CAF Elite Referees training in Cairo cancelled due to travelling challenges

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has called off its elite referees training camp in Cairo, originally set for March 3–8, citing travel disruptions that prevented several officials from reaching Egypt.

The camp, designed to prepare 72 referees—including central officials, assistants, and VAR operators—for the knockout stages of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, was canceled after travel complications affected participants from West and Southern Africa.

Ongoing tensions in the Middle East disrupted air routes, transit connections, and visa processing, making timely arrivals uncertain.

Many officials had planned to reach Cairo via connecting flights through Gulf countries, but rerouted and canceled flights left their attendance in doubt.

The program, which typically emphasizes officiating standards, VAR protocols, and match management ahead of critical fixtures, will no longer take place. Despite the setback, the quarter-finals of both tournaments are still scheduled to begin in mid-March.

CAF frequently runs elite refereeing camps to uphold high officiating standards across its 54 member associations and flagship competitions, including the Champions League and AFCON.

While the cancellation is a disruption, match officials will continue their preparations individually to ensure readiness for the upcoming fixtures.