AFCON 2025: CAF Takes Another Big Step On Referees, Drops Two Officials

AFCON 2025: CAF Takes Another Big Step On Referees, Drops Two Officials

 Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken another decisive step in its ongoing review of officiating standards at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with two referees reportedly withdrawn from the remainder of the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Malian referee Boubou Traoré has been removed from the list of match officials and will not officiate any further games at AFCON 2025. 

The decision is understood to be part of CAF’s internal assessment process as the competition approaches its decisive stages.

Cameroon’s Abdou Abdel Mefire has also reportedly been dropped and is no longer expected to take charge of matches during the rest of the tournament.

While CAF has not issued an official statement detailing the specific reasons behind the decisions, the latest move underscores the governing body’s determination to uphold high officiating standards, particularly with the semi-final matches looming.

CAF has been closely monitoring referees’ performances throughout the competition, with several officials already trimmed from the roster as part of a continuous evaluation process. 

The body has repeatedly emphasized that any form of inconsistency or performance below the expected standard will not be tolerated.

As AFCON 2025 enters its most critical phase, CAF’s behind-the-scenes decisions signal a strong commitment to ensuring that the remaining matches are officiated at the highest possible level.