AFCON 2025: "This Is A Big Mess" — Rohr Furious With CAF

AFCON 2025: "This Is A Big Mess" — Rohr Furious With CAF

Sampson Adedeji

Head coach of the Cheetahs of Benin, Gernot Rohr, has openly criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over what he described as poor officiating at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Rohr, a former Super Eagles coach, expressed his frustration following Benin’s 1–0 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, a match in which his side was denied what he believed was a clear penalty.

Speaking after the game, the German tactician questioned the use and effectiveness of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), insisting that the officiating standards at the tournament have fallen short.

“I am very angry about the quality of refereeing at this AFCON,” Rohr said. “What is happening to the VAR? We were denied a penalty. Things are going crazy with CAF.”

The Benin coach went further to suggest that his team was being treated unfairly because of the country’s status in African football.

“It seems Benin is disregarded because we are a small country,” he added.

Rohr also narrated an off-field incident involving a member of his technical crew, which he cited as further evidence of poor organisation at the tournament.

“I sent my staff to Tangier for scouting, and he was not even allowed into an empty stadium. He had to watch on TV somewhere. This is a big mess,” Rohr told Osasu Obayiuwana.

Benin’s loss to DR Congo has complicated their chances of progressing at AFCON 2025, with Rohr now calling on CAF to urgently address officiating and organisational issues at the competition.