Why African football boss Ahmad was called in by French investigators

Ahmad has been president of the Confederation of African Football since March 2017Image caption: Ahmad has been president of the Confederation of African Football since March 2017

A joint investigation by BBC Sport Africa and Norway’s Josimar magazine can reveal some of the background which led to one of world football’s most senior men being questioned by French authorities last week.

Confederation of African Football President Ahmad, who goes by just the one name, was questioned in Paris by the Central Office for the Fight against Corruption and Financial and Fiscal Offences before being released without charge.

At the heart of this story is a once little-known French company with no apparent history in supplying football equipment.

After taking charge of African football in 2017, Mr Ahmad introduced the firm, Tactical Steel, as a supplier for the African confederation.

A close aide of his is an old friend of the company’s owner.

Questions have been asked about Mr Ahmad’s involvement with the deal, Tactical Steel’s lack of experience in providing such equipment and the prices paid under the deal.

Mr Ahmad, a vice-president of football’s world governing body Fifa, has dismissed all allegations against him as false.

BBC Africa Sport