Knockout Rounds: 'Incompetent' Match Officials Will Be Sent Home - CAF

 Knockout Rounds: 'Incompetent' Match Officials Will Be Sent Home - CAF

Sampson Adedeji

As the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations draws to a close, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that a number of referees will be sent home ahead of the knockout rounds, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

CAF’s decision follows its standard performance review process, which evaluates match officials based on consistency, decision-making, fitness levels, and adherence to the Laws of the Game during the group phase of the competition in Morocco.

Only referees who meet CAF’s required performance benchmarks will be retained for the round of 16 and beyond, as the tournament enters a more decisive and high-pressure stage.

A CAF official disclosed that the move is aimed at maintaining high officiating standards and ensuring fairness as teams battle for continental glory.

The reduction in the number of match officials is a routine practice at major CAF tournaments, as fewer matches are played in the latter stages.

The 2025 AFCON knockout rounds are expected to deliver intense encounters, with CAF keen to avoid controversies that could overshadow the quality of football on display.