Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho, known for his officiating in the Senegal vs. Cote d’Ivoire match has been removed from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations officials following controversies.
The CAF Referees Committee, led by Ivorian Désiré Doué Noumandiez, made this decision.
Criticisms centred on Atcho’s handling of key moments, including not sending off Sadio Mané for a tackle, a missed penalty for the hosts Cote d’Ivoire, and an unawarded penalty for Senegal.
Despite his previous successful officiating in the Egypt-Ghana match, Atcho’s performance in the crucial Senegal-Cote d’Ivoire encounter in the Round of 16 led to his sidelining.
The decision has sparked debates, with the Senegalese and French press expressing satisfaction.
The failing use of VAR during the match also drew scrutiny. Atcho, a 31-year-old Gabonese referee, faced challenges in dealing with professional simulation.
While considered a sanction by some and sidelining by others, his removal from AFCON 2023 reflects the aftermath of a match deemed crucial in the tournament involving defending champions Senegal and the host country.
