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AFCON 2025: How Referee Controversies Shaped The Quarter-Final Results

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 was never short on drama — and perhaps it will be remembered just as much for its refereeing controversies as for the football on the pitch. The quarter-finals, in particular, became a flashpoint for questions about officiating standards, VAR usage, referee appointments and the very credibility of continental football governance. From Nigeria vs Algeria to Cameroon vs Morocco, and controversies in Mali vs Senegal, the referees were thrust into the spotlight — often for all the wrong reasons. The debates that followed didn’t just revolve around isolated decisions; they struck at the heart of how fairness, transparency and even respect are perceived in African football. Quarter-Final Showdowns and the Sparks of Dispute Nigeria vs Algeria (2–0): A Penalty That Never Came Match result: Nigeria defeated Algeria 2–0 to reach the AFCON semi-finals. Yet, the focus after this match wasn’t only on the football. It was on the refereeing narrative that domina...
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Arsenal star set to leave following preseason, with former Premier League winners in discussions with the Gunners to sign him.

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal striker Reiss Nelson will explore his alternatives following the pre-season tour of the United States, given his unclear future with the North London club. Last season, the 24-year-old appeared in 23 games in all competitions, but only started three times, and he is willing to leave for better opportunities.

Some Premier League and European clubs are interested in acquiring Nelson's talents, with West Ham United watching his situation and Leicester City already in talks with Arsenal about signing him. The Hale End youth graduate wants to stay in the Premier League if he departs the Gunners this summer, giving the 2015-16 champions a significant advantage in their pursuit of the attacker following their return to the English top division. However, landing him will not be cheap, since Nelson has three years left on his present contract, with the option to extend it by 12 months.

The former England youth international played 71 minutes against Manchester United in Arsenal's first pre-season encounter, as well as 63 minutes against Bournemouth on Thursday. Nelson is scheduled to play again against Liverpool on Thursday and Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, and he will most likely have decided on his future by the time he returns from Arsenal's trip.

Emile Smith Rowe has already decided to join Fulham, and the Craven Cottage club has signed an agreement in principle with the North Londoners for a £34 million transfer. Nelson might be the next to depart if Leicester or West Ham can persuade him to join them, and he will be eager to show himself elsewhere after failing to break into boss Mikel Arteta's first-team plans.

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