CAF DISMISSES REFEREE DIRECTOR OVER WAFCON FINAL CONTROVERSY

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has dismissed its Director of Refereeing, Désiré Noumandiez Doué, following a formal protest by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) over officiating decisions in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. The Super Falcons of Nigeria had staged a stunning comeback to defeat host nation Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final held in Rabat.

The Moroccan officials lodged a protest with CAF, citing what they described as “critical officiating errors.” Their complaints focused on a denied penalty appeal and what they believed was a “soft” penalty awarded to Nigeria, which played a pivotal role in the West Africans’ comeback.

Although Doué did not officiate the match himself, he faced criticism for his role in appointing the referees for the high-stakes encounter. According to reports, CAF’s decision to relieve him of his duties was directly tied to the FRMF’s formal complaint.

Désiré Doué Noumandiez, a seasoned referee from Ivory Coast, previously served in top-tier matches, including the Ivorian league. His dismissal marks a significant move by CAF amid growing scrutiny over officiating standards in African football.