Algerian Top Referee Youcef Gamouh Withdraws From AFCON 2025.

Algerian Top Referee Youcef Gamouh Withdraws from AFCON 2025

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been dealt a major blow just a week before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, with Algerian referee Youcef Gamouh pulling out of the tournament due to medical reasons. Gamouh, 38, was named among the central referees selected to officiate at the championship and was widely expected to play a key role.

The Algerian Football Federation confirmed Gamouh’s withdrawal, wishing him a speedy recovery. His inclusion at the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile had raised expectations of a prominent role at AFCON, but those hopes have now been dashed.

Gamouh is regarded as one of Africa’s best-ranked referees, and his absence will be deeply felt. CAF is now scrambling to find a replacement, with the tournament set to begin soon.

Gamouh’s withdrawal is a significant blow to Algeria’s refereeing contingent, leaving Mustapha Ghorbal as the sole main referee representing the country. Ghorbal, a regular at CAF and FIFA competitions, will now shoulder the responsibility of representing Algerian refereeing at the tournament .