Olympique Safi Slams Refereeing After Wydad Defeat, Calls for Investigation

Olympique Safi has submitted an official complaint to the Refereeing Directorate of the National Professional Football League, citing what it described as “influential refereeing errors” during its match against Wydad Athletic. The game, part of the eighth round of the Inwi Professional League, concluded with Wydad securing a 2-1 victory.

In a press release, the Safi-based club explained that the performance of the refereeing crew, particularly the VAR officials, demonstrated an “unjustified absence of intervention in crucial moments,” which directly impacted the match's outcome. The club noted that this complaint follows a series of controversial refereeing incidents that have affected the team since the start of the season.

The statement further added that the club had previously shown great sportsmanship regarding some discretionary errors. However, Olympique Safi stated, “what happened in the Wydad match exceeded acceptable estimations and demonstrated treatment lacking the neutrality and professionalism required in managing games.”

Olympique Safi also expressed its astonishment at “practices related to television broadcasting,” asserting that crucial moments were omitted from being shown during the match. This, the club stated, raises questions about the objectivity of the television direction and its potential influence on the effectiveness of VAR technology.

The club concluded its statement by affirming its commitment to the principles of discipline and respect for sports institutions. At the same time, it called for its complaint to be handled with the necessary seriousness to ensure the integrity of the competition and safeguard the reputation of the national league.