French newspaper Le Monde has published a detailed investigation into the controversial refereeing of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final, revealing new information that has reignited the scandal. The report centers on the performance of referee Victor Gomes and, notably, implicates the Senegalese Football Federation in the events that unfolded.
The final, which saw Senegal defeat Egypt on penalties, was marred by contentious decisions. Le Monde states it has obtained the confidential refereeing report from the match, which severely criticizes Gomes’s handling of the game. The report allegedly highlights a series of major errors, including the failure to award a clear penalty to Egypt in the 85th minute when Mohamed Abdelmonem was fouled.
According to the investigation, the fallout was significant within the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The report led to Gomes being suspended from CAF assignments for six months, a sanction that was not publicly disclosed at the time. His assistants were also reportedly suspended for three months.
Crucially, Le Monde reveals that the Senegalese Football Federation played a direct role. The federation is reported to have formally complained to CAF about the referee’s performance immediately after the match, despite their team’s victory. This official protest is presented as a key factor that pressured CAF into taking disciplinary action against the match officials.
The article suggests this sequence of events ultimately served to legitimize Morocco’s subsequent bid to host the tournament. With Gomes suspended, Moroccan referee Redouane Jiyed was appointed to oversee the decisive qualifying match between Senegal and Egypt for the 2022 World Cup. Senegal won that match, and Le Monde implies the earlier scandal and suspensions created a pathway for this critical appointment.
These new revelations present a complex picture of the final’s aftermath, moving beyond the on-field controversy to outline alleged behind-the-scenes maneuvers that influenced both disciplinary decisions and future appointments.
