CAF Director of Refereeing Eddy explains why only ONE Ghanaian referee among 63 referees was appointed to handle AFCON 2021 in Cameroon

CAF Director of Refereeing Eddy Maillet has explained the reasons why 63 referees were appointed to handle TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next month, January 9, 2022.

The list consists of 24 referees, 31 assistant referees, and 8 video assistant referees from 36 countries. Eight【8】match officials were selected from Morocco, Five Algerian match officials, Five[5] Egyptian match officials, 4 Referees from Senegal, 3 referees were selected from Cameroon, two South African referees were also selected, two from Angola, one referee was selected from Ghana, Botswana, Burundi, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, and others.

Eddy Maillet took his time to explain the reasons why one or a few referees were selected across the continent.

“The match officials were selected based on their experience, skills and current form. In recent months, they have been subjected to several aptitude tests through preparation courses and real competitive matches.

“Only the best will officiate at this extraordinary event. The roster includes two referees from the CONCACAF as part of our inter-confederation skills exchange program.” He explained to Caf Media.

Woman quartet, Salima Mukasanga (Rwanda), Carine Atemzabong (Cameroon), Fatiha Jermoumi (Morocco) and Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco) continue the path started at the U-17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2019 and TotalEnergies African Nations Championship 2020 (CHAN), with women referees officiating games.

“All the selected match officials will complete their final preparations in Cameroon the week before the opening game. They will be closely monitored before and during the competition by a team of technical specialists and instructors”. He concluded.

The tournament will kick off on Sunday, 09 January 2022 with the match between hosts, Cameroon and Burkina Faso at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.

THE FULL LIST OF MATCH OFFICIALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

ASSISTANT REFEREES

VAR REFEREES

@cafonl