Following Algeria’s quarter-final exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, accusations of biased officiating have surfaced, with former international referee Mohamed Zekrini heavily criticizing Senegalese referee Issa Sy.
Zekrini alleges that Sy was assigned a ‘dirty job’ – to ensure Algeria’s elimination from the tournament. He claims numerous errors by the referee directly impacted the match’s outcome, highlighting a penalty appeal that was denied as the most egregious example.
“The Senegalese referee handed out unwarranted yellow cards to Algerian players, with the exception of Zerrouki’s, which unsettled the team,” Zekrini stated. He further suggested that behind-the-scenes maneuvering played a role in Algeria’s elimination, preventing them from reaching the semi-finals.
According to Zekrini, Algeria’s potential semi-final clash with the host nation contributed to a vested interest in their defeat. He also questioned Sy’s failure to consult VAR (Video Assistant Referee) regarding the disputed penalty incident.
Zekrini identified Gabonese referee Atcho, who was in charge of VAR, as another key figure in the alleged conspiracy. He accused Atcho of previously denying a penalty to Chaibi in the match against Equatorial Guinea, labeling him as someone who carries out ‘special missions’ in collusion with on-field referees.
Zekrini believes that both Sy and Atcho were manipulated by certain members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee. He concluded by stating that the level of blatant refereeing errors witnessed in this year’s AFCON is unprecedented in the tournament’s history, deeming it the worst in terms of officiating since its inception in 1957.
The controversy surrounding Algeria’s exit raises serious questions about the integrity of the competition and the impartiality of its officials. Further investigation is needed to address these concerns and ensure fair play in future tournaments.
