Benin Republic’s national football coach, Gernot Rohr, has launched a scathing attack on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following his team’s 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The veteran German tactician alleged that “scandalous” refereeing decisions directly influenced the outcome, costing his side crucial points and potentially jeopardising their qualification aspirations. Rohr’s strong remarks have reignited long-standing debates surrounding the integrity and impartiality of officiating within African football competitions.
The contentious match, played at a neutral venue in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, saw Benin fall behind after what Rohr described as two highly questionable calls. He pointed specifically to a goal scored by star striker Steve Mounié, which was controversially disallowed for offside, a decision he vehemently disputed. This critical moment, according to Rohr, unfairly denied Benin an equaliser and shifted the momentum of the game decisively.
Further inflaming the situation, a penalty was awarded to Rwanda, a decision Rohr also contested as a clear error, arguing that no foul had occurred. These two incidents collectively, in Rohr’s view, painted a picture of officiating bias that directly contributed to his team’s narrow loss. His post-match press conference became a platform for expressing profound frustration and disappointment at what he perceived as systemic issues.
Rohr did not mince words, suggesting that such refereeing errors are not merely mistakes but potentially deliberate actions that disproportionately harm smaller footballing nations. He argued that powerful countries often benefit from favourable calls, while teams like Benin struggle against both their opponents and biased officiating. This sentiment resonates with concerns frequently voiced by coaches and federations across the continent, highlighting a perceived uneven playing field.
The former Nigeria coach openly questioned the integrity of African refereeing, stating that if “bigger countries” always gain an advantage, it undermines the spirit of fair play and competitive balance. He indicated a firm resolve to escalate the matter, confirming his intention to submit a detailed report outlining the alleged injustices to both FIFA, the global football governing body, and CAF, seeking official review and action.
The defeat leaves Benin at the bottom of Group C, a challenging position as they vie for a spot in the expanded 2026 World Cup. Every point becomes vital in such a competitive qualification format, and the loss due to what Rohr considers unfair decisions could have severe long-term consequences for their campaign. The Cheetahs now face an uphill battle to recover ground in the group, which also features his former team, the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Rohr’s accusations are not isolated incidents within African football. The sport has a history of refereeing controversies that have often led to accusations of bias, corruption, and incompetence. Such incidents frequently overshadow on-field performances and erode trust in the administrative bodies responsible for ensuring fair competition. His outspokenness brings these perennial issues back into the spotlight.
The coach’s call for accountability serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency and improved standards in refereeing across African competitions. Ensuring that matches are officiated fairly is paramount for the development of football on the continent and for maintaining the credibility of major tournaments like the World Cup qualifiers. The allegations demand a thorough investigation to uphold the sport’s integrity.
For Benin, the focus now shifts to navigating the remainder of their qualification fixtures while grappling with the psychological impact of such a contentious loss. Beyond their immediate World Cup hopes, Rohr’s public criticism puts pressure on CAF to address these serious concerns, potentially prompting a review of referee selection, training, and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Gernot Rohr’s impassioned criticism underscores a deep-seated frustration felt by many stakeholders in African football regarding officiating standards. His allegations, while specific to a single match, tap into a broader narrative about the challenges faced by teams striving for global recognition amidst perceived institutional biases. The football world awaits CAF’s official response to these significant claims.
