AFCON 2025: Mali Protest Appointment of Senegalese Match Assessor Ahead of Quarter-Final Clash
Controversy continues to surround the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations a few hours before the match kickoff, as Mali has reportedly submitted a formal protest over the appointment of a Senegalese match assessor for their quarter-final showdown against Senegal.
Multiple sources within the Mali national team’s backroom staff have confirmed that the decision to assign an official from Senegal to oversee the refereeing of a knockout match involving the Lions of Teranga has sparked serious concerns within the Malian camp.
Under existing FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations, match officials—including referees and assessors—are generally barred from officiating or supervising fixtures involving their own country, a rule designed to protect fairness and neutrality in major competitions.
Despite the growing debate, CAF has yet to release an official statement addressing Mali’s protest or clarifying the status of the appointment.
The quarter-final encounter is scheduled to take place later today at the Stade Ibn Batouta Stadium, with both Mali and Senegal battling for a place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals.
