World Cup Playoffs: CAF Succumbs, Set To Replace South African Officials

World Cup Playoffs: CAF Succumbs, Set To Replace South African Officials

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly bowed to mounting pressure and is set to replace the South African match officials initially appointed for the highly anticipated World Cup playoff clash between Nigeria and Gabon, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The appointment of South Africa’s Tom Abongile as the centre referee sparked widespread protests and heated debates among football stakeholders across the continent.

Many questioned the neutrality of the decision, citing the sensitive nature of the fixture and the regional affiliations of the officials.

According to respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, CAF is now preparing to make changes to the officiating team ahead of the encounter.

“South African referee Tom Abongile will not officiate the Nigeria vs Gabon game and will be replaced soon,” Obayiuwana revealed.

“I don’t know the replacement yet, but it was a very controversial decision to appoint him for this match. There has been a lot of pressure from all corners regarding this issue.”

He further disclosed that CAF’s initial plan was to assign referees to the playoff matches on a regional basis rather than on merit.

 “The Nigeria vs Gabon game was allocated to a referee from COSAFA, the Cameroon vs Congo fixture to a referee from CECAFA, and the final to a referee from North Africa. But instead of choosing the best referees across the continent, CAF based its selections on regional representation and that has led to the current controversy,” he added.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Panthers of Gabon in the semifinal round of the playoffs in Morocco, and the new officiating crew is expected to be announced in the coming days.