Somali Referee Disqualified from Algeria vs. Nigeria Match Over Uniform Violation

Reports indicate that Somali referee Omar Abdul Qadir Artan was disqualified from officiating the Algeria-Nigeria match after he wore shoes that did not feature the branding of the tournament's official sponsor.

The decision has sparked considerable discussion, particularly given its timing during a critical phase of the tournament. The Confederation of African Football has not issued an official statement to clarify or confirm the reasons for the disqualification.

This incident underscores the strict enforcement of marketing regulations and commercial commitments in major tournaments, where even minor details such as shoe branding can lead to decisions that affect match proceedings.