A significant controversy has erupted within the CAF as the Moroccan Football Federation successfully lobbied for a change in the designated referee for their upcoming quarter-final match against Cameroon in CAN 2025. This eleventh-hour alteration, prompted by Morocco’s complaint, has sent ripples through the tournament’s organizing body and ignited heated debate behind the scenes. Initially, the Egyptian referee Amin Omar was slated to officiate the crucial game scheduled for Thursday in Rabat. However, Morocco lodged an objection, citing the late notice of the appointment, though the underlying reasons appear to be more complex, potentially linked to perceived biases. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) ultimately acceded to Morocco’s request, appointing Dahane Beida from Mauritania as the new central referee. This decision was made without prior notification to the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT), who were reportedly blindsided by the news, learning about it through social media channels. The situation has been further complicated by the reappointment of the same VAR assistant, René Daniel Louzaya from Congo, for Morocco’s fifth consecutive match in CAN 2025. This repeated selection has raised eyebrows and fueled suspicions of preferential treatment. Morocco also expressed reservations about an Algerian VAR official, deeming the choice inappropriate given the existing political tensions between the two nations. These last-minute adjustments have deeply displeased FECAFOOT officials, including its president, Samuel Eto’o. His frustrations have been echoed by his Nigerian counterpart, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, suggesting a wider concern among football administrators regarding the integrity of the selection process. The atmosphere is expected to remain tense in the lead-up to the highly anticipated quarter-final clash.
