AFCON refs not up to standard – Henry News

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AFCON refs not up to standard – Henry

By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 22, 2026

French football legend Thierry Henry has criticised the standard of officiating at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saying the referees are not at the level of the tournament.

The Arsenal icon made the remarks following the controversial final between Morocco and Senegal, which saw Senegalese players attempt to walk off the pitch in protest against officiating decisions.

“The referees are not at the level of the show. All the stuff that happened in those tournaments sometimes is caused by referee mistakes. And I’m not blaming the referee, I’m blaming the people that are not training them to be at the level of the football we’re watching,” Henry said on CBS Sports Golazo.

The final was marred by controversy after a disallowed goal for Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr and a late penalty awarded to Morocco’s Brahim Díaz.

Henry, while understanding Senegal’s frustration, condemned their attempted boycott of the match.

“Senegal wanting to leave the field was wrong. That’s not the image you want to give, not only for African football, but for any football. You don’t want to do that,” he said.

The former France striker revealed that his passion for AFCON began with the 1988 edition hosted in Morocco, where Cameroon defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the final.

“I started to watch the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, and it was actually in Morocco. Cameroon won against Nigeria,” Henry said.

He noted how the tournament served as a showcase for talent that would later dominate European football, citing legends like Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha.

The Confederation of African Football has suspended Senegalese head coach Pape Thiaw while full investigations are ongoing.

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 22, 2026