International referee Nabil Boukhalfa found himself at the center of controversy as he was appointed to officiate two football matches within a span of 48 hours – one in Tunis, Tunisia, and the other in Mostaganem, Algeria. The decision has raised eyebrows and cast doubt on the management of referees by the new Federal Arbitration Commission (CFA) of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), led by Mahdi Abid.
Boukhalfa’s dual appointments were made public following a request from the Tunisian Football Federation for him to oversee a friendly match at the Radès stadium on Thursday.
Subsequently, upon his return to Algeria on Friday, he was once again designated to officiate the clash between WAM and RCK in Mostaganem, which ended in a goalless draw.
The unusual decision has sparked concerns, not only about the physical toll on the referee, covering nearly 1,200 kilometers in two days but also about the broader implications for the overall health and fairness of referee assignments under the new CFA.
Critics within the refereeing community have raised questions about the frequency of Boukhalfa’s appointments, pointing out that he has not had a single weekend of rest since the inception of the new CFA.
Concerns extend beyond Boukhalfa’s individual well-being, prompting queries about the broader policies and transparency within the commission.
The controversy has prompted calls for a review of the decision-making process, with suggestions that alternative referees should have been appointed to share the workload and provide Boukhalfa with much-needed rest.
The episode has fueled speculation about potential favoritism within the CFA, with demands for greater transparency regarding the composition of the commission.
As the football community awaits answers, the controversy surrounding Boukhalfa’s back-to-back appointments highlights the need for a meticulous examination of the refereeing protocols under the new CFA to ensure fairness, transparency, and the well-being of officials.
