South African referee Tom Abongile has suggested that better guidance on the day could have helped the match official who handled the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Abongile, who has recently been selected as one of the referees for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, weighed in on the incident that has sparked widespread debate across African football.
“Maybe a bit of guidance would have helped,” he said.
The final, which later became the subject of intense scrutiny and legal battles, placed the referee in what Abongile described as an extremely difficult situation.
“It was not a normal incident,” he noted.
According to him, while referees are trained with clear rules and regulations, certain rare situations require additional support and clarity to ensure the correct decisions are made.
“There are guidelines, but sometimes it’s not enough,” he implied.
Abongile emphasized that the incident highlighted the need for more detailed and practical frameworks that referees can rely on when faced with unusual circumstances.
“We need clearer guidance,” he stressed.
The controversy surrounding the final has raised broader questions about officiating standards, decision-making processes, and the support systems available to referees at the highest level.
For Abongile, improving these areas is essential to maintaining fairness and consistency in the game.
“It’s about helping referees do better,” he added.
As someone preparing to officiate on the world stage, his comments carry significant weight and reflect a desire to see continuous improvement in officiating across the continent.
Because in football, referees are central to the game.
And when decisions become controversial, the need for clarity becomes even more important.
For Abongile, the lesson is clear.
Support the officials.
And equip them better.
