Sports

Female footballers beat up referee over poor officiating in Tanzania (Video)

Published

2 weeks ago

June 11, 2024

A football match in the Tanzanian women’s league between Ceacea Queens and Yanga Princess on Monday was thrown into chaos after the players descended on the female referee over alleged poor officiating.

The incident, which was captured on video, saw the female players assaulting the match official in what has been seriously condemned by the country’s football authorities.

Footage from the attack captured the moment Ceasiaa Queens players violently chased and attacked the referee after a contentious penalty decision.

A local media reports that the incident, which occurred during the closing stages of a crucial league match, has sparked widespread condemnation.

“In the disturbing scenes, the match official is seen being pursued across the pitch by several players after awarding a penalty to the opposition,” the report said.

“The referee’s attempt to flee was momentarily successful as she dashed towards the athletics track surrounding the field, only to be pursued relentlessly.

“Eyewitness videos show that even as she neared the team benches, the chaos escalated.

“One player attempted a physical assault but missed, heightening the tension around the ground.

“The referee was briefly able to distance herself from her pursuers but was surrounded again near the tunnel entrance, leading to further attempts at violence.

“Authorities intervened as some players managed to catch up to the referee, with one launching a kick and a male spectator throwing punches.

“The match was subsequently halted prematurely, with Ceasiaa Queens ahead 2-1 and just minutes away from the final whistle.

“The incident comes at a tense time in the league, as Ceacea Queens and Yanga Princess vie for second and third places, respectively, following Simba’s clinching of the championship with 54 points.”

The assault on the referee has prompted the Football Association of Tanzania to intervene with a vow to commence an immediate investigation into the incident, with potential sanctions pending for those involved.

“Such behaviour tarnishes the spirit of the game and is unacceptable in sports,” an official of the football governing body said in a statement on behalf of the body.

🚨 Tense moments at the Ceacea Queens match! Watch as controversy unfolds on the field.

#CeaceaQueens #FootballDrama pic.twitter.com/6wHQa4jzpB

— Festus Chuma (@fessychuma) June 10, 2024

Related Topics:Assault Featured Referee Tanzania Women Football

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Sports

CAF reschedules AFCON 2025, announces new dates

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rescheduled the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 which was to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The decision to reschedule the tournament dates, according to CAF President Patrice Motsepe in a statement on Friday after virtual executive committee in Cairo, was to avoid a clash with the inaugural Club World Cup in the United States which will hold from June 15 to July 13 next year.

The AFCON was initially scheduled for June and July 2025, but following an announcement by FIFA of the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, CAF had to reschedule its own competition to avoid a clash.

“I am confident that the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and the best AFCON in the history of this competition,” Motsepe said, regardless of the postponement.

The 35th edition of the AFCON which will be held in Morocco, is set to make history with its unique scheduling as unlike previous tournaments, the edition will span across two years, commencing on December 21, 2025, and concluding on January 18, 2026.

This timing is also a deviation from the traditional AFCON schedule which typically begins in early January and ends in early February.

However, the new dates will upset many English Premier League clubs as the Christmas-New Year period is always frenetic with teams playing many matches in a short period and will need their African players who will be at the AFCON tournament during the hectic period.

Media reports in England have suggested many clubs might not release African stars as they are compelled to do so for only one international championship per year and the next World Cup is in 2026, but CAF could argue that it is the 2025 AFCON, although most of the tournament will be staged the following year.

Sports

Race for Super Eagles midfielder Ndidi heats up

Published

3 days ago

June 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The race to snap up Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, is hotting up as three French clubs have joined Everton for his signature.

According to Footmercato, French giants Olympique Marseille, AS Monaco and Olympique Lyonnais have indicated interest in the Eagles star who could become a free agent by the end of this month.

In its report, Footmercato said Marseille are seeking to bolster their squad this summer with the midfield being one of their priorities.

“The nine-time French champions risk the possibility of losing Jordan Veretout, Pape Gueye and Geoffrey Kondogbia while Jean Onana is also set to return to his parent club Besiktas after the expiration of his loan spell.

“Thus, the need for the Olympians to bolster their midfield with Ndidi being one of their targets but they aren’t the only French side eyeing the Nigeria international.

“AS Monaco who came second in the Ligue 1 last season are also eyeing a move for the Nigeria international who has become a hot property due to his contractual situation with Leicester City.”

However, the Foxes, as Leicester are called, are trying hard to retain the services of Ndidi beyond this summer and are running out of time with his current contract set to end in ten days’ time.