William Troost-Ekong Fires At CAF & FIFA, Warns Africa Risks ‘Courtroom Football’ Takeover

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football and FIFA over recent decisions, raising concerns about governance and credibility within African football. According to Ireporter Online, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Most Valuable Player expressed worry that off-field rulings are increasingly overshadowing performances on the pitch, warning that legal battles are becoming too common in determining match outcomes.

Troost-Ekong’s remarks follow two controversial cases that have sparked widespread debate. The first involves CAF’s decision to overturn the result of the 2025 AFCON final, stripping Senegal of the title and awarding it to Morocco after a brief walk-off incident. The Appeals Board cited regulatory breaches and awarded a 3-0 victory to Morocco. The second case concerns Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the Nigeria Football Federation alleged the use of ineligible dual-nationality players. However, FIFA dismissed the complaint on procedural grounds, citing failure to meet submission requirements, prompting the NFF to consider further legal action.

Reacting to the developments, Troost-Ekong warned that such incidents expose deeper structural flaws in African football administration. He stressed the need for stricter verification processes before tournaments begin, including proper checks on player eligibility and improved officiating standards, to prevent disputes from escalating beyond the field of play.

He further called for greater inclusion of former players in CAF’s decision-making processes, arguing that their experience and understanding of the game could help strengthen governance and restore confidence among stakeholders. Troost-Ekong noted that involving individuals who have contributed to African football’s biggest moments would enhance the organisation’s ability to make critical decisions and align its administrative standards with the quality displayed on the pitch.