CAF Opens Probe into Algeria Over Suspected WAFCON Breach
CAF did not specify the nature of the alleged breach but confirmed that they 'will not make any further comment on the matter until the procedure has been completed,' the statement read.
The announcement follows a series of incidents that raised questions about Algeria's conduct during the tournament. While the team remains active in the competition, its presence has stood out for reasons beyond football.
Since the start of WAFCON on July 5, Algerian coverage of the tournament has taken a noticeable turn.
Despite Morocco hosting the competition, Algerian state television and official channels have consistently avoided any mention of the host country. Broadcasters cropped footage and removed visual references to Morocco during press conferences and public appearances.
One incident in particular drew attention: during a press conference, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), an official tournament sponsor, disappeared from the sponsor wall behind Algeria's coach.
In its place, the image of a different sponsor, TotalEnergies, appeared to have been photoshopped in. Observers have described this switch as deliberate and politically motivated.
The situation has sparked criticism online, with viewers accusing Algerian authorities of letting political disputes interfere with a continental sporting event meant to unite rather than divide.
As the tournament progresses, Algeria's matches continue, but under growing scrutiny.
For now, the matter remains under review, with no timeline given for the conclusion of the case. Tags: AlgeriaCAFCAF investigationFootballMoroccoWAFCON
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Morocco World
After the Sacking and VAR Scandal – What Next for CAF's Refereeing Crisis?
With less than five months to go before Morocco hosts the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has quietly fired its head of refereeing, Noumandiez Désiré Doué. It's the first public move in what appears to be a sweeping internal overhaul. But firing one man won't fix a system riddled with inconsistency, bias allegations, and declining credibility. The timing is no coincidence. CAF's patience snapped following a formal complaint from Morocco over officiating in the Women's AFCON final. The host nation lost to Nigeria in a dramatic 3–2 game, but it was the referee – not the scoreline – that grabbed headlines. Morocco's football federation (FRMF) submitted a CD full of controversial clips, including a disallowed penalty that left the Atlas Lionesses' head coach Jorge Vilda fuming. 'It had a psychological impact that shocked us,' he said. 'That decision determined our fate.' Doué's dismissal was announced during a farewell meeting in Kenya, at a CHAN referees' training camp. Behind the polite farewell lies mounting pressure. African referees have come under fire across women's tournaments, youth qualifiers, Champions League fixtures, Confederation Cup games, and World Cup preliminaries. CAF's refereeing reputation, already battered, is now on life support. Sources close to the Executive Committee confirm that major reforms are on the way. A new refereeing boss will soon be named, with candidates such as Morocco's Redouane Jiyed, Gambia's Bakary Gassama, and Egypt's Essam Abdel-Fattah all under consideration. But the most radical proposal is bringing in foreign referees – European and South American – for AFCON 2025. Yes, that would be sad. CAF, under Patrice Motsepe's leadership, may seriously give the idea some thought as it scrambles to guarantee fairness and technical rigour. It would be an unprecedented admission that Africa's own referees are no match for their colleagues in other confederations. CAF will argue that this is about improving standards. But in truth, it's a matter of survival. Too many federations were let down. North African associations, in particular, have complained of regional bias and political interference. A refereeing blunder in Morocco, the host nation, is exactly the sort of storm CAF can't afford ahead of what is being marketed as the best AFCON in the history of the continent. So will CAF merely reshuffle names and make symbolic gestures? Or will it finally introduce transparency, meritocracy, and independent oversight into its refereeing structures? There's also a risk of alienating African referees entirely. Bringing in outsiders may weather the storm, but it does little to fix the pipeline of talent – or the lack of trust in CAF's own governance. Sacking Doué is not a solution – it's an invitation to start over. Whether CAF answers that call remains to be seen. Tags: afconCAFFIFAFRMF. LekjaaInfantinomotsepeRefereeVAR
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
CAF Sacks Referees Director After WAFCON Scandal
CAF has reportedly removed Désiré Noumandiez Doué from his post as Director of Refereeing, following a formal protest by Morocco over officiating in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. According to several reports, the move is CAF's first disciplinary response after widespread criticism of refereeing standards – criticism that intensified after the final, held at Rabat's Olympic stadium last Saturday. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) submitted an official complaint earlier this week, citing what it called 'critical errors' during the match. The final, officiated by Namibia's Antsino Twanyanyukwa – with assistance from Rwanda, Senegal, and a VAR team led by Rwanda's Salima Mukansanga – ended in a 3–2 win for Nigeria. Morocco have clearly been denied a clear penalty and criticised a 'highly debatable' spot-kick awarded to Nigeria. The FRMF attached a CD containing video clips of more incidents they argue 'changed the course of the match'. Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda expressed disbelief after the match. 'We can't understand the decision made by the referee,' he told ESPN. 'She gave a penalty, but then the images we saw weren't the same as those presented to the referee. The images were clear—we were sure she had to give a penalty.' 'There was a penalty that should have stood—the referee blew for it, but then went to VAR. We saw there was a handball, but the referee overturned it. That decision determined our fate. It had a psychological impact that shocked us. It was a massive blow.' The episode has reignited concerns about refereeing standards and transparency at CAF. Several North African associations have long voiced frustration, accusing the organisation – led by South Africa's Patrice Motsepe – of regional bias. CAF has faced criticism on other fronts too, including backlash over a promotional video that showed a divided map of Morocco, omitting the country's southern provinces. Sources say CAF is now reviewing its refereeing system under growing pressure from member associations. A shake-up may be imminent. Tags: CAFFIFAFRMFInfantinoLekjaaMoroccomotsepenigeriaWAFCON
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
FIFA President: Morocco Part of Global Football Elite
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described Morocco as part of the 'global football elite' due to its growing infrastructure and role in hosting major international tournaments. Speaking during a reception hosted by King Mohammed VI to mark Throne Day, Infantino said the country's football vision under the King's leadership was 'immense'. He praised recent developments, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and the organisation of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, held from July 5 to 26. In a post shared on Instagram, Infantino said: 'It was an honour to attend the Moroccan Throne Day celebrations in M'diq. Many thanks to King Mohammed VI for his warm hospitality.' The FIFA President underlined Morocco's growing role in world football, noting the country's upcoming responsibilities. 'Football is an intrinsic part of the culture here and the country is set to host the next 5 editions of the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup as well as co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030,' he wrote. 'I thanked King Mohammed VI for his continued support. His enthusiasm for football knows no bounds, and that was evident once again as he also welcomed the Women's national team, fresh off a wonderful Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign.' The Moroccan women's team, who also played at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, were present at the reception. Infantino added: 'Most of the squad had also represented their country at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 – I wish them the best of luck in qualifying for the next edition in Brazil in 2027 as well as to the men's team as they look to seal a spot at the FIFA World Cup next year.' Morocco is set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, five editions of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Infantino said the country's facilities were of 'exceptional quality'. He also welcomed the opening of a new FIFA regional office in Rabat, located next to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé. The new branch will coordinate FIFA's activities in North and West Africa. The inauguration was attended by Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Moroccan football federation head Fouzi Lekjaa. Infantino is currently on a private visit to Morocco with his family. He was seen in Chefchaouen, touring the old city and taking photos with residents in the main square. He expressed appreciation for the city's architecture and hospitality. He travelled earlier last week to Taghazout Bay, north of Agadir, where he is spending a holiday. The coastal resort has become a growing destination for international tourism and is expected to play a role in Morocco's preparations for future football tournaments. Local authorities in Agadir are pushing forward with road and infrastructure upgrades ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup. Taghazout, in particular, is expected to welcome international teams. Although Infantino's visit comes at a time when Morocco is increasing its investment in sport and tourism. The country is seeking to position itself as a major football destination. Tags: CAFFIFAFRMFGianni InfantinoKing Mohammed VILekjaamotsepeThrone Day
