Four Algerian referees have been named among the officiating team for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), following confirmation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The tournament, which will run from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will see Houssam Benyahia and Lotfi Bekouassa serving as center referees, with Adel Abane and Hamza Bouzit appointed as assistant referees.
The inclusion of Bekouassa and Abane marks a notable turnaround for the pair, who were controversially sidelined from the original referee selection in December.
Their initial omission followed disciplinary action imposed by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) after a contentious domestic league match between CS Constantine and NC Magra.
In that match, a goal was ruled out for offside without the support of VAR technology, prompting the FAF to suspend both officials and report the matter to CAF. The suspension led to their removal from the initial CHAN referee list.
The decision drew criticism within the Algerian football community, particularly as the referees’ conduct during the match was viewed by some as within the bounds of professional judgment.
Despite making their case before the Federal Arbitration Commission (CFA), Bekouassa and Abane’s appeals initially went unanswered. Their reinstatement only came after significant internal advocacy and a shift in circumstances.
One of the figures instrumental in the push for their rehabilitation was Djamel Haïmoudi, a respected former international referee and current member of the CAF Arbitration Commission.
Haïmoudi played a key role in presenting the referees’ case to CAF, especially following the postponement of CHAN to 2025 and Algeria’s requalification for the tournament.
These developments prompted a reassessment by CAF, ultimately leading to the officials’ reinstatement.
The decision to reappoint Bekouassa and Abane has been widely interpreted as a restoration of fairness, particularly after both referees completed their domestic suspensions and returned to officiating duties earlier this year.
Bekouassa was notably back in action during the Ligue 1 clash between CR Belouizdad and Paradou AC, which ended 2-1 in favour of Belouizdad.
For Algerian refereeing, the CAF appointments represent more than a symbolic gesture. They underscore a recognition of the country’s standards in officiating and a vindication for referees who had been cast into controversy.
The presence of four officials at the continental championship speaks to the resilience and professionalism of Algeria’s refereeing corps, which continues to make its mark in African football.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s national A team, led by coach Madjid Bougherra, will be aiming to replicate or surpass their strong showing in the previous CHAN tournament, where they finished as runners-up. Drawn in Group C, Algeria will face Uganda, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa in the group stage. With both players and officials participating in the competition, Algeria will carry strong representation in East Africa this August — on the field and in the officiating teams.
