The CAF Referees Committee, led by Ivorian Désiré Doué Noumandiez, has taken decisive action in the aftermath of the AFCON 2023 round of 16 match between Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho has been dismissed from the tournament due to controversial decisions made during the game.

In particular, Atcho’s decision to issue a yellow card to Sadio Mane for a foul that many believed warranted a red card has sparked significant controversy. Additionally, he declined to award a penalty to Senegal for a foul committed on Saar, further fueling dissatisfaction.

The CAF Referees Committee will review Atcho’s case at CAF’s headquarters, and his chances of officiating in any CAF tournament this year are deemed very slim.

In response to the contentious decisions made during the match, all VAR referees present that day have been suspended. The suspension serves as a measure to address concerns about the overall officiating quality during the game.

Moreover, Senegalese winger Krepin Diatta may also face disciplinary action after accusing CAF of corruption. His remarks have raised questions about the integrity of the tournament’s organization, prompting authorities to consider potential consequences for Diatta’s statements.

The actions taken by the CAF Referees Committee underscore the commitment to uphold fair play and the integrity of the competition, signaling the importance of maintaining high standards in refereeing decisions during major football tournaments.