African football faces leadership crises and legal disputes

African football is facing significant institutional instability involving leadership challenges and legal disputes. Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe is under pressure following a controversial decision to reconsider the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament cycle, potentially returning it to a biennial format after previously planning a four-year cycle. This shift has caused distrust among national federation presidents. Consequently, several officials, including Cameroon Football Federation President Samuel Eto’o, are reportedly being positioned as potential successors to Motsepe.

In Cameroon, Samuel Eto’o is facing legal scrutiny as the Special Criminal Court (TCS) has opened an investigation into the management of public funds related to four international friendly matches played between 2022 and 2023. The Association of Amateur Football Clubs of Cameroon (ACFAC) alleges that funds, including approximately 567,570 euros related to a match against Russia, may have been misdirected. Eto’o has publicly criticized media reports regarding these allegations.

Separately, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has held hearings regarding a dispute between the Senegalese Football Federation and CAF. The case concerns the 2025 AFCON final, where Senegal is contesting a decision that awarded the title to Morocco following a forfeit ruling. The verdict from CAS is expected in the coming weeks.