The Moroccan, who was referred to the Egyptian Economic Court along with Hayatou concerning a broadcast rights deal struck with Lagardère Sports by the CAF, gave no reason for his decision in a letter sent to the body's 55 Member Associations.

El Amrani, a close ally of Hayatou, had served as secretary general for six years and will officially vacate the position tomorrow.

His departure comes after Ahmad ended Hayatou's 29-year reign at the helm of the organisation during the Presidential election in Addis Ababa on March 16.

Six of the Cameroonian's trusted lieutenants also lost their respective places on the CAF Executive Committee as the governing body prepares to enter a new era under Ahmad, the former head of the Madagascar Football Association.

According to reports, deputy Essam Ahmed will serve as interim secretary general until a full appointment is made.

"These last eight years have been wonderful, enriching and provided me with life-lasting memories," El Amrani wrote in the letter, published on Twitter.

"CAF will always remain part of my heart and African football will always be very dear to me.

"I would like to thank very much as well the outgoing President Mr Hayatou and his Executive Committee for the support and the confidence given, and I would like to thank finally the entire CAF administration.

"Without my colleagues, no project or work would have seen the light of day.

"I am proud of them and they are and always will be my second family.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish CAF President Mr Ahmad as well as the new Executive Committee members the best of success for the future, with the hope that African football will keep reaching new heights."

Ahmad is set to meet staff members at CAF's headquarters in Cairo tomorrow.

He claimed a 34-20 victory over Hayatou during the election and will serve a four-year term.

Ahmad is now a FIFA vice-president and sits on the organisation's ruling Council.