Mustapha Ghorbal has reportedly been suspended by the Federal Arbitration Commission of the Algerian Football Federation (CFA-FAF) following his controversial officiating in the recent match between Olympique Akbou and Mouloudia d’Alger.
According to sources close to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), the decision to sanction the international referee comes in response to a series of questionable calls during Tuesday’s fixture, which have ignited criticism from fans and analysts alike.
The disciplinary action, which is said to be effective until the end of the season, has yet to be officially announced, though it is expected to be confirmed in a forthcoming statement by the federation.
Ghorbal, a seasoned referee with a global profile, found himself at the centre of a storm after awarding a contentious penalty to Olympique Akbou. The call drew immediate backlash, with many questioning the validity of the decision.
Further controversy followed when he disallowed a goal for MC Alger under circumstances that remain unclear, and failed to award what appeared to be a clear penalty for Mouloudia forward Bangoura after he was brought down inside the area.
These cumulative decisions prompted the CFA to intervene swiftly. While the exact terms of Ghorbal’s punishment have not yet been disclosed, the consequences appear significant, particularly for a referee who is set to officiate at the upcoming Club World Cup.
The suspension, if confirmed, could have lasting repercussions on his international standing and reputation within the sport.
This is not the first time Algerian referees have faced disciplinary measures in high-profile circumstances. Referee Lotfi Boukouassa and his assistant Adel Abane were previously sanctioned by the FAF, a penalty that was later endorsed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), leading to their exclusion from the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Their cases set a precedent, illustrating how domestic sanctions can escalate to the continental level when the integrity of officiating is called into question.
The Ghorbal incident arrives amid ongoing scrutiny over the quality of refereeing in Algeria’s top flight.
Allegations of inconsistency and bias have persisted throughout the current season, with several clubs voicing concern over perceived imbalances in officiating standards.
The latest controversy only serves to amplify the call for transparency and improved oversight within the CFA’s disciplinary processes.
While fans await an official response from the FAF, the suspension of one of the country’s most recognised referees is likely to spark broader debate about the state of officiating in Algerian football.
Ghorbal’s situation may also influence how referees across the league approach high-pressure matches in the final stretch of the season, with disciplinary actions such as this underscoring the consequences of errors on the pitch.
As the Algerian football authorities continue their efforts to enforce accountability and uphold the standards of the game, all eyes now turn to the FAF’s next move—one that may shape not just the future of Mustapha Ghorbal, but the reputation of Algerian refereeing on the world stage.
