Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has questioned the timing
of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) referees’ workshop in Nairobi,
saying such training should be conducted at the beginning of tournaments rather
than near the end.
On Tuesday, CAF held a referees’ training session at the
Ulinzi Sports Complex to sensitise match officials and accredited journalists
on the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The workshop came days after Kenya’s exit from the 2024
African Nations Championship (CHAN), which has generated debate over
officiating standards.
“Why are they teaching referees how to use VAR when the
matches are already coming to an end? Such training should be done before the
tournament,” Sonko told reporters.
He added that he expects CAF to provide clarity on decisions
made during Harambee Stars’ quarter-final clash against Madagascar.
Kenya bowed out after a penalty shootout in a match where
two goals were disallowed, prompting public discussion over the absence of VAR
during the game.
Sonko, who has since moved to court challenging the outcome,
maintains that earlier training for referees would help improve transparency
and reduce controversy in key fixtures.
“The way this case is handled will determine how similar
situations are addressed in future. I will not relent,” he said.
According to court papers, Sonko wants the match nullified,
arguing that Kenya’s exit from the tournament resulted from wrongful
officiating.
He is also asking for the semi-final between Sudan and
Madagascar, scheduled for tomorrow, to be suspended pending a ruling on his
case.
In the application, Sonko states:
“That the decision to
disallow the two (2) goals scored by Kenya be SUSPENDED pending the hearing and
determination of the instant complaint. That the results of the penalty
shoot-out in the game between KENYA AND MADAGASCAR be SUSPENDED pending the
hearing and determination of the instant complaint.”
He alleges the match officials unfairly disallowed two
Kenyan goals and failed to review the decisions via VAR [Video Assistant
Referee] or consult relevant parties, including team captains, coaches, and
other officials.
Sonko further claims the officials showed bias in favour of
Madagascar, to Kenya’s detriment.
The filing before the CAF Disciplinary Board lists the match
officials as the first respondent, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF),
Madagascar’s national team and the Fédération Malagasy de Football named as
interested parties.
CAF has not publicly responded to Sonko’s remarks.
