Refereeing at AFCON: Thierry Henry speaks out

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Foot Africa

·21 January 2026

Refereeing at AFCON: Thierry Henry speaks out

AFCON 2025: Thierry Henry criticizes officiating

Refereeing at AFCON: Thierry Henry speaks out

OneFootball Videos

The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco was not just a tense sporting showdown; it left behind the image of a match that slipped out of the players' control. With a Senegalese goal disallowed without VAR intervention and a penalty awarded to Morocco in the dying moments, the contest spiraled into extreme tension, culminating in the temporary walk-off by the Lions of Teranga.

Thierry Henry's critical perspective

Appearing as a guest on CBS Sports Golazo, Thierry Henry offered a candid analysis, blending principled disagreement with human understanding.

"I don't agree with Senegal's decision to leave the pitch, but I understand their frustration!" he explained,

before broadening the discussion:

"The referees have not been up to standard at this AFCON, and the blame lies with CAF, which needs to bring them up to speed."

Beyond the incident itself, Henry's remarks highlight a recurring issue. For Henry, responsibility extends beyond the players and falls squarely on the Confederation of African Football, which, he argues, must invest in better training and support for its referees. In his view, this is essential to ensure that future finals are remembered for the football, not overshadowed by controversy.