Ethics Committee's Absence in Zumrat Case Exposes League's Oversight Fragility and Transparency Challenges

The controversy sparked by coach Abdelouahed Zumrat's statements regarding "external interventions" in refereeing has once again highlighted the near-total absence of the Ethics Committee. The committee has shown no reaction since the case erupted, despite its sensitive nature and the serious accusations leveled within the system.

Although the matter falls within the committee's jurisdiction, which is supposed to open an internal investigation given that the case affects refereeing integrity and constitutes a direct accusation against an official within the directorate, the committee has completely disappeared from the scene. This has left the floor open to Professional League President Abdeslam Belkchour, who announced four days ago his intention to resort to the judiciary for a thorough investigation.

This course of action raises significant questions about why the Ethics Committee was bypassed in a case of this magnitude. Does it reflect an internal lack of confidence in its ability to handle complex files, or is it merely a swift attempt to "cushion the blow" and quell tension by referring the case to the judiciary, instead of initiating an internal discussion that might uncover greater irregularities?

Observers also question whether the system's logic dictates that the Ethics Committee should be the first body activated to verify the claims, especially since the issue could have been resolved through a simple step, such as reviewing VAR room cameras to ascertain whether the referee received an external call or not.

Between the committee's absence and the case being directed to the judiciary, the situation remains open to numerous questions regarding the role of oversight bodies within the League and the Federation, and their capacity to ensure trust and transparency within the professional championship, particularly during a highly sensitive period for refereeing.