CAF Clarifies Sacking Of Referees' Director

CAF Clarifies Sacking Of Referees' Director

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has offered more clarity on the dismissal of its Referees Director, Doue Noumandiez, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Ivorian official was relieved of his duties following the controversy surrounding the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation, led by Fouzi Lekja, had expressed anger over a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that denied Morocco a penalty against Nigeria.

At the time, many assumed Doue’s removal was linked to the incident.

However, a CAF director told Nigerian-born UK journalist Osasuo that the decision was unrelated.

“I know you will not believe me, but the sacking has nothing to do with the WAFCON final in Rabat. I know why he was fired, even if I am not telling you the reason,” the official said.

 “The TV feed was produced by Moroccans. How could it have been manipulated? This is just not true. The centre referee was brave enough to make the right call based on the evidence.”

Doue has since returned to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, after abruptly leaving Nairobi, Kenya, where he was part of the CHAN tournament management team before being ordered to return home.