Véron Mosengo-Omba has announced his exit from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after serving for five years as Secretary General.

Mosengo-Omba, who was also deputy president to Dr Patrice Motsepe, announced his retirement in a statement.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national, who also holds Swiss nationality, will be replaced on an interim basis by Nigeria’s Samson Adamu, while the process to appoint a permanent General Secretary is undertaken.

“After over 30 years of an international professional career dedicated to promoting an ideal form of football that brings people together, educates, and creates opportunities for hope, I have decided to step down from my position ‌as Secretary General of CAF to devote myself to more personal projects,” said Mosengo-Omba.

“Now that I have been able to dispel the suspicions that some people have gone to great lengths to cast on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving the CAF more prosperous than ever.

“I sincerely thank the CAF’s President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, my teams, and all those who, directly or indirectly, have enabled CAF and organised African football to make real and remarkable progress. Let us hope that ⁠the progress made will last and be sustained,” he concluded.

The 66-year-old had faced criticism for remaining in the role beyond the organisation’s official retirement age of 63.

Meanwhile, Dr Motsepe has thanked Mosengo-Omba for his contribution to African football.

“We are enormously grateful to Véron for his contribution to African Football and the work he has done for the development and growth of the game on the continent. We will, at a later stage, give Véron proper recognition and have an occasion where we will express our gratitude to him and to his family.”