Morocco’s upcoming AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash against Cameroon is yet to take place, but it has already been overshadowed by refereeing controversy.
The clash, which is set to take place at the Prince Mdoulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, will pit the Atlas Lions take on the Indomitable Lions in efforts to make the semi-finals for the first time since 2004.
CAF appointed Amin Mohamed Omar from Egypt as the center referee for the match. Omar previously officiated Cameroon’s group stage win over Gabon.
VAR duties were assigned to Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria, with assistants, including officials from Egypt and Algeria. According to multiple reports, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) lodged an official complaint on January 8 against the decision.
Morocco cited an "unjustified delay" in announcing the officials, less than 24 hours before kickoff.
The FRMF argued that the situation created unnecessary uncertainty and fell short of standards for a high-profile knockout tie. Reports suggest deeper concerns. Morocco vies with officials from Egypt and Algeria as potentially biased due to regional North African rivalries.
Behind the scenes, intense lobbying has reportedly involved FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa and Cameroon’s FECAFOOT head Samuel Eto’o phishing for favorable appointments.
Other unconfirmed claims on social media allege Cameroon objected to North African referees, perceiving potential home bias towards the hosts.
Morocco themselves have been accused of “home refereeing”. During their round of 16 clash against Tanzania, a late penalty claim by the East African nation fell on deaf ears. Despite multiple protests from Tanzania players for the referee to consult VAR, his on-field decision stood.
Cameroon holds an edge in AFCON history against Morocco, remaining unbeaten in finals encounters (W2,D1). They last faced each other nearly 40 years ago. Cameroon will be hoping to make the semi-final stage with a win for the first time since 2021.
Morocco by contrast, will be hoping to take full advantage and qualify for the semis, buoyed by strong home support.
CAF has not publicly responded to the FRMF’s complaint as of January 8. It remains to be seen whether their decision will stand.
However, the officials chosen will be under significant pressure on Friday. Their task will be to make sure they avoid moments of controversy, given the unconventional attention given to them before a ball is even kicked.
