There were rumors circulating on the internet suggesting that Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe, who officiated the Burkina Faso vs. Algeria match in the 2014 World Cup playoffs, might have been removed by FIFA due to poor performance. These rumors were fueled by criticism from Algerian supporters who were unhappy with the referee’s decisions during the match. However, it’s important to note that as of now, there is no official confirmation from FIFA regarding Sikazwe’s status.
Referees being dismissed from their duties by FIFA is a rare occurrence and typically involves cases of proven corruption or match-fixing. The recent dismissal of referees in Armenia for attempting to influence a match through betting is an example. Therefore, while a delisting of Sikazwe is theoretically possible, it would require substantial evidence of corruption or misconduct.
It’s crucial to approach such rumors with caution until there is an official statement or confirmation from FIFA regarding the referee’s status.