AFCON 2025: CAF Withdraws Somali Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan Ahead of Nigeria vs Algeria Quarter-Final in Marrakech

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has removed Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from officiating the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria, just hours before the highly anticipated match in Marrakech.

According to multiple reports, CAF took the decision after it emerged that Artan had worn football boots from a brand not approved by the tournament’s official sponsors during a previous AFCON fixture. The incident was deemed a violation of CAF’s commercial and competition regulations.

As a result of the breach, CAF opted to withdraw the referee from the high-profile last-eight encounter in order to uphold tournament rules and standards.

CAF is now expected to announce a replacement official ahead of the quarter-final, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.