CAF Set To Reinstate Normandez As Head Of Referees Committee

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly preparing to reinstate Ivorian official Doué Normandez as Director of its Referees Committee, signalling a potential shift in the organisation’s approach to officiating standards across the continent.

Normandez, a respected figure in African refereeing circles, was relieved of his duties in August during a restructuring exercise led by former CAF Secretary General Veron Omba. That shake-up resulted in the appointment of Safar Kebene to the role, amid mounting concerns about the quality and consistency of officiating in CAF competitions.

The changes followed formal complaints from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which called for urgent reforms after a series of controversial decisions during women’s football tournaments hosted in Morocco last year. Those incidents reignited debate over the transparency and effectiveness of CAF’s refereeing structures.

However, fresh internal discussions within CAF now appear to favour Normandez’s return, with sources indicating that he enjoys strong backing from the FIFA Referees Committee. His potential reinstatement is viewed as part of a broader effort to stabilise and professionalise refereeing development across Africa.

Normandez is also recognised as one of the last technical and development directors appointed under direct FIFA supervision, prior to the global body scaling back its oversight of CAF’s internal operations. His experience and previous involvement in referee training programmes are seen as valuable assets at a time when CAF is seeking to rebuild confidence in officiating.

If confirmed, his return could mark a renewed commitment by CAF to improving referee education, accountability and performance standards, particularly as African competitions continue to grow in profile and competitiveness on the global stage.