FIFA Takes Total Control Of 2019 AFCON Over Alleged Corruption In CAF

The world football governing body, FIFA has made plans to take over the running of the Confederation of African Football, CAF in the wake of corruption scandals surrounding the controlling body for African association football.

The announcement is expected to be made in a press conference in Egypt on Thursday, the eve of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON before the hosts, Egypt takes on Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon.

The decision was made due to corruption scandal of CAF president Ahmad Ahmad who was briefly arrested for questioning a fortnight ago in France before being released without charge, the New York Times reported.

There are also a torrent of allegations of wrongdoing, ranging from financial mismanagement to sexual harassment against Ahmad, who has continued to deny the allegations against him and has claimed to be the victim of a smear campaign.

FIFA said in setting up the arrangement, according to an internal document seen by The New York Times, “The rule of the temporary FIFA High Commissioner for Africa would be to conduct a root-and-branch review of governance of the confederation, oversee operational management of the organization, and recommend where needed a series of reform efforts, to be agreed with CAF member associations and with FIFA in order to put CAF itself on a modern and sound footing, improve its image and reputation and thus ensure that CAF is better equipped to face future challenges and to grasp future opportunities.”