The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the launch of an in-depth investigation into alleged governance and auditing breaches within its Secretariat. This move underscores CAF’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
The investigation has been prompted by concerns over potential violations of CAF’s Internal Audit and Governance Regulations. To ensure a thorough and impartial review, the Audit and Governance Committee will engage a leading international law firm or an esteemed audit and professional services firm to conduct the probe. The findings will be submitted to the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) for further action.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to integrity. “CAF has zero tolerance for corruption or any breach of our internal governance, audit, and transparency regulations. We adhere strictly to the statutes and regulations of both CAF and FIFA. Since the establishment of our Internal Governance and Compliance Department in 2021, we have been dedicated to maintaining the highest global standards in governance, audit, transparency, and ethics,” he stated.
Dr Motsepe highlighted that the Internal Governance and Compliance Department was instrumental in bringing the alleged breaches to light. He affirmed, “Our efforts to implement and follow global best practices in governance and ethics have earned us the respect of sponsors, partners, African governments, and international stakeholders. We are determined to preserve this respect.”
The Audit and Governance Committee, chaired by Justice Petrus Damaseb, will oversee the investigation. The committee includes prominent figures such as Vice Chairman Mr. Happi Dieudoné, and the leaders of the CAF Audit and Compliance Committee, Mr. Mohammed Zaazi and Mr. Mouhamed Nour-Dine Assindoh. Their collective expertise will guide the investigation towards a fair and comprehensive outcome.
Upon receiving the report from the investigators, the CAF EXCO will review the findings and recommendations. Dr Motsepe assured that immediate and appropriate action would be taken if any misconduct or improper behaviour is identified. “We are fully committed to retaining the trust and respect we have built. Any violations of our standards will be met with decisive action,” he said.
The establishment of the Internal Governance and Compliance Department reflects CAF’s proactive approach to governance. This department has been pivotal in monitoring and enforcing adherence to best practices, ensuring that all operations align with the highest ethical standards. The current investigation is a testament to CAF’s resolve to address any irregularities and maintain its integrity.
As the investigation unfolds, CAF remains focused on its mission to promote football across Africa while maintaining the highest standards of governance and ethics. The organization is confident that the findings of the probe will reinforce its commitment to transparency and accountability.
CAF’s decision to launch this investigation demonstrates its dedication to upholding integrity within the organization. By addressing potential breaches head-on and ensuring thorough scrutiny, CAF is set to maintain its reputation as a leading and trustworthy institution in the world of football. The outcomes of this investigation will be pivotal in shaping the future of CAF’s governance and operational standards.
By: Francis Nutsugah (Abrantie Kofi Qross) – Ahotor Sports Desk
