Sam Sodje Criticises VAR Usage, Officiating Standards at AFCON 2025

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By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi 

Former Super Eagles defender and Technical egg head of the Delta state Football Association DFA as well as First board member of the Delta state Sports Commission,Sam Sodje has criticised the poor application of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, warning that over dependence on the technology is slowing down matches and affecting the overall flow of the tournament.

Speaking during a phone interview on SPORTS Xtra, a sports programme on Crown FM, Warri, Sodje said the frequent and often prolonged VAR reviews have made games drag unnecessarily, taking away from the excitement of live football.

Sodje also expressed disappointment with the standard of officiating at the tournament, noting that it has fallen below the level witnessed at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast. According to him, referees at the previous edition set a higher benchmark in terms of consistency and decision-making, a standard he believes has not been maintained at the current championship.

However, the former international dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that North African teams are being favoured by match officials, despite the high number of penalties awarded to teams from the region so far in the competition. Sodje maintained that the issue lies more with officiating inconsistency than regional bias.

Beyond refereeing concerns, the former Brendford FC of England Center back also raised alarm over the poor turnout of fans in several stadiums during the tournament. He described the low attendance as worrying for a competition of AFCON’s stature and urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to urgently improve matchday experience, promotion, and fan engagement.

AFCON 2025 continues amid growing debate over refereeing standards, VAR implementation, and fan participation, with stakeholders calling for swift improvements as the tournament progresses.

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