Mali to File FIFA Protest Over Refereeing in Ghana Defeat
The Mali Football Federation is reportedly set to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA over the officiating in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ghana in Accra. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Ghana, but Mali’s officials and players expressed anger over what they considered questionable refereeing decisions.
Ghana’s victory came through Alexander Djiku’s 49th-minute strike, though Mali argued that referee Badi Luxolo failed to call multiple fouls in the build-up, including a disputed challenge on goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. The incident fuelled repeated protests from the Malian bench and players throughout the match, with tensions rising after the decisive goal.
The officiating team on the day comprised assistant referees Phatsoane Souru of Lesotho and Cledwin Baloyi of South Africa, with Naftal Mweshitsama Negongo from Namibia serving as fourth official. Oversight was provided by Morocco’s Guezzaz Mohammed as referee assessor and Nigeria’s Kachalla Babagana Kalli as match commissioner.
According to reports by football insider Micky Jnr, Mali’s planned complaint will not only target the refereeing crew but also raise concerns about the role of the Ghana Football Association in administering the match.
The controversy risks straining relations between the two football federations during a fiercely contested qualification campaign. Ghana now leads Group I with 19 points from eight matches, while Mali sits fourth with 12 points and faces an increasingly difficult path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
