Governing Bodies
BLACKOUT & MILITARIZED WORLD CUP MATCH: SOUTH KOREA WANTS NORTH KOREA SANCTIONED
BY LIAM MORGAN
The Korea Football Association (KFA) has asked the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to consider sanctions against North Korea following the 0-0 draw between the two nations in a 2022 World Cup qualifier in Pyongyang earlier this week.
According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, the KFA has written to the AFC to ask the regional body to “review whether it should discipline North Korea’s Football Association for its lack of cooperation”.
The match at Kim Il Sung Stadium was held without any fans in
the stands, while all foreign media – including those from the South – and
supporters were barred from attending.
The historic game, the first competitive men’s match to be staged in the North Korean capital, was also not broadcast live.
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min claimed it had tried to “sound the North out several times” to allow fans access to the stadium and for the qualifier to be broadcast on television.
“We asked North Korea on multiple occasions for help in allowing our media and supporters to travel to Pyongyang, but North Korea refused to cooperate,” the KFA said in its letter, according to Yonhap.
“We believe the AFC should review whether it should discipline North Korea’s football association for its lack of cooperation in these and other matters.”
In its letter to the AFC, the KFA referenced a rule in the continental body’s competition operations manual, which states: “Each host organisation shall ensure that visas and/or entry to the relevant territory are granted to the AFC delegation, all members of any team official delegation(s), the AFC commercial rights partner, official licensees, media, and travelling supporters, without any discrimination on the basis of, without limitation, gender, race, or nationality.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, one of the few attendees at the match, said he was “disappointed to see there were no fans in the stands”.
“We were surprised by this and by several issues related to its live broadcast and problems with visas and access for foreign journalists,” Infantino added.
“For us, freedom of the press and freedom of speech are obviously paramount, but on the other hand it would be naïve to think we can change the world from one minute to the next.
“We raised these questions with the local association and we will certainly keep pushing so that football can have a positive influence in DPR Korea and other countries around the world.”
The request from the KFA marks the latest tension between North Korea and South Korea, who are still technically still at war.
The tension has seen an almost entire shutdown of inter-Korean dialogue and Pyongyang has consistently criticised Seoul since the collapse of a summit between leader Kim Jong-un and United States President Donald Trump in February.
North and South Korea are still hoping to jointly bid for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, although their candidacy appears unlikely given the current situation.
The two countries formed a joint ice hockey team at last year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and also marched together during the Opening Ceremony.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has claimed the Olympics could again help the peace process between the two Koreas.
The AFC said it would not comment as it was a FIFA match.
-insidethegames
Governing Bodies
CAF President to Address Kenya 2027 AFCON Concerns, Senegal Trophy Row, Future Hosts and New Secretary General
By Kunle Solaja
The President of the Confederation of African Football is set for a potentially far-reaching press conference on Sunday evening, with four key issues expected to dominate discussions and shape the immediate future of African football.
At the top of the agenda will be the announcement of Nigeria’s Samson Adamu as the acting general secretary of CAF. He will thus be the highest-ranking Nigerian football official.
The next may be the growing concerns over Kenya’s readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the controversy surrounding Senegal’s continued public display of the AFCON trophy, and the anticipated announcement of hosts for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the tournament.
The briefing is widely viewed as a critical moment for CAF’s leadership, coming at a time when governance, credibility and long-term planning are under intense scrutiny.
Particular attention is expected to be paid to Kenya, one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania. CAF is believed to have raised red flags over the pace of infrastructure development in the country, especially regarding stadium upgrades, training facilities and transport networks.
Recent inspection findings have reportedly pointed to gaps that could jeopardise project timelines if not urgently addressed. CAF may, therefore, outline stricter compliance benchmarks or timelines for Kenya to meet, with the possibility of sanctions or redistribution of hosting rights within the East African bloc if progress remains unsatisfactory.
The CAF President is likely to reaffirm the body’s commitment to delivering a world-class tournament while emphasising that hosting comes with non-negotiable standards.
Another sensitive issue expected to feature prominently is the situation involving Senegal, whose national team has continued to parade the AFCON trophy despite reports that they have been stripped of the title.
The development has sparked debate across the continent, raising questions about adherence to CAF’s disciplinary processes and the authority of its decisions. Observers say the episode risks setting an uneasy precedent if not decisively handled.
CAF is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported withdrawal of Senegal’s title, as well as outline any disciplinary or corrective measures deemed necessary.
Beyond the immediate controversies, attention will also turn to the future as CAF is expected to announce host nations for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Such decisions are typically strategic, reflecting CAF’s broader vision of expanding football development across different regions of the continent. Sunday’s announcement could, therefore, reshape the geographical rotation and long-term planning of Africa’s flagship competition.
In addition, the CAF President is anticipated to unveil Samson Adamu as the acting General Secretary, marking a key administrative transition within the organisation. The role is central to CAF’s day-to-day operations and policy implementation, making the appointment a significant indicator of the leadership’s direction in the coming years.
Sunday’s press conference is shaping up as more than a routine engagement with the media. It represents a defining moment for CAF as it seeks to assert authority, address contentious issues and chart a clear path forward.
Stakeholders across African football will be watching closely for firm decisions and clear messaging that could influence not only the organisation of upcoming tournaments but also the credibility and governance standards of the game on the continent.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria has recorded another major milestone in continental football administration with the appointment of Samson Adamu as Acting General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football.
Sports Village Square reports that Adamu, whose father, Dr Amos Adamu, was also a seasoned football administrator, has become the eighth person to hold the seat at the confederation, which clocked 69 on February 8 last year.
Top sources within CAF confirmed on Sunday that Adamu’s appointment takes immediate effect following the exit of Véron Mosengo-Omba, who stepped down from the position after mounting pressure and internal transition discussions.
Mosengo-Omba, a Congolese lawyer, had been appointed in March 2021, succeeding Abdelmounaim Bah, and brought with him experience from FIFA, where he served as Chief Member Associations Officer.
Adamu’s elevation is widely seen as a recognition of his growing influence and performance within CAF since joining the organisation in 2018 as Director of Competitions.
In that role, he replaced Mosengo-Omba and quickly established himself as a key figure in the organisation of major continental tournaments.
For Nigeria, his appointment represents a significant boost in representation at the highest administrative level of African football, reinforcing the country’s longstanding contribution to the development of the game on the continent.
Before his move to CAF, Adamu had built a strong reputation as an innovator in sports management, notably as the initiator and Chief Executive Officer of the internationally acclaimed Copa Lagos Futsal tournament, which attracted global attention and participation.
Since arriving at CAF, he has earned commendation for his efficiency and visibility, playing central roles in competition management and strategic coordination. His consistent performance reportedly made him a natural choice when discussions began over a replacement for Mosengo-Omba.
Although his current role is in an acting capacity, observers believe Adamu’s appointment could pave the way for a substantive position, depending on ongoing administrative decisions within CAF.
His emergence underscores Nigeria’s continued relevance not only on the pitch but also in the corridors of power in African football governance.
Past and Recent General Secretaries of CAF (in reverse chronological order):
- Samson Adamu (Nigeria): Appointed Acting General Secretary on March 29, 2026.
- Véron Mosengo-Omba (DR Congo/Switzerland): Served from March 2021 to March 2026.
- Abdelmounaim Bah (Morocco): Served as Acting General Secretary from March 2020 to March 2021.
- Mouad Hajji (Morocco): Served April 2019 to March 2020.
- Amr Fahmy (Egypt): Served from 2017 to 2019.
- Hicham El Amrani (Morocco): Served from 2010 to 2017.
- Mustapha Fahmy (Egypt): Served for nearly 30 years (starting in 1961).
- Youssef Mohamad (Sudan): Served as the first General Secretary upon CAF’s foundation in 1957.
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Governing Bodies
FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Congo officials over financial misconduct
FIFA’s ethics committee launched disciplinary proceedings against three senior Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) officials on Wednesday, including president Jean-Guy Mayolas, over allegations of financial misconduct.
Mayolas, his wife and his son were sentenced to life in prison earlier this month after a criminal court in the Congolese capital, Brazzaville, convicted them of embezzling $1.1 million in FIFA funds. Media reports said their whereabouts were not known , and they were tried in absentia.
FECOFOOT general secretary Wantete Badji and treasurer Raoul Kanda are also subject to the disciplinary proceedings, FIFA said. Badji and Kanda were sentenced to five years each in prison by the court in Brazzaville for related charges.
“These proceedings follow the receipt of information and documents during an audit,” FIFA said in a statement.
-Reuters
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