CAF appoints new match officials after Omar Artan is dropped from Algeria–Nigeria clash
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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a late change to the officiating team for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 match between Algeria and Nigeria, removing Somali referee Omar Artan from the fixture just hours before kick-off.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a late change to the officiating team for the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 match between Algeria and Nigeria, removing Somali referee Omar Artan from the fixture just hours before kick-off.
In a statement released on Friday evening, CAF confirmed that the highly anticipated encounter will now be officiated by experienced referee Issa Sy, as the continental body moved swiftly to ensure full compliance with tournament regulations.
The decision followed earlier reports by PM News that Artan was at risk of being withdrawn from the match after appearing in football boots from a non-approved brand, an action understood to be in violation of CAF’s sponsorship and commercial guidelines. Under CAF regulations, match officials are required to wear equipment that is supplied by, or fully aligned with, the competition’s official sponsors.
Following the development, CAF intervened and opted to make a change to the officiating lineup, a move widely seen as an effort to avoid any potential commercial or regulatory breaches during the tournament.
With Artan removed from the assignment, Issa Sy has been handed responsibility for overseeing the Algeria–Nigeria clash, a key AFCON fixture with significant implications at the tournament. CAF has also confirmed the full list of match officials appointed to support him.
Issa Sy will be assisted by Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura, Gilbert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, and Peter Kamaku, who will serve as assistant referees and fourth official roles as designated.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team for the match will comprise Pierre Atcho, Stephen Yiembe, Letticia Viana, and Yahya Hadqa, ensuring technological support is in place for key decisions during the game.
CAF’s swift action underscores its determination to uphold strict regulatory standards and protect the integrity and commercial framework of the AFCON 2025 tournament as it progresses.
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