African football is facing a crisis, and the root cause lies in its governance structure. According to Ousmane Sonko, president of Senegal’s National Assembly, the continent’s football federation has been complacent for too long, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term development.

The absence of effective leadership and administration has led to a lack of discipline among teams, resulting in poor performances on the field. Sonko notes that despite an increase in team selections, African teams continue to struggle with the same issues that have plagued the sport for years.

While some may argue that the influx of new teams has brought fresh talent and energy to the competition, Sonko disagrees. He believes that these teams are often not better equipped than their eliminated counterparts, but rather benefit from a lack of accountability within the federation.

Sonko’s call for reform is not just about improving team performance; it’s also about ensuring that African football is being governed in a way that benefits its people. By promoting transparency and accountability within the federation, Sonko hopes to create a more sustainable future for the sport.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst