Football

From AFCON Controversy to Global Reform: Senegal’s reaction, curbing Racism, and IFAB’s tough new laws reshaping discipline ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Published

5 months ago

April 30, 2026

Each year, usually before June, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which is the official body responsible for making and updating the Laws of the Game in football, carries out a detailed review of the rules that govern the sport. Working closely with FIFA, IFAB ensures that football continues to evolve in a structured and globally consistent way. Any proposed changes are not rushed; instead, they are carefully tested and discussed before being approved for use across all levels of the game worldwide.

The work of IFAB is guided by a number of important principles that help protect the identity and fairness of football. First is universality, which ensures that the Laws of the Game are applied equally in every country, from grassroots football to the highest professional level. Second is simplicity and clarity, meaning the rules are written in a way that can be easily understood by players, referees, and fans alike. Third is fairness and the spirit of the game, which emphasizes that decisions should reflect justice and sportsmanship, not just strict technical interpretations. Another key principle is player safety, which remains central in shaping rules that protect players from dangerous challenges and unsafe conduct. IFAB also prioritizes the flow and entertainment of the game, aiming to reduce unnecessary interruptions so that football remains fast, exciting, and enjoyable to watch. In addition, there is a strong focus on the integrity of the game, promoting honesty, respect, and discipline while discouraging cheating and misconduct. Finally, IFAB follows the principle of controlled evolution, meaning that any changes to the Laws are introduced carefully, often through trial phases before being fully adopted worldwide.

Police FC coaches Irahim Abdulrahman and Stephen Billy Kiguddu protest a referee’s call Credit: John Batanudde

In the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, new amendments to the Laws of the Game have been approved following concerns raised about player behaviour and match control. These discussions were partly influenced by incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, where tensions escalated after controversial refereeing decisions involving the Senegal national football team and their opponents. In that match, emotions ran high, and there were moments where players and officials expressed strong dissatisfaction with officiating decisions, raising wider concerns about discipline and control in high-pressure matches.

As a result, IFAB, in collaboration with FIFA, has introduced stricter measures to improve discipline and protect the authority of match officials.

One of the key amendments now gives referees, at the competition organiser’s discretion, the power to issue a red card to any player who leaves the field of play in protest of a referee’s decision. This rule is also extended to team officials who may encourage or instruct players to abandon the match. Furthermore, it has been made clear that any team whose actions lead to a match being abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the game.

Another important amendment focuses on player conduct during confrontations. Players who deliberately cover their mouths while engaging in confrontational situations with opponents may now face disciplinary action, including a red card. This measure has been introduced to address concerns about abusive behaviour on the pitch, including insults, discriminatory remarks, and gestures that may be difficult for officials to detect but can have serious implications for respect and sportsmanship in the game.

These changes were formally approved at a special IFAB meeting held in Vancouver, Canada, where all member associations unanimously agreed on the FIFA-proposed amendments. The members present at the meeting included Gianni Infantino, representing FIFA with its four votes, alongside Mark Bullingham of The Football Association (England), Ian Maxwell of the Scottish Football Association, Noel Mooney of the Football Association of Wales, and Patrick Nelson of the Irish Football Association in Northern Ireland.

With these new laws set to take effect before the 2026 World Cup kickoff, football authorities expect all participating nations and teams to take them seriously. Coaches, players, and officials, including Pape Thiaw, are encouraged to fully understand and respect the updated regulations. The aim is not only to improve discipline on the pitch but also to preserve the fairness, respect, and global spirit that define the beautiful game.

The post From AFCON Controversy to Global Reform: Senegal’s reaction, curbing Racism, and IFAB’s tough new laws reshaping discipline ahead of the 2026 World Cup appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom

Published

22 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

Nigerian football has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.

Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.

His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.

Nigerian football crisis

Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.

“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.

The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.

“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.

Nigerian football and leadership

Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.

His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and CAF.

The NFF election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.

For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.

“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.

Nigerian football needs a clear pathway

Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.

He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.

According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.

That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.

Nigerian football and fading infrastructure

Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.

He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.

He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.

While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.

Nigerian football at a crossroads

The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.

Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.

He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.

The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Football

AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea

Published

22 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa were on target as Democratic Repubic of Congo made a comfortable start to the 2027 AFCON qualification journey.

The Leopards cruised to a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in the game played on Thursday at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

Captain Mbemba fired DR Congo into an early lead, jumping highest to node home Arthur Masuaku’s delivery from a corner kick.

The visitors looked for a response and had opportunities as the first half progressed, but DR Congo maintained their advantage into the break.

In the 72nd minute, Wan Bissaka made a dashing move inside before finding Wissa who finished from close range to double the hosts advantage.

DR Congo now lead Group E and will face Zimbabwe on Monday next week. Equatorial Guinea on the other hand will seek redemption against Sierra Leone at home.

The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Sudan beat Tanzania to lift 2026 CECAFA U-20 trophy

Published

22 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

2026 CECAFA U-20 (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)

Gold medal match: Sudan 1 (4) – 1 (3) Tanzania
Bronze medal match: Uganda 2-0 Burundi

Sudan are the champions of the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship.

A tense 4-3 post match penalty victory over hosts Tanzania spurred Sudan to their first triumph in this age group competition.

Normal time of the final played at the Uhuru stadium in Dar-es-salaam had ended goal-less before the extra 30 minutes were played.

Omer Hamd headed home Sudan ahead in the 93rd minute.

Abdulnassir Abdallah equalized after 112 minutes to send the game into shoot-outs.

Sudan held their nerves to win the dramatic shoot-out 4-3 and lift the trophy with gold medals.

Sudan’s captain Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr in action against Tanzania’s Shomvi Rajabu (Left)

Tanzania, before their home fans settled for silver. Both countries will represent the CECAFA zone at next year’s AFCON U-20 finals in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Uganda Hippos finished third to take home bronze.

Uganda overcame Burundi 2-0 in the third-place play-off duel.

A goal in each half from Derrick Ssozi and super substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa spurred the Hippos who are coached by Ghanaian Laryea Kingston to the much desired victory before a handful of fans.

The Uganda delegation returns home on Friday afternoon.

Sudan U-20 and Sudan’s Obai Abdalla (shirt 23) beats Tanzania’s Juma Sagwe during the CECAFA U-20 final at Uhuru stadium, Dar-es-salaam

Team Line Ups:

Sudan XI: Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud (G.K), Osama Ameen Abdalla Manzal, Humaida Ahmed Suliman Gumaa, Monzeer Abdo Khmies Tiya, Mutaz Elfaki Elnour Wali, Samaan Amin Alfeil Koda, Rudwan Yahya Mohamed Ishag, Nagmeldin Abdelrahim Teya Toto, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr (Captain), Wail Galal Omer Alnour, Obai Abdalla

Subs: Mohamed Abbas Mohamed Abdalla (G.K), Mohamed Dalmugtaba Yagoub Mahmoud Habeeb, Faiz Ahmed Elseed Elfatih, Ibrahim Samani Ibrahim Anglo, Monzer Sarer, Omer Hamd Ghanim Ahmed, Osman Abaker Ismail Alshaikh, Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri, Mohamed Del Mojtaba Musab Elbadawee

Head coach: Salaheldin Ahmed Nuoreldin Ahmed (Sudan)

Tanzania XI: Shabani Bakari (G.K), Ismail Ally, Abdallah Mnumba, Shomvi Rajabu, Arafat Masoud (Captain), Kelvin Revokatus, Ahmad Ahmad, Jofrey Malecha, Juma Sagwe, Juma Abushiri, Suleiman Suleiman

Subs: Edison Matete (G.K), Roony Gerry, Abubakar Othman, Faraji Kayanda, Bashiri Salum Kibaila, Farid Mzalendo, Machela Machela, Joseph Jr. Joseph, Abdulnasser Abdallah

Head coach: Mario Rivera Campesino (Spain)

Match officials: