The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently conducted a special meeting for the referees of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Ivory Coast, focusing on integrity issues. The referees were sternly warned about the dangers and repercussions of engaging in match-fixing activities.
According to the CAF’s official website on Tuesday, a total of 68 referees, assistant referees, and video referees were briefed on the subject to ensure fair play throughout the continental championship. This meeting was held before the opening match that saw the host nation Ivory Coast take on Guinea-Bissau at the Hassan Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé last Saturday.
Desiree Nomandiez Doue, head of the Referees and Technology Committee, emphasized the importance of the referees, considered the best in the continent, understanding the issues at stake in Africa’s premier football event. “Integrity values are essential to maintain the beauty of the game, even alongside exceptional on-field training,” Doue stated.
Felix Magani, the legal affairs director of CAF who chaired the meeting, elucidated the critical need to respect integrity within football. He cautioned the referees about the risks of match manipulation and the legal consequences of engaging in such activities.
Magani further reinforced to the referees that CAF has intensified its fight against match-fixing, with a special focus on upholding integrity values. “Our aim was to remind the match officials not to compromise these values throughout the competition,” he said.
He added, “As the individual responsible for the match, the referee is the main target for match manipulators, who attempt to offer all kinds of inducements to produce a result in their favor. We are pleased with the exchanges and the enthusiasm with which the referees actively participated in this session.”
At a time when match integrity is critical, CAF’s proactive approach serves as a strong reminder of the commitment to fair play, highlighting the organization’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the sport against corruption.
