Qui benefacit animæ? It is the most important question in journalism and particularly apt in the case of CAF (the Confederation of African Football) President Ahmad Ahmad. In an exclusive interview with Ahmad Ahmad soon after he defeated long-term incumbent Issa Hayatou, Ahmad Ahmad explained his vision.
He wanted to reform CAF. He told me that he faced enemies who opposed the reforms that he wanted to introduce. That was his explanation of the accusations made against him by Musa Bility at the time.
Ahmad Ahmad was recently banned from all football activities by FIFA’s Ethics Committee. There was little new in the allegations, apart from a religious trip to Mecca – the Umrah – which was said to have been paid for by CAF.
A month ago, Ahmad Ahmad a Vice-President of CAF was banned for 5 years. Corruption allegations had dogged his Presidency. Last year he was even arrested in Paris, but details were leaked. Massive coverage of his arrest followed – little of the release without charge.
