Morocco Requests Referee Change for CAN 2025 Match Against Cameroon
The Moroccan Football Federation has successfully requested a change of referee for their upcoming quarterfinal match against Cameroon. The match is set to take place in Rabat on Thursday at 19:00 GMT. This decision has stirred controversy within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and raised tensions between the two nations.
Referee Change: Background and Implications
The Moroccan team expressed concerns regarding the appointment of Egyptian referee Amin Omar. Their complaint centered around the timing of the decision, which they deemed late and poorly communicated. In response, CAF replaced Omar with Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida. This change was announced without prior notice to the Cameroon Football Federation, sparking outrage.
VAR Assessor Controversy
Adding to the drama, CAF appointed the same Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for Morocco’s matches during the tournament for the fifth consecutive time. Congolese VAR official René Daniel Louzaya will oversee this match. Interestingly, a proposed Algerian VAR was disregarded, likely due to existing tensions between Morocco and Algeria.
Reactions from Football Officials
The abrupt changes have drawn strong reactions from officials within the Cameroon football community. Samuel Eto’o, the president of FECAFOOT, is among the key figures expressing frustration over the situation. His Nigerian counterpart, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, also voiced support for Cameroon’s concerns.
Upcoming Quarterfinals: A Tense Atmosphere
The quarterfinal match between Morocco and Cameroon is generating significant anticipation. Both teams are eager to secure a berth in the semifinals, but off-field controversies could overshadow the on-field action.
- Match Date: Thursday at 19:00 GMT
- Original Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt)
- New Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
- VAR Official: René Daniel Louzaya (Congo)
These developments indicate that the path to the semifinals will be fraught with challenges. As the scenario evolves, all eyes will be on the impending clash as both nations strive for victory amid heightened emotions.
