VAR delays AFCON final by 42 minutes in longest officiating breakdown
The AFCON final between Egypt and Ivory Coast stalled for 42 minutes due to a VAR review that officials described as the longest in tournament history. The delay sparked outrage from fans and highlighted systemic officiating flaws in African football.
A 42-minute VAR review brought the AFCON final to a standstill on Saturday, forcing players to wait under floodlights in Abidjan as officials debated a pivotal offside decision. The incident, which unfolded in the 78th minute of Egypt’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, is now under review by CAF officials amid accusations of inconsistent refereeing standards.
Egypt’s Mo Salah, already carrying an ankle injury, was visibly frustrated as he paced the touchline during the stoppage. Post-match, CAF’s referee committee confirmed an investigation into the “technical breakdown” but declined to specify whether match officials would face disciplinary action. Ivory Coast coach Sébastien Desabre labeled the delay a “failure of African football” and demanded immediate reforms.
📋 By The Numbers
- 1 — AFCON finals officiated by VAR since 2021
- 3 — VAR delays exceeding 20 minutes in top-tier African competitions this season
The breakdown occurred after a marginal offside flag raised by assistant referee Jerson dos Santos was flagged for review. Video assistant referee Haythem Guirat spent 42 minutes analyzing multiple angles before upholding the original call. Fans in the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium booed every VAR-related announcement, while social media erupted with calls for VAR’s removal from the competition.
| Aspect | CAF’s Response | Fan Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Offside Review | “Technical breakdown” under review | Immediate VAR removal |
| Referee Accountability | Internal investigation launched | Public naming of officials |
| Technology Issues | No admission of system failure | Independent audit requested |
Former referee Ali Tomusange, now CAF’s head of refereeing development, acknowledged that African football “lacks the VAR operational maturity” seen in Europe. “We’re still building the infrastructure and training pipelines,” Tomusange told reporters. “This isn’t just about technology—it’s about the human element.” The AFCON final delay has intensified pressure on CAF to either scrap VAR or invest heavily in referee training before next year’s tournament.
Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié was the last player to touch the ball before the offside call, leaving his team’s 2-1 lead in jeopardy. As players cooled down, CAF secretary-general Veron Mosengo-Omba announced an emergency meeting with referee instructors for Sunday, vowing to “prevent a repeat of this spectacle.”
💡 Pro Tip
Clubs and federations should demand VAR operator certification before major tournaments. Blind reliance on technology without human oversight creates avoidable crises.
While Egypt celebrated their record-extending ninth continental title, the shadow of officiating failure loomed over the victory. Salah, clutching his ankle, told reporters the delay “undermined the integrity of the game.” The fallout has already extended beyond the pitch, with sponsors questioning the league’s ability to deliver a seamless product. CAF now faces a stark choice: reform or risk losing credibility in a competition that serves as Africa’s premier football showcase.
Key Points
- ⚡ 42-minute VAR delay in AFCON final sets record for officiating breakdown
- 💡 CAF investigating technical failure amid fan and sponsor outrage
- ✅ Egypt wins record ninth title; officiating flaws overshadow victory
Fan groups across Africa have announced protests for the upcoming CAF Champions League matches, demanding transparency and accountability. With next year’s AFCON just 11 months away, the pressure on CAF to act is mounting. The delay wasn’t just a glitch—it was a wake-up call.