AFCON Referee Dropped Hours Before Key Match After Alleged Unusual Breach
- The referee initially appointed to handle Algeria’s AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash with Nigeria has been withdrawn from the fixture
- Reports suggest internal tensions within CAF’s referees committee have contributed to delays in confirming several match officials
- Meanwhile, Senegal edged past Mali 1-0 to book a semi-final spot, where they will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or record holders Egypt
A referee has been withdrawn from officiating the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final showdown between Nigeria and Algeria just hours before kick-off.
The two heavyweights, led by Eric Chelle and Vladimir Petkovic respectively, are set to battle for a place in the semi-finals on Saturday, January 10.
Source: Getty Images
Both squads are packed with Europe-based stars, adding to the sense of occasion surrounding the encounter.
Algeria are expected to feature Manchester City full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, while former City winger Riyad Mahrez is also likely to play a key role. Nigeria, meanwhile, can call on the likes of Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco. CAF Referee of the Year for 2025, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, had initially been appointed to take charge of the fixture.
Why CAF changed referee Omar
However, according to reports from the Daily Post, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to remove the Somali official after it emerged that he had previously worn boots from a brand not approved by the tournament’s official sponsor during an earlier match.
CAF is yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but a replacement referee is expected to be named at short notice.
This was not the only officiating controversy ahead of the quarter-finals. Egyptian referee Amin Omar had originally been selected to oversee the clash between hosts Morocco and Cameroon.
Source: Getty Images
He has since been replaced by Mauritanian official Dahane Beida. French outlet L’Equipe reports that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) raised objections to Omar’s appointment, with the decision reportedly linked to a wider “power struggle” involving the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot) president, Samuel Eto’o.
Elsewhere in the quarter-final lineup, Mali will face Senegal, with South African referee Tom Abongile appointed to officiate that encounter. In the final last-eight tie, Egypt — led by Mohamed Salah — will come up against defending champions Ivory Coast on Sunday evening, January 11.
Looking ahead, both semi-final matches are scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, followed by the third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17. The tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, January 18.
Historically, Egypt remain AFCON’s most successful nation with seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five and Ghana with four.
Source: YEN.com.gh
