CAF Referees Committee Head Set for Removal After AFCON Final Fallout
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly preparing to dismiss Olivier Safari Kabene, the head of its referees committee, following the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. This decision comes after allegations surfaced that Kabene, a DR Congo official, influenced the match's officiating, leading to severe repercussions for African football governance.
Chaotic AFCON Final Sparks Investigation and Sanctions
The AFCON 2025 final, held on January 18, 2026, between Senegal and Morocco, descended into chaos when Senegalese players withdrew from the pitch for 17 minutes in protest. This incident occurred after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty while disallowing a Senegalese goal, a decision that coach Pape Thiaw vehemently opposed. The match was only resumed after intervention from senior players, including Sadio Mane, who consulted with former football legends.
Following the match, CAF launched an immediate investigation into the events, resulting in sanctions against both Morocco and Senegal. The organization acknowledged widespread fan complaints, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasizing that the matter was being addressed at the highest levels to ensure integrity in African football.
Allegations of Referee Influence and Internal Restructuring
According to reports from Africa Soccer, Olivier Safari Kabene admitted to allegations that he instructed referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, also from DR Congo, not to book Senegalese players during extra time. This alleged interference is believed to have impacted the match's outcome, potentially justifying a forfeit due to Senegal's prolonged withdrawal exceeding the allowed 15 minutes.
Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana corroborated these claims, citing reliable sources within FIFA who advocate for heavy punitive measures if the allegations are proven true. In response, CAF is restructuring its officiating department, with Kabene expected to lose his position as head of referees. This move is part of broader efforts to restore credibility after the visibly questionable officiating observed during the tournament, particularly in matches involving Morocco.
Kabene's Future in Football Governance at Risk
Olivier Safari Kabene, who was initially planning to contest for the presidency of the Federation of Congolese Football Associations (FECOFA), now faces uncertainty regarding his political aspirations. The integrity issues stemming from the AFCON final fallout could jeopardize his candidacy in DR Congo, as his actions have called his credibility into question.
Additionally, Kabene previously commented on the towel saga involving Moroccan ball boys and Senegal's goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf, stating that football rules prohibit non-football items on the pitch and that towels are not part of goalkeeper kits. This incident further highlights the contentious atmosphere surrounding the final.
As CAF continues its internal investigations, the football community awaits further developments, with potential disciplinary actions set to reshape leadership within African football officiating. The fallout from the AFCON 2025 final underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining fairness and transparency in the sport.
