sport's most important governing bodies will handle its most significant internal challenge in recent memory.
