The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has begun implementing significant governance changes ahead of its next General Assembly, with national football associations instructed to submit only two nominations for positions on the organisation’s standing committees.
According to information obtained by WinWin, the directive marks a notable departure from previous procedures, when member associations were able to put forward a broader number of candidates for committee roles across African football’s governing body.
The move comes amid preparations for a wider restructuring programme expected to affect several departments and committees within CAF in the months leading up to the General Assembly, which is scheduled to take place in Nigeria later this year.
The reported reforms are among the most substantial administrative changes undertaken by CAF since the recent transition in the organisation’s leadership structure.
Eight Key Committees Expected to Undergo Changes
Among the bodies expected to be reshaped are some of CAF’s most influential committees.
The planned changes are set to affect the Finance Committee, the Organising Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations, the African Nations League Committee, the Organising Committee for Club Competitions and the Club Licensing System Management Committee.
Additional reforms are expected within the Organising Committee responsible for youth tournaments, including Under-23, Under-20 and Under-17 competitions, as well as the Women’s Football Committee and the Futsal Development Committee.
Collectively, these committees play a central role in overseeing competitions, financial governance, development programmes and the strategic direction of football across the continent.
The decision to restrict nominations to two candidates per national federation is seen as one of the first concrete indications that CAF intends to streamline the process of appointing committee members as part of a broader organisational review.
Leadership Transition Drives Reform Agenda
The restructuring discussions come during a period of significant change within CAF’s administration.
Attention has increasingly focused on the organisation’s governance framework following the departure of former Secretary General Veron Omba and the appointment of Samson Adamu as interim Secretary General.
Since taking on the role, Adamu has reportedly been involved in developing a revised administrative structure that could influence several operational areas of CAF.
According to the information obtained by WinWin, decisions linked to the new organisational model have already begun to emerge following the leadership change that took place three months ago.
The reforms are expected to extend beyond committee membership and could affect a number of departments, including competitions, refereeing, marketing and financial management.
Permanent Secretary General Decision Awaited
One of the most closely watched issues ahead of the General Assembly concerns the future leadership of CAF’s secretariat.
The organisation is expected to clarify its final position regarding the permanent appointment of Adamu, who currently serves on an interim basis following Omba’s departure.
The outcome is likely to be one of the most significant decisions taken during the gathering in Nigeria and could influence the direction of the wider restructuring programme.
According to information circulating within CAF, Nigeria’s selection as host of the organisation’s sporting activities at the end of the year may contribute to strengthening support for a permanent appointment of the Nigerian administrator.
Further Appointments Could Follow
Sources indicate that additional high-level decisions may follow once the future of the Secretary General’s office is determined.
Among the positions that could be filled are a new director responsible for CAF tournaments, competitions and events, as well as a reconstituted referees committee that would assume responsibility from next season.
With committee restructuring plans advancing and key leadership decisions approaching, the coming months are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future administration of African football. The General Assembly in Nigeria could ultimately serve as the platform for one of the most significant organisational overhauls within CAF in recent years.
