Business executive Tony Elumelu calls on FIFA to improve refereeing standards at the World Cup, warning that poor officiating could harm the integrity of football. In posts shared after the tournament, Elumelu congratulates African teams for their performances while citing disputed decisions that affected outcomes in the United States, Mexico and Canada tournament. The Nigerian outlets link his appeal to criticism surrounding matches involving African sides, including Egypt’s elimination by Argentina, where a goal is described as disallowed following a foul at the other end and where a late comeback is said to have involved a foul not reviewed by VAR. Cape Verde’s elimination is also highlighted, including “questionable calls” such as a denied free kick in a dangerous area deep into stoppage time before the team goes out after extra time.
Elumelu’s message combines praise for Africa’s overall representation—nine teams participating, eight reaching the round of 32, and Egypt and Morocco reaching the round of 16—with a direct call for FIFA to raise the quality of refereeing to prevent similar controversies in future matches.
