CAF Referees Head Olivier Safari Kabene Set for Dismissal After AFCON Final Fallout
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly preparing to remove Olivier Safari Kabene, the head of its referees committee, following the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. This decision comes after allegations surfaced that Kabene influenced the match's officiating, sparking widespread chaos and debate in African football circles.
Chaotic AFCON Final Leads to Investigation
The AFCON 2025 final, held on January 18, 2026, descended into disarray when Senegal players staged a 17-minute walk-off in protest against a contentious penalty decision. Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after disallowing a Senegalese goal, prompting Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to order his team off the pitch. The match only resumed after intervention from senior players, including Sadio Mane, who consulted with former football figures Mamadou Niang, Claude Le Roy, and El Hadji Diouf.
Despite the disruption, the penalty was missed by Brahim Diaz, and Senegal went on to win in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye. However, the incident triggered a formal investigation by CAF, which has since imposed sanctions on both Morocco and Senegal for their roles in the controversy.
Allegations of Referee Influence and Internal Probe
CAF's internal investigation has focused heavily on the officiating during the tournament, which has been widely criticized as questionable. According to reports from Africa Soccer, Olivier Safari Kabene admitted to allegations that he instructed his compatriot, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, not to book Senegalese players during extra time. This alleged interference is seen as a key factor in the match's outcome and could have led to a forfeit ruling due to Senegal's prolonged withdrawal from play.
Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana has corroborated these claims, citing reliable sources within FIFA who suggest that severe punitive measures should be enforced if the allegations are proven true. The incident is expected to result in Kabene losing his position as CAF restructures its refereeing department.
Kabene's Future and Reaction to Previous Controversies
Prior to this scandal, Kabene was anticipated to step down from his CAF role to pursue the presidency of the Federation of Congolese Football Associations (FECOFA). However, the fallout from the AFCON final has accelerated his potential dismissal. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has acknowledged fan complaints and emphasized that the organization is addressing the matter at the highest levels.
In a related development, Kabene previously commented on a towel saga involving Moroccan ball boys and Senegal's goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf, asserting that football rules prohibit non-football items on the pitch and that towels are not part of a goalkeeper's official kit. This adds to the scrutiny surrounding his tenure and decision-making.
The ongoing investigation and expected actions highlight CAF's commitment to upholding integrity in African football, as the organization seeks to restore confidence after one of its most turbulent finals in recent history.
