DZWatch Exclusive: A former vice president of the Egyptian Refereeing Committee has made startling claims regarding the standard of officiating at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 tournament held in Morocco. Toufik El Sayed alleges significant refereeing failures impacted the integrity of the competition.
Speaking exclusively to DZWatch, El Sayed stated that the issues were not isolated incidents, but rather the result of systemic problems within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He highlighted concerns regarding pressure exerted on referees and questionable choices made by CAF’s refereeing committee.
El Sayed criticized the performance of Video Assistant Referees (VAR), suggesting that the technology, intended to ensure fair play, instead became a source of controversy and confusion. He argued that VAR officials failed to correct clear errors, instead complicating matches and undermining the authority of on-field referees.
“VAR was implemented to protect refereeing justice, but in this tournament, it became a tool of chaos,” El Sayed explained. “It contributed to escalating tensions both on and off the field and damaged the image of African football globally.”
El Sayed pointed to specific instances, including a controversial decision in the final match between Senegal and Morocco, where a legitimate Senegalese goal was disallowed at a critical moment. He suggested this decision exemplified an unprecedented decline in refereeing standards.
He further claimed that CAF President Patrice Motsepe himself had expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing performances throughout the tournament, suggesting a tacit acknowledgment of the crisis facing African officiating. El Sayed concluded by calling for a comprehensive review of the refereeing system within CAF, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and accountability to restore faith in the integrity of African football competitions.
