Controversy has erupted behind the scenes of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) adjusts referee assignments for the quarter‑final stage following complaints from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) about officiating arrangements.
Reports emerging from multiple sources indicate that Morocco officially lodged a protest with CAF over delays and perceived issues in referee appointments for their high‑profile quarter‑final against Cameroon. The federation warned that failing to resolve the matter promptly could undermine confidence in match organization and fairness at such a crucial stage of the tournament.
In response, CAF has taken the unusual step of withdrawing Somali referee Omar Artan from his originally scheduled role as centre referee for the Algeria vs. Nigeria quarter‑final, after he was reported to have been wearing boots from a brand not approved under CAF’s sponsorship regulations, a commercial compliance issue, sources say. Artan had been widely reported as the official assigned to the Nigeria‑Algeria game before being dropped ahead of kick‑off.
CAF has yet to issue an official public statement on the referee reshuffle, but replacement officials are expected to be announced to ensure the matches proceed smoothly. Football outlets covering the tournament have linked the changes directly to concerns over neutrality and the proper execution of appointments following protests from competing nations, especially hosts Morocco.
Meanwhile, alongside Artan’s removal, *the referee originally slated for the Cameroon‑Morocco match, reportedly an Egyptian official, was replaced by Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida*, according to sources. The decision is understood to have been part of CAF’s efforts to calm tensions and reassure stakeholders ahead of the knockout games.
The developments highlight *an unusually turbulent refereeing landscape* at AFCON’s knockout rounds, with concerns over official appointments and transparency gaining traction just days before some of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.
As the quarter‑finals approach, CAF officials are under pressure to finalise all officiating panels and restore confidence among teams, fans, and media, balancing logistical requirements with the fairness and integrity expected at Africa’s premier national team competition.
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