AFCON 2025 Referee Hit with Indefinite Suspension Following String of Controversial Calls

The controversy surrounding AFCON 2025 has extended well beyond the tournament's conclusion in Morocco. A FIFA-registered referee is now serving an indefinite suspension following his involvement in multiple contentious matches during and after the 35th edition of Africa's top international football championship.

The tournament faced significant scrutiny over officiating standards, with several competing nations demanding improved referee oversight after a series of questionable calls influenced pivotal fixtures throughout the competition.

Among the teams affected by inconsistent officiating were South Africa's Bafana Bafana. During their group stage encounter with Egypt, the Pharaohs were awarded a penalty kick in the opening half. However, when the South Africans claimed a similar infraction late in the contest, their appeal was rejected. Coach Hugo Broos and his players expressed considerable frustration over these contradictory decisions.

Tunisia Football Federation Takes Action Against Official

The Tunisia Football Federation has imposed disciplinary measures against referee Haitham Guirat following his controversial officiating performance. The suspension was triggered by his handling of a Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 fixture between CS Sfaxien and Club Africain on February 8, 2026.

Guirat's decision-making during that domestic league encounter generated substantial criticism from football authorities and analysts throughout Tunisia. Numerous experts characterized his errors as significant officiating failures that compromised the competition's credibility.

The Tunisian Referees Committee pushed for swift disciplinary measures, aiming to rebuild trust in match officiating and safeguard the league's standing. For those wagering on Tunisian football, such officiating disputes introduce additional variables that must be considered when evaluating betting opportunities.

Guirat held a prominent role at AFCON 2025, serving as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for two key matches – the Morocco versus Mali clash and the Nigeria versus Mozambique encounter. He also operated as VAR official during the intense 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo in Morocco, where the Super Eagles experienced a heartbreaking loss.

Additional AFCON Officials Draw Criticism

Guirat is not alone in facing scrutiny following the tournament. Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has been publicly criticized by a former FIFA official after a recent mistake during Kaizer Chiefs' CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Al Masry on February 8, 2026.

Laryea granted the South African club a penalty when Al Masry's captain was deemed to have committed a handball infraction. However, video replays unmistakably demonstrated the captain's arm was positioned naturally. With no VAR system available for the contest, the call remained and Flavio da Silva successfully converted the spot kick.

Laryea had previously served as referee for the Nigeria versus Morocco semi-final at AFCON 2025. His performance in that crucial match drew substantial criticism for multiple errors and below-standard officiating. These ongoing controversies underscore how refereeing quality can dramatically influence match results – a critical consideration for bettors evaluating African football competitions and making informed wagering decisions.