Audio By Carbonatix
Football's governing body in Africa has been shown to be in a state of disarray, both in terms of finances and governance, an audit has revealed.
The investigation into the Confederation of African Football (Caf), carried out by Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), found its accounting as "unreliable and not trustworthy". It highlighted transactions totalling more than $20m (ÂŁ15.4m) which either have "little or no supporting documentation" or were considered "higher risk".
One area the PwC audit suggested further investigating was "the role played" by Caf President Ahmad and his attaché, Loic Gerand, among others, in the deal with French company Tactical Steel. The company's financial dealings with Caf were described as "highly suspicious".
Mr Ahmad has already strenuously denied any wrongdoing with regard to this case.
The forensic audit - which was complicated by Caf's tendency to make most of its payments in cash - also suggested considerable reforms were needed throughout Caf.
The organisation's structure was described as being over-reliant on decisions made by the executive committee (ExCo), despite the latter meeting "once a quarter, resulting in delays in key decision-making and preventing managers of Caf departments from making timely business-critical decisions".
In addition, a lack of clarity in Caf's organisational structure has left departments "understaffed" and existing staff both "overworked" and "generally demotivated".
The confidential audit, a copy of which has been seen by the BBC, was carried out as part of the unprecedented decision to send the Secretary-General of football's world governing body, Fifa, to improve the way that Caf was run.
Concluding her six-month role in early February, Fatma Samoura presented her findings to leading figures in the Caf administration, who have said they will address the recommendations laid out by a joint Fifa/Caf taskforce.
These include, among others, a major restructuring of Caf's organisational hierarchy, introducing a term limit for both the president and ExCo members and the introduction of an ethics code.
Whether ExCo members are prepared to approve fundamental changes when they meet on Friday is another matter. But a statement this week made the right noises.
"More than 30 years of an outdated and patriarchal management at Caf have resulted in important shortcomings at all levels of operations," Caf said.
"Caf will persevere... to ensure that we achieve the highest international standards."
The damning audit highlights a raft of financial deals which require further investigation, with Caf President Ahmad, a 60-year-old from Madagascar, one of those under scrutiny.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana drawn with Brazil, Spain in crucial World Relays repechage race
13 minutes -
A nation that cannot employ its youth, cannot sustain peace – Kwamuhene urges urgent job creation
49 minutes -
Annoh-Dompreh elected Chairman of PAP Committee on Health, Social Work and Labour
51 minutes -
World Cup 2026: Injuries to key players ahead of tournament worrying – Kurt Okraku
1 hour -
Togo introduces fixed penalties for traffic offences
2 hours -
Amusan, Samukonga confirmed for Accra 2026
2 hours -
NADMO supports tidal waves victims in Anlo District
2 hours -
Vice President joins Effutu people to celebrate Aboakyer 2026
2 hours -
Tera Carissa Hodges joins global creatives to discuss cultural sovereignty at AfroCannes 2026
2 hours -
TCDA CEO leads charge to scale up cashew apple value addition opportunities
2 hours -
MGL’s May Day Egg market ends in resounding success as crowds turn out for affordable eggs
3 hours -
Energy expert advocates increased private-sector role in power distribution to tackle dumsor
3 hours -
Tony Asare Writes: A clotted artery, by-passes and detours
3 hours -
No road project cancelled under Mahama’s reset agenda — Roads Minister
3 hours -
Mahama praises IGP Yohunu, hails intelligence-led policing at Krobo-Odumase commissioning
3 hours