2025 AFCON: CAF Mulls Use Of Foreign Referees

2025 AFCON: CAF Mulls Use Of Foreign Referees

Sampson Adedeji

With just four months to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly considering bringing in referees from outside the continent for the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

This move comes amid growing criticism of African referees following a series of high-profile errors in recent major competitions.

According to sources, CAF’s executive body has begun discussions on deploying foreign officials to handle crucial matches at the upcoming AFCON.

Using foreign referees is not entirely new to African football, as several North African countries have previously engaged non-African officials for their key domestic league fixtures.

The 2025 AFCON will be hosted by Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.