Afcon 2023 praised for officiating standards

Zim Now Writer

The recently-concluded Africa Cup of Nations wasn't just a captivating showcase of African football's talent; it also surprised many with its high level of officiating. From smooth tournament organization to VAR implementation, the spotlight focused on the men and women in black, and the praise they received was resounding.

Gone are the days of questionable calls and officiating controversies dominating Afcon headlines. This year, a collective sigh of relief and appreciation emerged, applauding the referees and VAR officials for their professionalism and accuracy.

Leading the chorus of praise is Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who declared on social media: "The standards of officiating set by this year's Afcon are honestly staggering. It's like they invented it. The Premier League and all of Europe have a lot of learning to do."

His admiration wasn't alone. Former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho echoed the sentiment, stating, "I have watched Afcon more than European Football. They are simply teaching us to be honest. In Afcon, VAR is used exactly the way it should be used. They do not use it to help the money magnet teams or famous teams."

Back home in Zimbabwe, former referees like Joseph Mususa and Felix Tangawarima expressed their delight. Mususa praised the "good decisions taken by officials and the use of VAR," while Tangawarima lauded the "standard of refereeing" and attributed it to thorough pre-tournament preparations.

This positive shift is partly attributed to the introduction of VAR at Afcon. The technology, used judiciously and effectively, helped ensure fair play and correct critical calls.