AFCON referee Haitham Guirat has been suspended indefinitely by the Tunisian Football Federation.
Tunisian referee Haitham Guirat, who officiated several matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, has been suspended indefinitely by the Tunisian Football Federation following a major officiating error in a domestic league fixture.
The federation confirmed the decision on Monday after Guirat was involved in a controversial incident during a Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 match.
The call sparked widespread criticism and raised serious concerns about the officiating standard.
Although the federation did not disclose specific details of the incident, the referees’ committee described the decision as a “serious refereeing mistake”, prompting immediate disciplinary action to protect the integrity of the league.
The suspension has also reignited debate surrounding Guirat’s performances at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Guirat was the VAR for Nigeria’s third-place game against Egypt, which the Super Eagles won on penalties.
The Tunisian official also served as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the AFCON 2025 between Morocco-Mali and Nigeria-Mozambique, according to CAF.
Guirat was also the VAR official during the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo last year.
According to the federation, Guirat’s suspension does not carry a defined timeframe. The referee will undergo further assessment and review by Tunisian football authorities before any consideration is given to his possible return to officiating duties.
