AFCON 2025: Why Somali Ref For Nigeria Versus Algeria Was Axed

AFCON 2025: Why Somali Ref For Nigeria Versus Algeria Was Axed

Ibrahim Lateef

Somali referee Omar Artan has been withdrawn from officiating the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria on Saturday in Marrakech, BSNSports.com.ng has sourced.

His withdrawal was due to a breach of CAF’s commercial regulations. Initially appointed to oversee this crucial match, Artan’s participation was abruptly cancelled following intervention from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Insider sources reveal that this decision stemmed from Artan being spotted wearing cleats from a brand not listed among CAF’s approved sponsors.

While his wearing of the unauthorized footwear did not affect his technical performance, CAF officials deemed it a serious violation of the contractual obligations associated with tournament sponsorships.

This incident comes at a particularly sensitive time for CAF, which is already under scrutiny for its refereeing standards and administrative consistency during the tournament’s latter stages.

The sidelining of Artan has sparked renewed debate about the balance between commercial compliance and the continuity of officiating appointments during crucial matches.

CAF has yet to release a formal statement regarding this situation or make a replacement.