AFCON 2025: CAF Replace Referee Assigned to Nigeria–Algeria Clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from officiating the AFCON 2025 quarter-final match between Nigeria and Algeria.

According to reports, the decision followed the discovery that Artan had worn boots from a brand not recognised by the tournament’s official sponsors during a previous fixture. The act was deemed a violation of CAF regulations governing sponsorship compliance.

As a result of the breach, CAF ruled that Artan could no longer officiate the high-profile last-eight encounter. The development comes despite his recent recognition as Referee of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards held in Rabat, Morocco.

CAF is expected to announce a replacement official ahead of the quarter-final showdown.