CAFCL: CAF Drops All AFCON Referees For This Weekend’s Games

CAFCL: CAF Drops All AFCON Referees For This Weekend’s Games

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that all referees who officiated from the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will not be in charge of any matches in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup scheduled for this weekend, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to information made available, the decision was taken to allow the affected officials adequate time to rest and reunite with their families following the physically and mentally demanding AFCON tournament.

CAF acknowledged the intense workload placed on match officials during the latter stages of the competition, noting that their temporary withdrawal from continental club duties is part of standard post-tournament management.

The referees are expected to return to officiating duties from Matchday Five and Six of the group stages in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

In the meantime, CAF will appoint referees who were released earlier during the AFCON tournament to handle this weekend’s continental fixtures, ensuring that all matches proceed as scheduled.

The move underscores CAF’s commitment to referee welfare while maintaining officiating standards across its competitions.