Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has lodged a formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against the officiating exhibited by Ethiopian referee Lydia Tafesse Abebe during the 2022 Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final match between Zambia and South Africa.
In a complaint letter dated 18th July, 2022 addressed to CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala advanced six key incidences including the last minute penalty awarded to South Africa.
Kashala has contested against the decision of the referee to award such a penalty resulting in a goal which decided against Zambia progressing to the finals.
He has further called for a serious review of the game.
He says FAZ wants the penalty to be cancelled, a replay ordered and that the referee to be barred from handling any games.
Kashala says FAZ opted to file a complaint as Zambia suffered similar injustices in their quarterfinal victory over Senegal.
He has further noted with great concern the poor officiating that characterized the tournament specifically games involving Zambia.
Kashala says casting a blind eye to the multiple horrendous refereeing decisions would be perpetuating the injustice caused by the referee.