Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho, a familiar and contentious figure for Algerian football fans, was once again at the centre of controversy during Algeria’s goalless draw with South Africa at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) – Pamoja 2024.
The incident unfolded in the final moments of stoppage time in the Group C fixture. Algerian substitute Mehdi Merghem attempted to beat a South African defender inside the penalty area but went to ground under apparent contact.
Algerian players immediately surrounded Ivorian referee Clément Franklin Kpan, demanding a penalty, while coaching staff on the sidelines turned their protests toward fourth official Aklesso Gnama of Togo.
Instead of consulting the Video Assistant Referee system to review the potential foul, the on-field referee brandished a yellow card to Merghem for simulation and blew the final whistle moments later.
The VAR official for the match was revealed to be Atcho, assisted by Ghana’s Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea — the same referee who oversaw controversial VAR calls in two of Algeria’s group-stage matches at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
During that tournament, Atcho was assigned to Algeria’s matches against Angola and Burkina Faso, both under then-coach Djamel Belmadi. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) later lodged an official complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on 20 January 2024, citing refereeing errors during the Burkina Faso match.
In a public statement, the FAF expressed surprise that the CAF Refereeing Commission had appointed the same VAR official for both games, particularly given several contentious incidents — including fouls on Algerian players in the 10th and 57th minutes — that went unreviewed.
The letter, registered under reference number 061/SG/FAF/2024, called the appointments “inappropriate” and questioned the oversight process.
The complaint, based on what the federation described as verifiable facts, did not result in any formal action from CAF.
Atcho’s officiating again drew criticism shortly after AFCON 2023 when he handled the round of 16 match between Senegal and Ivory Coast. Senegalese officials accused him of errors that contributed to their elimination from the tournament.
Following those complaints, Atcho was removed from further AFCON assignments. CAF, however, clarified at the time that the referee had not been sanctioned, stating that changes to officiating appointments after certain stages were routine and not disciplinary measures.
His reappearance in a high-stakes Algeria match at CHAN 2024 has reignited frustrations among Algerian supporters and officials, particularly given the circumstances of the Merghem incident.
Critics argue that the VAR protocol should have been applied to allow the on-field referee to review the footage, especially in such a decisive moment.
With Algeria still seeking a win in Group C, the controversy adds further tension ahead of their next fixture. For many in the Algerian camp, Atcho’s repeated involvement in their matches — and the disputes that seem to follow — remains a source of mistrust toward CAF’s refereeing appointments.
