Five Moroccan Referees Selected by CAF
CAN 2025: CAF Announces Official Referee List
On Thursday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the official list of referees selected to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025). This prestigious selection, marked by high standards, includes five Moroccan referees, further affirming the nation’s commitment to top-tier officiating.
For this edition, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, CAF has appointed 73 experienced officials, comprised of 28 central referees, 31 assistant referees, and 14 dedicated to VAR, adhering to the most stringent international standards.
The selected Moroccan referees are:
- Jalal Jayed – Central Referee
- Mustapha Kech Chaf – Central Referee
- Zakaria Brinsi – Assistant Referee
- Mostafa Akarkad – Assistant Referee
- Hamza El Fariq – VAR Referee
According to CAF, these officials are among "the most seasoned on the continent," having previously participated in several major African competitions over recent years.
The appointed referees are expected to arrive in Morocco on December 15, 2025, for an intensive preparatory course organized by CAF’s Refereeing Department. This program will include physical tests, technical sessions, and theoretical assessments to ensure optimal performance throughout the tournament.
This selection illustrates CAF’s ongoing commitment to refereeing excellence, enhancing the integrity of competitions, and continuously improving technical standards in African football. It also highlights Morocco’s contribution to the development of officiating on the continent.
