Algerian federation suspends top referee Ghorbal over “influential mistakes”

The Algerian Football Federation has decided to suspend international referee Mustapha Ghorbal until the end of the season, according to Algerian newspaper ElKhabar.

The decision, as reported by the newspaper citing its sources, comes in light of what it described as influential refereeing mistakes during the match between MC Alger and Olympique Akbou.

The referee's performance in the match which ended with a 1-0 victory for Olympique Akbou, faced strong criticism. As a result of the suspension, Mustapha Ghorbal will miss the chance to officiate the Algerian Cup final between USM Alger and CR Belouizdad.

Ghorbal is considered one of Africa’s elite referees. He previously officiated at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2020, 2022, and 2023, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2022. He is also going to take part in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Additionally, he officiated the CAF Champions League final in both 2020 and 2024, as well as the CAF Super Cup final in 2021 and 2023. Ghorbal has also participated at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, 2022, and 2024.