Sports

CAF launches investigation into corruption allegations against Secretary-General

Published

4 months ago

August 2, 2024

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an investigation into several corruption and misconduct allegations levelled against its Secretary-General, Véron Mosengo-Omba.

The move to probe Mosengo-Omba came after an internal investigation was launched to scrutinize the Secretary-General’s conduct as revealed in a recent emergency meeting presided over by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

According to sources present at the meeting which was described as tense, CAF Executive Committee discussed a report submitted by the head of governance, risk, and compliance.

“The allegations against Mosengo-Omba are severe, accusing him of creating an unethical and unprofessional environment within the administration, impeding the duties of the governance, risk, and compliance department, and using inappropriate language in communications,” one source said.

In a statement released after the emergency meeting, CAF conveyed its stance on the issue, emphasizing a zero tolerance policy for corruption or breaches of internal regulations.

“We have committed CAF to adhering to global governance, audit, transparency, and ethics best practices and established in 2021, an Internal Governance and Compliance Department in CAF,” Motsepe stated in the statement.

He elaborated further on the actions taken following the troubling findings.

“This Internal Governance and Compliance Department brought the alleged breach of CAF’s internal Audit and Governance Regulations to our attention.

“The current culture in CAF of implementing and adhering to global governance, audit, transparency, and ethics best practices has resulted in CAF being respected by its sponsors, partners, African Governments, and other African and international stakeholders,” he added.

Motsepe however, assured that the Executive Committee would “discuss the report and recommendations of the Audit and Governance Committee and appropriate action will immediately be taken if improper conduct or behavior is identified by the Audit and Governance Committee.”

Mosengo-Omba who became CAF Secretary General in March 2021, has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that his efforts to reform the institution have been undermined.

In a statement he posted on X, the embattled Mosengo-Omba:

“My efforts to turn around and regularize this institution, which has been disrespected at times, are being sabotaged by an out-of-the-blue report containing grievances without documented proof.

“The planned independent investigation will expose the falsity & origin of this report.”

Related Topics:CAF corruption Featured Misconduct Patrice Motsepe Véron Mosengo-Omba

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Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

18 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”

Sports

South Africa FA President Danny Jordaan detained. Here’s why

Published

4 days ago

November 17, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), was taken into custody on Wednesday on suspicion of misusing the organization’s funds for personal gain.

On Tuesday, Jordaan, who played a key role in securing South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup, attempted to have his impending arrest stopped by a court. The case is postponed until Dec. 5.

The matter has been postponed until December 5. Jordaan, who was given 20,000 rand ($1,110) bail, says he has done nothing wrong.

The police raid on the SAFA headquarters in March is what led to the arrest.

Between 2014 and 2018, “the president of SAFA used the organization’s resources for his gain, including hiring a private security company for his protection and a public relations company, without authorisation from the SAFA board,” according to a police spokesperson at the time.

Jordaan, 73, appeared in Palm Ridge magistrates court together with his co-accused, SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling, who was also given bail.

They have been advised not to communicate with any of the 19 possible state witnesses on the list who may testify against them.