Egyptian Referee Who Officiated Nigeria vs. Zambia Game Sent Packing from Nation's Cup by CAF

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Egyptian ref, Grisha, sacked from Cup of Nations

Egyptian referee, Ghead Grisha, who was at the centre in the Group C match between Nigeria and Cup holders Zambia in Nelspruit on Friday, has been sacked from the 29th Africa Cup of Nations.

Grisha hugged the headlines on the negative side when he awarded a highly controversial penalty against the Super Eagles four minutes from time, which enabled the champions to draw level in the game at Mbombela Stadium.

A top official of the Confederation of African Football confirmed on Sunday that the 36-year old, who became an international referee in 2008, will take no further part in the on-going championship in South Africa.

“He has been sent home. He will have no further action at this Cup of Nations. His decisions did not tally with best practices of the refereeing profession and we would not allow anyone to start re-writing the rules of the game here,” said the official.

Caf’s decision came as the Super Eagles settled down at their Hunters’ Rest abode in Rustenburg, ahead of Tuesday’s must-win final Group C clash with the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.

Ademola Olajire
Assistant Director (Media)
Nigeria Football Federation