Referees suspended after controversy in Raja Casablanca–AS FAR clash

The Moroccan football authorities have suspended several referees following a series of officiating errors during the opening rounds of the Botola Pro, including incidents in the high-profile match between Raja Casablanca and AS FAR.

The National Technical Directorate of Refereeing confirmed that field referee Mouhcine Sourdy and video assistant referee Abdelmounaim Basslam have both been sanctioned after their handling of Wednesday’s match, which ended 0-0. Sourdy has been suspended for two matches, while Basslam has been banned for three games.

The decisions come after AS FAR lodged strong complaints regarding the refereeing of the fixture, insisting that at least three major calls went against them. The Rabat club protested the refusal of two penalty appeals: the first for what they claimed was a handball by defender Badr Banoun, and the second for a foul on striker Youssef El Fahli by Raja’s Youssef Belaamri.

In addition, AS FAR expressed frustration at the disallowing of a goal scored by Anas Bach. Officials ruled the strike out for handball, yet footage from another camera angle suggested no infringement had been committed. The controversy only intensified calls for accountability in refereeing standards within Moroccan football.

In a statement, the refereeing department acknowledged the concerns and outlined the steps taken to address the issues. “Following the refereeing errors observed during the matches of the first and second days of the professional championship, which did not live up to expectations, several disciplinary decisions were taken,” the body declared.

The fallout extended beyond the Raja–AS FAR encounter. Referee Amine El Maataoui, who oversaw the match between Ittihad Tangier and Hassania Agadir, was handed a one-match suspension. Meanwhile, VAR assistant referee Jamal Belbasri received a two-match suspension for his role in errors during the same fixture.

These sanctions are intended to reinforce the accountability of officials and highlight the governing body’s determination to uphold integrity in the domestic championship. By acting swiftly, the National Technical Directorate aims to restore confidence among clubs, players, and supporters, many of whom have voiced frustration at the quality of officiating in recent seasons.

For AS FAR, however, the disciplinary measures come too late to alter the outcome of their goalless draw with Raja. The club’s hierarchy has been outspoken in its criticism, arguing that the denied penalty claims and disallowed goal deprived them of a potential victory in a match of significant importance.

The controversy has reignited debate over the effectiveness of VAR in the Moroccan league. While the technology was introduced to minimise errors, critics argue that inconsistent usage and a lack of transparency continue to undermine its credibility. Supporters across the Botola have echoed calls for improved training and oversight to ensure that video technology fulfils its purpose.

As the championship moves forward, the suspended referees will serve their bans while the refereeing department continues its evaluation of officiating standards. For the clubs and their fans, the hope is that such measures will lead to fairer decisions on the pitch and fewer controversies overshadowing key fixtures.