The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final may have crowned Nigeria champions once again, but the dust is far from settled in Rabat. In the aftermath of a heated showdown that saw the Super Falcons edge hosts Morocco 3-2, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly taken a bold step — relieving Doué Noumandiez of his position as head of refereeing.

The decision, first reported by Sportblog247.com, comes following a formal complaint lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). Their grievance centered around a controversial moment in the 78th minute when Nigerian defender Oluwatosin Demehin was alleged to have fouled a Moroccan attacker in the box. Despite appeals, no penalty was awarded — and VAR never showed the replay that could have shifted the tide of the match.

FRMF officials claim the VAR team intentionally withheld key footage, with accusations flying that the match producer even acknowledged a deliberate refusal to display evidence of a clear penalty.

Doué Noumandiez, who had been at the helm of CAF’s refereeing department since 2022, is now the first casualty in the wake of the fallout. His dismissal raises fresh concerns about transparency and officiating integrity in African football — issues that also cast a shadow over the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

While Nigeria celebrates yet another title, the officiating storm has left CAF with tough questions and an urgent need to rebuild trust.