Benin: FBF lifts sanctions, several referees return to the pitch

This measure addresses sanctions related to the quality of performances on the field during the last season. It does not constitute a blanket cancellation of all disciplinary procedures of the Federation and pertains to the scope defined by the Referees Commission.

The reinstated officials remain subject to the usual appointment procedures and the technical criteria applied to referees before each match. Therefore, the lifting of the sanctions restores their eligibility for matches organized under the authority of the departmental and national bodies.

During the 2025-2026 season, the Commission had imposed several suspensions for technical decisions deemed insufficient. In June, assistant referee Jacques Soglahoun was notably suspended until further notice after the match between Panthères FC and Dynamo de Parakou, with the Commission citing a “notable technical deficiency” regarding an offside decision.

The decision announced in September pertains to the sanctions for inadequate performance that were still active. The referees involved are now available for upcoming appointments, without any changes to the ordinary rules of evaluation and selection of officials.