After the Sacking and VAR Scandal – What Next for CAF's Refereeing Crisis?
It's the first public move in what appears to be a sweeping internal overhaul. But firing one man won't fix a system riddled with inconsistency, bias allegations, and declining credibility.
The timing is no coincidence. CAF's patience snapped following a formal complaint from Morocco over officiating in the Women's AFCON final. The host nation lost to Nigeria in a dramatic 3–2 game, but it was the referee – not the scoreline – that grabbed headlines.
Morocco's football federation (FRMF) submitted a CD full of controversial clips, including a disallowed penalty that left the Atlas Lionesses' head coach Jorge Vilda fuming. 'It had a psychological impact that shocked us,' he said. 'That decision determined our fate.'
Doué's dismissal was announced during a farewell meeting in Kenya, at a CHAN referees' training camp. Behind the polite farewell lies mounting pressure. African referees have come under fire across women's tournaments, youth qualifiers, Champions League fixtures, Confederation Cup games, and World Cup preliminaries.
CAF's refereeing reputation, already battered, is now on life support.
Sources close to the Executive Committee confirm that major reforms are on the way. A new refereeing boss will soon be named, with candidates such as Morocco's Redouane Jiyed, Gambia's Bakary Gassama, and Egypt's Essam Abdel-Fattah all under consideration.
But the most radical proposal is bringing in foreign referees – European and South American – for AFCON 2025. Yes, that would be sad. CAF, under Patrice Motsepe's leadership, may seriously give the idea some thought as it scrambles to guarantee fairness and technical rigour. It would be an unprecedented admission that Africa's own referees are no match for their colleagues in other confederations.
CAF will argue that this is about improving standards. But in truth, it's a matter of survival. Too many federations were let down. North African associations, in particular, have complained of regional bias and political interference. A refereeing blunder in Morocco, the host nation, is exactly the sort of storm CAF can't afford ahead of what is being marketed as the best AFCON in the history of the continent.
So will CAF merely reshuffle names and make symbolic gestures? Or will it finally introduce transparency, meritocracy, and independent oversight into its refereeing structures?
There's also a risk of alienating African referees entirely. Bringing in outsiders may weather the storm, but it does little to fix the pipeline of talent – or the lack of trust in CAF's own governance.
Sacking Doué is not a solution – it's an invitation to start over. Whether CAF answers that call remains to be seen. Tags: afconCAFFIFAFRMF. LekjaaInfantinomotsepeRefereeVAR
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
4 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Makes History: SNRT to Deploy Spidercam in All 9 AFCON Stadiums
Marrakech – In an unprecedented move, Morocco's National Broadcasting and Television Company (SNRT) has launched a tender for deploying Spidercam technology across all nine stadiums hosting the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025). This marks the first time in AFCON history that this advanced aerial camera system will be used throughout an entire tournament. The Spidercam system, which provides spectacular aerial views of the playing field, will enhance the viewing experience for millions of spectators across Africa and beyond. SNRT has previous experience with this technology, having successfully used it during the 2022 Club World Cup and the 2023 Morocco-Brazil friendly match. According to the tender launched by SNRT on July 30, the total cost for installing these systems in all nine stadiums is estimated at MAD 9,579,552 ($957,955). The deadline for bid submissions is set for September 10. The distribution of costs across the nine venues varies based on stadium specifications. In Rabat, which hosts four stadiums, the allocations are: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium at MAD 1,430,832 ($143,083), Olympic Stadium at MAD 844,332 ($84,433), Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium at MAD 827,964 ($82,796), and El Barid Stadium at MAD 658,176 ($65,818). For other host cities, the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca is allocated MAD 1,371,600 ($137,160), while the Grand Stadium of Marrakech and Adrar Stadium in Agadir will each receive MAD 1,214,820 ($121,482). The Fez Stadium is budgeted at MAD 850,140 ($85,014), and Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier at MAD 1,166,868 ($116,687). SNRT recently conducted a successful full-scale test of the Spidercam during the Morocco-Benin friendly match on June 9 at the Fez Stadium. This test validated the technical aspects of the system and provided a preview of the television experience SNRT plans to offer during AFCON 2025. This implementation represents another milestone, as it's the first time the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has entrusted the host country's national television with producing matches for this competition. The dynamic images captured during the test match demonstrated the immersive potential of this technology, particularly in slow-motion replays and close-up shots of game action. The Spidercam system works by suspending a camera from cables with four high-positioned anchor points that cover the entire field. It carries an HD or 4K broadcast camera with motorized zoom and a gyrostabilized head, providing smooth and immersive images. The system is remotely controlled by two operators – one for movement and another for framing – and transmits video in real-time via fiber optic cable. Read also: Morocco Links 2025 AFCON Investments to 2030 World Cup Preparation The setup also includes safety systems such as anti-collision sensors, emergency brakes, and redundant motors and power supplies. Sources from within SNRT have told media outlets that clear instructions have been issued to ensure all stadiums are equipped at least four days before the tournament begins. This timeframe will allow technical and engineering teams sufficient time to test systems and coordinate broadcasting with CAF and international production partners. Morocco, hosting the competition for the second time after the 1988 edition, aims to impress not only with the quality of its sports infrastructure but also with innovations in broadcasting. The implementation of this technology is being carried out in collaboration with specialized international technical providers who possess the necessary equipment and expertise for deploying and operating these aerial cameras during live broadcasts. This deployment is part of a broader strategy to showcase Morocco's expertise in organizing large-scale sporting events, as the North African country also prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The AFCON 2025 tournament is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Tags: AFCON 2025Moroccan stadiumsSNRT
Morocco World
6 hours ago
- Morocco World
Official: Ajax Sign Moroccan Starlet Abdellah Ouazane
Ajax have signed 16-year-old midfielder Abdellah Ouazane on a contract running until 30 June 2028, the Dutch club announced. Ouazane, born in Amsterdam on 15 January 2009, began his career at local club AVV Zeeburgia before joining Ajax's youth academy in 2016. He now joins Jong Ajax, the club's U23 side, for the 2025/26 season. 'We are absolutely delighted to have been able to sign Abdellah today,' said Ajax Director of Football Marijn Beuker. 'He is a creative attacking midfielder who plays a key role in both scoring goals and providing assists. Abdellah has excellent vision, and I'm confident he will also showcase his qualities at Ajax U23 this season.' The Moroccan youth international was named best player of the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, helping Morocco lift the title after opting to represent the country of his heritage over the Netherlands. According to reports by De Telegraaf and Africafoot, Ouazane had attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid. Negotiations with the Spanish side reportedly collapsed over medical concerns. However, De Telegraaf reports that an independent assessment by Amsterdam's UMC hospital cleared Ouazane as 'physically fit to play football at the highest level', following two further medical evaluations. After the breakdown in talks with Madrid, Ouazane and his brother Zakaria returned to Ajax and agreed new contracts with the Eredivisie club. Zakaria, also a Moroccan youth international, featured in the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations and the U17 World Cup in Indonesia. Ajax reportedly implemented a tailored support programme to assist Abdellah's physical development following the Madrid saga. Despite his brief free-agent status in June, the club remained determined to retain him. Football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on social media that the duo had agreed long-term deals. Ajax is expected to gradually integrate Abdellah into the first team, should his development continue. Tags: AjaxMoroccoOuazaneReal Madrid
Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Morocco World
CHAN 2024: Senegal vs Nigeria – Preview & Score Prediction
Senegal begin their title defence at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Tuesday with a stern test against Nigeria in their Group D opener at Zanzibar's Aman Stadium. Kick-off is at 6 pm Morocco time (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports, Canal+, and Supersport. The Teranga Lions, who lifted the trophy in 2022, want to become only the second team in the competition's history to retain the title. Their coach Souleymane Diallo was unequivocal ahead of the encounter: 'We're not here to defend a trophy, we're here to win a new one.' Senegal, one of only four nations to have won both CHAN and AFCON, are unbeaten in open play against West African sides at the tournament. Their defensive record is formidable – ten clean sheets in 14 CHAN matches. Diallo, however, remains pragmatic: 'The first match is always determinant in a high-level competition. It has to be managed well to build the rest. Today, African football is at a level where there are no favourites.' Senegal's group includes Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan – arguably the tournament's most evenly balanced pool. Nigeria return to CHAN for the first time since 2018, when they finished runners-up. Their squad, led by coach Éric Sekou Chelle, will look to build on the country's recent sporting momentum. 'We're well aware of the quality of this Senegal team. We've prepared thoroughly, now it's up to us to put that into practice,' Chelle said during the pre-match press conference. When asked whether the clash was a West African derby, Chelle said: 'I don't think it's a derby but this is a game between two big countries in Africa. Senegal have a good generation and a good team.' Super Eagles defender Junior Nduka echoed his coach's sentiments while referencing Nigeria's recent run of success across multiple disciplines: 'To our fellow Nigerians, I know the expectations are high because we have been doing well in sports, and we will try our best not to let them down.' Chelle, formerly of Mali, added: 'I don't wanna talk about Congo or Sudan for now. Our focus is on our first match tomorrow. We wanna take each game as it comes.' Predicted Score: Both sides boast solid defences, and cagey openers are a CHAN staple. MWN says Senegal 0-0 Nigeria Tags: afconCHANnigeriasenegal
