Gernot Rohr Blasts CAF Over Officiating Following Benin’s AFCON 2025 Loss

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Tensions rose after Benin national football team suffered a tight loss to DR Congo national football team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with head coach Gernot Rohr openly criticising decisions made by match officials.

The German tactician did not hide his disappointment following the 1–0 result, arguing that refereeing decisions had a direct impact on the outcome of the contest.

Disputed Penalty Incident Sparks Outrage

Rohr’s main grievance centred on an incident during the match where he believed his side deserved a penalty.

According to the coach, the situation should have been reviewed more thoroughly, particularly because the Video Assistant Referee system was available during the match.

Speaking after the game, he questioned why such an obvious decision was not awarded despite the presence of technology meant to prevent such errors.

He remarked that the situation left him extremely frustrated, adding that the tournament’s officiating appeared inconsistent.

Concerns Over VAR and Refereeing Standards

Rohr’s criticism extended beyond the single incident, as he expressed wider concerns about refereeing standards throughout the competition.

The former Nigeria national football team coach suggested that the use of VAR had not fully resolved the challenges associated with controversial decisions in African football tournaments.

In his view, the technology should ensure fairness and clarity, yet situations like the one experienced by his team raised questions about its effective application.

Allegations of Unequal Treatment

Another point raised by the coach was the perception that smaller football nations sometimes receive less favourable treatment during major competitions.

He hinted that countries without strong football reputations might struggle to receive crucial decisions during matches.

According to him, this imbalance creates frustration for teams trying to compete at the highest level on the continent.

Off-Field Organisation Also Criticised

Rohr’s complaints were not limited to events on the pitch.

He also described an incident involving a member of his coaching staff who was reportedly prevented from entering a stadium in Tangier while attempting to scout another match.

Despite the venue being largely empty, the staff member was denied access and had to follow the game elsewhere.

The coach described the situation as disappointing, suggesting that better coordination and communication should exist during a major tournament like AFCON.

Benin’s Qualification Hopes Now Complicated

The defeat leaves Benin in a difficult position in their group as they attempt to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

With limited matches remaining, every point will now carry significant importance for the team’s chances of progression.

Their upcoming fixtures include a meeting with Botswana national football team on December 27.

They will then conclude the group stage against defending champions Senegal national football team on December 30.

Commentary and Analysis

Rohr’s outspoken remarks highlight a recurring debate within African football regarding refereeing consistency and the implementation of VAR.

While technology has been introduced to minimise controversy, disputes over officiating decisions remain common during major tournaments.

For Benin, however, the immediate focus will likely shift toward securing results in their remaining matches.

With qualification still possible, the team must quickly recover from the disappointment and concentrate on delivering stronger performances in the games ahead.