The fallout from AFCON 2025 continues to make waves. A FIFA-listed referee has been slapped with an indefinite suspension just weeks after the tournament wrapped up in Morocco.
The 35th edition of Africa's premier football competition faced serious criticism over poor officiating. Multiple participating nations called for better oversight after several questionable decisions affected crucial matches.
South Africa's Bafana Bafana were among the teams that felt hard done by the refereeing. In their second group match against Egypt, the Pharaohs got a penalty in the first half. But when South Africa appealed for their own spot-kick late in the game, it was denied. These inconsistencies left coach Hugo Broos and his squad frustrated.
Tunisian Referee Faces the Axe
The Tunisia Football Federation has now taken decisive action against referee Haitham Guirat. The ban came after his shocking performance in a domestic league match between CS Sfaxien and Club Africain on February 8, 2026.
Guirat's decisions in that Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 clash drew widespread anger from football stakeholders across Tunisia. Many experts described his mistakes as serious officiating lapses that damaged the integrity of the competition.
The Tunisian Referees Committee recommended immediate disciplinary action. They're desperate to restore confidence in match officiating and protect the league's reputation. For punters who bet on Tunisian football, refereeing controversies like this add another layer of unpredictability to consider.
Guirat wasn't just a minor official at AFCON 2025. He served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for two important matches – Morocco vs. Mali and Nigeria vs. Mozambique. He was also the VAR official during the dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo in Morocco, where the Super Eagles suffered a disappointing defeat.
More AFCON Referees Under Fire
Guirat isn't the only referee facing criticism from the tournament. Ghanaian official Daniel Laryea has been publicly corrected by a former FIFA referee after his recent error during Kaizer Chiefs' CAF Confederation Cup match against Al Masry on February 8, 2026.
Laryea awarded the South African giants a penalty when Al Masry's captain was judged to have handled the ball. But replays clearly showed the captain's hand was in a natural position. Without VAR available for the match, the decision stood and Flavio da Silva converted the penalty.
Laryea had previously officiated the Nigeria vs. Morocco semi-final at AFCON 2025. His performance in that high-stakes match was heavily criticized for numerous mistakes and substandard officiating. These controversies highlight how refereeing standards can significantly impact match outcomes – something bettors should always factor into their analysis when placing wagers on African football competitions.
