Malian coup forces CAF to change referees for Berekum Chelsea – Raja game

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has replaced the Malian referees for this weekend’s CAF Champions League match involving Ghana’s Berekum Chelsea and Raja Casablanca of Morocco due to the military coup in the West African country.

The match officials were unable to travel to Ghana for the game following the closure of the Bamako Airport due to the civil unrest in the West African country. The Malian Military announced a takeover on Thursday  by dethroning the government of President Amadou Toumani Toure.

Experienced referee Koman Coulibaly was expected to lead a team of Malian referees for the 1/16th round first leg.

Nana Oduro Sarfo, an official of BereKum Chelsea, who confirmed the change of officials to GNA Sports on Friday, said that the continent’s soccer governing body has appointed match officials from Cote d’Ivoire for the game billed for Sunday, March 25 at the Golden City Park in Berekum.

Denis Dembele will direct affairs from the middle to be assisted Yeo Songuifolo and Donatien Tan Marius. Kouame N’dri will serve as the fourth official.

Ouedraogo Yacouba of Burkina Faso however remains as the Match Commissioner.

Meanwhile, the match will kick- off at 14h00 GMT at the Berekum Golden City Park.

Source: GNA