The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that its internal investigation into serious allegations surrounding the refereeing of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal is still ongoing, with no final conclusions or disciplinary actions taken yet.
Samson Adamu, Acting General Secretary of CAF (and the first Nigerian to hold the position), stressed that the organization is committed to completing a thorough due process before reaching any decision.
> “Concerning the situation, CAF is following the process entirely until it’s done. Until then, CAF is only going to concentrate on making sure we go through the process until the end and there is nothing whatsoever about taking a decision until the end,” Adamu stated.
Background of the AFCON 2025 Final Controversy
The allegations focus on Olivier Safari Kabene (also referred to as Oliver Safari), President of the CAF Referees Committee. He is accused of instructing the match referee, Congolese official Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo, to “preserve the match” by not issuing yellow cards to Senegalese players after they briefly walked off the pitch in protest during a chaotic final in Rabat, Morocco.
A Senegal player lifting the AFCON trophy amid celebrations
The match was marked by several disputed decisions, including a late VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco and a 16–17 minute interruption following Senegal’s protest. Despite Senegal winning 1-0 in extra time on the field, subsequent CAF disciplinary processes reportedly led to the title being stripped from Senegal and awarded to Morocco, a decision that sparked widespread debate across African football.
These claims have intensified calls in some quarters for Safari to step down, with critics arguing that the alleged instructions compromised the integrity of officiating in one of Africa’s biggest fixtures.
Current Status as of April 2026
As of April 14, 2026, CAF has not issued any official conclusions or sanctions related to the specific allegations against the Referees Committee president. The governing body continues to review all available evidence, statements, and footage from the final.
This probe forms part of broader scrutiny over refereeing standards, VAR usage, and administrative decisions throughout AFCON 2025. Samson Adamu’s recent appointment as Acting General Secretary is seen by many as a step toward restoring confidence following multiple post-tournament controversies.
Implications for African Football Governance
The ongoing investigation underscores the critical need for transparency, independence, and accountability in referee appointments and disciplinary processes. Stakeholders, fans, and football associations across the continent are closely monitoring the outcome, which could influence future refereeing protocols, VAR implementation, and overall trust in CAF’s leadership.
Many hope the final report will introduce stronger safeguards to protect match officials from undue influence and enhance the credibility of Africa’s flagship tournament.
