The Confederation of African Football is preparing for a wide-ranging restructuring of its internal committees, with an Egyptian administrator reportedly leading the race to take on a senior role overseeing competitions and events.
Changes come in the wake of the recent appointment of Samson Adamu as acting Secretary General, a decision taken during the organisation’s Executive Committee meeting on 29 March. The move has triggered a broader review of leadership positions across several departments within African football’s governing body.
Extensive Committee Overhaul Planned
According to sources cited by WinWin, CAF is set to introduce changes across multiple committees. These include the Finance Committee, the Organising Committees for the Africa Cup of Nations and the African Nations League, as well as departments responsible for club competitions, youth football, women’s football, refereeing, technical development, legal affairs and medical services.
The restructuring reflects an effort to modernise operations and strengthen governance across the organisation, which oversees football activities throughout the continent.
Adamu Expected to Take Permanent Role
Reports indicate that Adamu, who has been serving in an acting capacity, is likely to be confirmed as CAF Secretary General on a permanent basis during the next General Assembly meeting scheduled for later this year.
Should that appointment be finalised, CAF will need to identify a successor for his previous responsibilities as Director of Competitions, Tournaments and Events—a key role overseeing the organisation of major continental tournaments.
Egyptian Candidate in Pole Position
An internal source has suggested that Mohamed El Shawarby is the leading candidate to assume that position. El Shawarby, a former board member of the Egyptian Football Association, has accumulated experience through various roles within both CAF and FIFA in recent years.
His potential appointment is seen as part of a broader reshuffle aimed at reinforcing expertise within CAF’s operational structure, particularly in areas related to tournament management.
Calendar Adjustments for Major Competitions
The restructuring process comes alongside several scheduling decisions affecting upcoming tournaments. CAF has confirmed that the African Futsal Cup of Nations will take place between 12 and 21 October 2026, aligning with an international break in the global football calendar.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been rescheduled from April to July and August 2026. The adjustment follows the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In addition, Morocco is scheduled to host the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations from 13 May to 2 June 2026, continuing its role as a key venue for continental competitions.
Strategic Moment for African Football Governance
The anticipated changes represent a significant moment for CAF as it seeks to streamline its operations and enhance organisational efficiency. Leadership appointments, particularly in critical departments such as competitions and events, are expected to play a central role in shaping the future of African football administration.
Leadership Changes Signal New Direction
CAF’s planned restructuring highlights a period of transition for the organisation, with key appointments likely to influence how competitions are managed across the continent. With Mohamed El Shawarby emerging as a leading candidate for a prominent role, the coming months could mark a shift towards a more structured and strategically aligned administration.
