Referee Scandal Rocks Egypt As Officials Suspended Over Phone VAR Controversy

Referee Scandal Rocks Egypt As Officials Suspended Over Phone VAR Controversy

 Sampson Adedeji

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has suspended the match officials involved in the league clash between Tanta and Telecom Egypt after a controversial incident in which a mobile phone was reportedly used to review a key decision, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The referee, alongside his assistants, has been barred from officiating until further notice following widespread outrage over the breach of officiating protocols.

The controversy arose during the encounter when a penalty decision was initially awarded but later overturned after what sources claim was an unusual review process involving a phone on the sidelines.

Such practice falls outside the approved use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the decision-making process.

In response, the EFA has launched a full-scale investigation to ascertain whose phone was used and how the device influenced the final decision.

The football body reiterated its commitment to upholding the laws of the game and ensuring that all officiating standards are strictly followed.

Further sanctions could be imposed pending the outcome of the investigation.