Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a controversial decision overturning the victory recorded by his team over Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, describing the governing body as a “flawed institution” that must reform.
Reacting to the situation surrounding the tournament, Mendy said he was not surprised by the decision, pointing fingers at Confederation of African Football for what he described as slow progress in administration compared to the growth of African football on the global stage.
According to the former African Footballer of the Year, players, coaches and professionals across the continent continue to work tirelessly to elevate African football worldwide, but administrative leadership has not kept pace with that development.
The former Chelsea FC goalkeeper stated that a small group of decision-makers continue to determine the future of African football, adding that many of them are not capable of handling the responsibility for several reasons. He also noted that the issues did not start with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but that the recent tournament situation appeared to be the “final straw.”
“I am not surprised coming from an institution like the CAF, which unfortunately does not move forward as fast as its football does. The people involved in this sport in Africa give their best every day, all around the world, to put African football at the highest level of world football.”
“Unfortunately, there is a small group of people who decide the fate of our sport on this continent. People who are simply not up to the task for several reasons. This is not only since the Africa Cup (2025). Let’s say this AFCON was the final straw.”
The goalkeeper further stressed that the institution must review its structure and operations in the coming weeks or months, calling for a clear overhaul to improve governance and the global image of African football.
“It is clear that in the coming weeks or months, this institution will have to question itself and carry out a clear overhaul. Today, it is a flawed institution that governs us and does not put us in the best conditions in the eyes of the world.”
The 34-year-old’s comments add to growing criticism from current and retired players, administrators and stakeholders who have called for reforms within CAF to match the rising profile and performance level of African football internationally.