DZWatch Exclusive: A cloud of suspicion hangs over the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following allegations of a pre-arranged deal that potentially influenced refereeing decisions at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Sources suggest a significant shift in power dynamics within CAF, orchestrated months before the continental tournament.
The alleged agreement reportedly took place on October 6, 2025, during CAF’s 47th General Assembly in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. While the assembly officially followed a standard agenda, behind-the-scenes maneuvering allegedly led to a controversial reshuffle within CAF’s refereeing structures.
Just three weeks later, a new refereeing committee was appointed, with Congolese official, Olivier Safari Kabene, replacing Ivorian, Doue Nomandiez, as its head. While CAF regulations allow for the appointment of the refereeing committee by executive members after nomination, sources claim that neither a formal nomination process nor a vote took place. The change was allegedly a pre-determined settlement.
The removal of Doue Nomandiez as head of the refereeing committee raises further questions. Sources indicate that Nomandiez received a direct phone call from a high-ranking football official on July 27, 2025, while on assignment in Tanzania, immediately after the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Nigeria. The message was reportedly brief and decisive: ‘Return to your country; your mission is over.’
This decision was purportedly a reaction to Morocco’s loss in the final on home soil. The Namibian referee who officiated the match allegedly faced severe reprimands, with no intervention from CAF officials.
Prior to the Kinshasa meeting, a financial audit, conducted by a firm of Moroccan nationality, allegedly uncovered irregularities within CAF’s financial accounts. The audit reportedly revealed discrepancies and untraced financial transactions, implicating CAF’s Secretary-General, Congolese Veron Mosengo-Omba.
Following weeks of uncertainty and threats of legal action, a settlement was allegedly reached in Kinshasa, setting the stage for the controversial changes within CAF’s refereeing apparatus. DZWatch continues to investigate these claims and will provide further updates as they become available.
