Abstract

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco and concluded in January 2026, was notable not only for its footballing exhibitions but also for controversies surrounding refereeing and officiating decisions, particularly in the knockout phases from the Round of 16 to the final.

While many matches progressed without notable official contention, with few questions that were asked, the climax of the tournament saw heightened debate on key decisions, especially in the final between Senegal and Morocco.

This paper examines both positive aspects and challenges of officiating, drawing from official actions, media reporting, disciplinary outcomes, and public reactions.

 Background

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s premier international football tournament.

Tournament to exhibit African male talent and the discovery of promising talent. In any major football competition, officiating quality is central to fairness and competitiveness.

It is of note that the 2025 edition centres around many issues that tend to take away the beautiful display of footballing drama witnessed.

Whereby the single-elimination stages, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final place heightened pressure on referees, as decisions directly affect progression and continental titles.

The 2025 edition, staged in multiple Moroccan cities, culminated in a controversial final that polarised opinion on officiating standards.

 Positive Aspects of Officiating

Overall Competent Management in Early Knockout Rounds

In general, the round of 16 and later matches were handled professionally by match officials appointed by CAF, drawn from across Africa.

Assignments were distributed to experienced referees and VAR officials, who, in regular knockout matches, provided structure and consistency.

There were few officially recorded protests or formal complaints during most quarterfinal even though visibly observed in pockets of issues, but not progressively followed up, and also during semifinal fixtures, suggesting a generally accepted level of officiating accuracy and adherence to protocol in those rounds.

 Use of VAR as a Progressive Tool

The inclusion of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocols adhered to international standards and, in many decisions throughout the tournament, helped confirm or overturn actions that referees might have missed in real time.

The application of VAR underlined CAF’s ongoing commitment to aligning with global officiating practices, reducing clear errors in key matches.

 Disciplinary Transparency and Consequences

Post-tournament, CAF published disciplinary findings and sanctions where appropriate, addressing misconduct involving players, officials, and team staff.

These actions included fines and match bans for unsportsmanlike behaviour and for breaches of competition rules, indicative of an attempt to uphold rules and deterrence standards.

 Challenges and Controversies in Officiating

The AFCON Final Disputed Decisions and Escalation

The most significant controversy occurred during the final between Senegal and Morocco.

A late penalty decision awarded to Morocco after a VAR review ignited protests from the Senegalese team.

The dispute led to a temporary walk-off by Senegalese players, a major delay in play, and a dramatic emotional response from both teams and fans.

Refereeing Decisions Under Scrutiny

Key decisions in the final drew intense public and media scrutiny:

A penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time was perceived by many Senegalese supporters as too soft or harsh, depending on interpretation. Earlier in the match, a Senegalese goal was disallowed under contentious circumstances. The resulting protest and extended delay highlighted tensions over refereeing interpretations.

While no official evidence has confirmed manipulation or corruption, the incidents spotlight the subjective nature of some decisions and the psychological impact of high-stakes calls on teams and supporters.

Disciplinary and Regulatory Controversies

CAF’s post-match handling of the final created further debate:

Morocco’s appeal against the match outcome under applicable disciplinary articles was rejected, despite allegations that Senegal’s walk-off should have triggered automatic sporting sanctions. Critics argued that this decision may undercut regulatory clarity. Fines and sanctions were applied to both teams for misconduct, but some observers felt the sanctions appeared uneven relative to perceived infractions, particularly regarding the application of disciplinary code provisions.

Public Debate and Perception of Officiating Bias

Across social media and fan forums, opinions varied widely:

Some fans voiced suspicions about perceived favouritism toward the host nation, though debates lacked verifiable evidence and often reflected broader emotions tied to national pride and competitive passion. Others defended the referees, noting the difficulty of decisions and affirming that there was no clear pattern of unfair appointments or conduct even in high-pressure matches.

This divergent opinion underscores how officiating controversies can amplify narratives in public discourse that extend beyond rational evaluation of cases.

Impact on the Sport and Future Tournaments

African Football’s International Image

The final’s controversies drew international attention, including comments from global football authorities decrying unsportsmanlike behaviour or chaotic scenes. Such moments inevitably reflect on the tournament’s reputation and on CAF’s governance role on the world stage.

Importance of Clear Protocols and Education

Repeated debate over decisions highlights the need for:

1.       Continued investment in referee training, especially on VAR usage, interpretations, and communication during critical moments.

2.       Greater transparency in publishing officiating rationales for contentious moments to build stakeholder confidence.

3.       Enhanced public education on how rules are applied, reducing misunderstanding and emotional speculation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, officiating from the Round of 16 through to the final at AFCON 2025 featured both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, overall referee performance in most knockout matches and integration of VAR reflected progress toward competitive fairness, though there is room for improvement that allows consistent results for better high performance. However, the final’s contentious decisions, subsequent protests, and complex disciplinary outcomes exposed areas needing improvement from regulatory clarity to public communication.

Ultimately, the tournament demonstrated that officiating remains both a technical art and a source of passionate debate, deserving investment and transparency to sustain the integrity and global standing of African football.

 References

CAF sanctions after AFCON 2025 final: details of fines and suspensions.

Public and media reactions to controversial refereeing decisions in the final.

Analysis of regulatory application and disciplinary controversy post-final.

Critiqued the implications of enforcement and fairness in CAF disciplinary proceedings

-Dr Philip Omoregie

Heritage Christian University Accra

Sports Scientist (Sports Sociology & Psychology)/Video Analysis/Sports Physio