It has nothing to do with WAFCON final - Veteran journalist on CAF sacking of referee director

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding the recent dismissal of its Referees Director, Doue Noumandiez, amid speculation linking his exit to the controversial final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Ivorian official was relieved of his duties shortly after the WAFCON final in Rabat, where the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), led by president Fouzi Lekja, protested a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that denied Morocco a penalty against Nigeria.

The incident sparked rumours that Doue’s removal was connected to the controversy.

However, speaking to Nigerian-born UK journalist Osasuo, a CAF director dismissed the link.

“I know you will not believe me, but the sacking has nothing to do with the WAFCON final in Rabat. I know why he was fired, even if I am not telling you the reason,” the CAF official said.

The official further debunked claims that the VAR process was manipulated, “The TV feed was produced by Moroccans. How could it have been manipulated? This is just not true. The centre referee was brave enough to make the right call based on the evidence.”

Doue, who was in Nairobi, Kenya, for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament management duties, was ordered to return home abruptly and has since gone back to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.