Africa-Press – Eritrea. The president of the referees’ committee, Olivier Safari, has sent shockwaves through African football after making startling revelations about officiating standards at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
Speaking during a recent executive meeting of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Safari disclosed that several committee members had proposed the dismissal of the referees’ panel, citing “catastrophic errors” and serious organizational and technical shortcomings during the tournament. The discussions reportedly followed widespread criticism of officiating decisions, particularly in the final stages of the competition.
Safari then delivered his most controversial statement yet, referring to an incident involving the Senegal national football team. “Every Senegalese player should have received a warning upon returning to the pitch. If it had been me, I would have expelled them all immediately,” he said, suggesting that match officials failed to apply disciplinary rules strictly.
Adding to the controversy, Safari admitted that he was unfamiliar with most of the referees who officiated at the tournament in Morocco, raising fresh concerns about referee selection and oversight. His comments have intensified calls for reforms within CAF’s officiating structures, as stakeholders demand greater transparency, accountability, and professionalism ahead of future continental competitions.
