AFCON 2025: Mali Protest Appointment Of Match Assessor

AFCON 2025: Mali Protest Appointment Of Match Assessor

Sampson Adedeji

Mali have lodged a formal protest over the appointment of a Senegalese match assessor for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final clash against Senegal, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Several sources within the Mali national team’s backroom staff confirmed that questions were raised immediately after the designation of the assessor tasked with supervising the refereeing team for the high-profile West African derby.

According to established FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, referees and match officials including assessors are generally not permitted to officiate or supervise matches involving their own country.

The rule is designed to safeguard neutrality and prevent any perception of bias in critical fixtures.

Mali’s camp believes the appointment contradicts these principles, especially given the sensitivity and competitive nature of a quarter-final encounter between twneighbouringng rivalsw ith a long-standing football history.

While CAF is yet to issue an official response to the protest, the development adds to growing tensions surrounding officiating decisions at AFCON 2025, with several teams already expressing dissatisfaction over referee-related matters during the knockout stages.

The Senegal vs Mali quarter-final is scheduled to take place later this week, with both teams awaiting clarification from CAF on whether the assessor appointment will be reviewed or revised.