The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sacked its Director of Refereeing, Désiré Noumandiez Doué, following a contentious Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final on 26 July 2025, where Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Morocco 3-2. The decision, reported by multiple sources, stems from a formal protest by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which cited “critical officiating errors” that allegedly swayed the match’s outcome. The move signals CAF’s attempt to address mounting concerns over refereeing standards in African football.

The WAFCON final, held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, saw Nigeria stage a dramatic comeback from a two-goal deficit to claim their 10th title. Controversy erupted over a VAR-reviewed decision in the 82nd minute, when a potential penalty for Morocco involving Nigeria’s Oluwatosin Demehin was overturned. The FRMF argued the call, alongside a “soft” penalty awarded to Nigeria, altered the game’s momentum. “We can’t understand the referee’s decision,” said Morocco’s head coach, Jorge Vilda. “It had a psychological effect and shocked us.”

Désiré Noumandiez Doué, who did not officiate the match but oversaw referee appointments, faced scrutiny for his selections. The final was led by Namibia’s Antsino Twanyanyukwa, supported by assistants from Rwanda and Senegal, with Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga heading the VAR team. The FRMF’s complaint, backed by video evidence, claimed the VAR process was mishandled, with unclear footage shown to the referee. “The match producer made dire statements, claiming that the VAR referee refused to show footage clearly proving there was a penalty,” an FRMF official told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.

CAF’s decision to dismiss Doué, announced during a referees’ training camp in Kenya, marks a swift response to the backlash. Sources indicate the move is part of a broader effort to restore trust in CAF’s refereeing system, which has faced criticism across various tournaments. “CAF is now reviewing its refereeing structures amid growing pressure from member associations,” reported Morocco World News, hinting at potential reforms ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Morocco.

The controversy has reignited debates about officiating impartiality in African football. Morocco’s protest echoes past grievances, including Nigeria’s claims of biased refereeing in the 2022 WAFCON semi-final, where the Super Falcons received two red cards and lost to Morocco on penalties. “The Super Falcons were at the wrong end of some atrocious refereeing decisions,” noted Soccernet, highlighting a pattern of disputes fueling calls for systemic change.

Morocco’s frustration was compounded by other incidents, including allegations of laser lights used by home fans to distract Nigerian players, which critics argue went unaddressed by CAF. “What sanctions have the Moroccan FA, sports Ministry, CAF, and FIFA taken against Moroccan spectators using dangerous laser lights?” asked a Nigerian sports outlet, pointing to perceived inconsistencies in disciplinary actions.

CAF has yet to issue an official statement confirming Doué’s dismissal, but the decision has sparked speculation about further changes. Names like Morocco’s Redouane Jiyed, Gambia’s Bakary Gassama, and Egypt’s Essam Abdel-Fattah are reportedly under consideration as replacements. Some sources even suggest CAF may explore using foreign referees for AFCON 2025 to ensure fairness, a move that could provoke mixed reactions.

The sacking of Doué, who led CAF’s refereeing committee since 2022, underscores the pressure on African football’s governing body to address systemic issues. Past incidents, such as the 2023 AFCON suspension of Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho and others for errors, reflect a recurring challenge. “The issue with officiating in African football is a systemic syndrome that needs to be addressed holistically,” argued a Zambian Observer commentary.

Nigeria’s victory, celebrated with national honours and financial rewards from President Bola Tinubu, has been overshadowed by the officiating row. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, named the tournament’s best player, focused on the achievement rather than the controversy. The Super Falcons’ resilience in overcoming a two-goal deficit has cemented their legacy, but the dispute highlights ongoing tensions in African football governance.

As CAF navigates this crisis, the focus shifts to ensuring transparency and accountability in refereeing. With AFCON 2025 looming, the organisation faces mounting pressure to reform its systems and restore confidence among member nations. The WAFCON fallout serves as a critical moment for African football to address longstanding officiating challenges and uphold the integrity of the game.