AFCON 2025 Drama: Somali Referee Omar Artan Axed Over Unauthorized Boots – But No Evidence Nigeria Raised the Alarm

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The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has been hit by off-field controversy just days before the blockbuster quarter-final between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Algeria’s Desert Foxes.

Highly regarded Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, initially appointed to officiate the high-stakes clash at the Stade de Marrakech, has been abruptly removed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Artan, named CAF’s Best Referee of 2025 and a FIFA-listed official tipped for the 2026 World Cup, was withdrawn after being spotted wearing football boots from a brand not approved by the tournament’s sponsors—reportedly Puma, the official kit provider for referees.

Multiple sources, including Foot Africa, Africa Top Sports, BSN Sports, and Algerian media outlets like Fennec Football and La Vague Verte, confirm that CAF deemed this a serious breach of commercial and contractual obligations, despite it having no impact on his on-field performance.

The decision, made on January 8, comes amid broader tensions within CAF’s referees committee, with delays in quarter-final appointments and other disputes noted during the tournament in Morocco. A replacement referee is expected to be announced soon to ensure the Nigeria-Algeria rematch of the tense 2019 semi-final proceeds as scheduled.

Rumors circulating on social media have suggested that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or the Super Eagles camp was the first to alert CAF about Artan’s footwear, potentially influencing his removal.

However, extensive reports from credible outlets—spanning Nigerian (Vanguard, Punch, Legit.ng), Algerian, and international African football sources—make no mention of any complaint or involvement from Nigeria.

The sidelining appears to be an internal CAF enforcement action to protect sponsorship agreements. Fans have reacted with disbelief online, with many calling the punishment overly strict for what amounts to a minor equipment violation.

Artan, praised for his calm and authoritative style in previous AFCON matches, now sees his impressive tournament run cut short in unfortunate circumstances.

As the Super Eagles and Desert Foxes gear up for what promises to be a fiery encounter, the focus shifts back to the pitch—where revenge, rivalry, and a semi-final spot are on the line.

Who takes the win in Nigeria vs Algeria? And is axing a top ref over boots fair game? Let us know in the comments!