Monrovia – FIFA have launched an investigation into the conduct of Ivorian referee Clement Franklin Kpan and his officiating team during the World Cup qualifier match between Liberia and Tunisia on March 19 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
By Jahiem Tumu, [email protected]
The match, which saw Tunisia win 1-0 with a fourth-minute goal from Hazem Mastouri, was marred by controversial officiating decisions that negatively impacted Liberia’s chances.
The result left Liberia with a loss and three points dropped, preventing them from potentially tying with Tunisia on 10 points in the standings.
The investigation follows a directive from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which instructed the Liberian Football Association (LFA) to file an official complaint to FIFA about the referee’s decisions.
The Ministry expressed concern over a key officiating error that led to a missed penalty opportunity for Liberia.
According to a communication obtained by FrontPageAfrica, the LFA highlighted a clear handball by a Tunisian defender in the penalty area, which was not called by the referee. The LFA claims video evidence supports that the defender deliberately handled the ball, an offense that should have resulted in a penalty kick.
The LFA’s complaint stated, “This decision had a direct and substantial impact on the match’s result, undermining the principles of fairness and integrity that FIFA uphold.” They further requested a replay of the match to ensure justice and equity.
FIFA have acknowledged receipt of the complaint and referred the match officials to its Refereeing and Disciplinary departments for investigation. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of both the refereeing and disciplinary areas.
