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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is facing calls for answers after Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) lodged an official protest over refereeing decisions during the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), citing a clear “injustice”.
The match, in which Morocco faced Nigeria, saw Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa fail to award a clear penalty to the Atlas Lionesses despite a lengthy VAR review.
Speaking to Moroccan sports radio station Radio Mars, Hassan Boutabssil, Executive Director at Arryadia TV, a national sports channel, rejected online claims that Morocco’s TV director intentionally hid a crucial angle of the foul.
“When the referee goes to VAR, the director has no power. The image goes directly to the VAR screen and it’s the VAR operator who selects the camera angles,” said Boutabssil. “At that moment, the TV director is a spectator like everyone else.”
He added: “Those attacking the TV directors should learn how a broadcast works. The director doesn’t choose which image appears in the VAR room. People need to stop speaking nonsense.”
It all kicked off in the 63rd minute when Nigeria were handed a penalty. VAR claimed Nouhaila Benzina handled the ball, though replays showed it hit somewhere near her side. Esther Okoronkwo slotted it in without fuss as Moroccan fans erupted in protest.
Then it was Morocco’s turn. A handball by Nigeria’s Oluwatosin Demehin looked set to give the Atlas Lionesses a way back. Twanyanyukwa pointed to the spot — but after what felt like an eternity glued to the monitor, she changed her mind.
The footage shown on the broadcast offered only limited angles, fuelling suspicions of foul play.
“The intention was clear,” Boutabssil said. “There was a deliberate delay, and in the end, they showed an angle that didn’t reveal anything. That reeks of bad faith.”
Boutabssil said the FRMF was right to protest. “It’s like what happened in the World Cup semi-final against France. Morocco was denied a clear penalty. The referee didn’t even make a mistake – the WAFCON final VAR team did.”
He also defended the integrity of the Moroccan production crew:
“The national broadcaster works at the highest standards, certified by CAF and FIFA. The final was directed by Khalid Jadid, one of the best in Africa,” said Boutabssil. “Had any of our TV directors influenced the result, there would be a statement from CAF and an investigation. But that’s not what happened.”
The controversy adds further pressure on CAF, as Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
CAF has yet to comment publicly on the WAFCON incident.
“We were targeted,” Boutabssil concluded.
