- The Ghana–Mali showdown may have ended on the field, but the controversy continues off it, with Mali voicing strong objections
- Their grievance centres on Alexander Djiku’s decisive strike, which they insist should never have counted.
- YEN.com.gh breaks down why the Malian FA’s protest is unlikely to succeed and could even attract a hefty fine
Ghana’s hard-fought victory over Mali in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has stirred fresh controversy, with the Malian Football Federation (MFA) reportedly raising concerns about the outcome.
The Eagles’ frustration stems from Alexander Djiku’s decisive strike, which came in scrappy fashion.
Source: Getty Images
Mali to lodge complaint with FIFA
Malian players and officials argued that referee Badi Luxolo of South Africa ignored several infringements in the build-up, including what they believed was a foul on goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
Their protests grew louder after the goal, with tempers flaring both on and off the pitch.
According to African football insider Micky Jnr, Mali are set to escalate their complaint to FIFA, questioning not only the performance of the officiating team but also pointing fingers at the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The match had a diverse officiating crew, with Morocco’s Guezzaz Mohammed as referee assessor and Nigeria’s Kachalla Babagana Kalli as match commissioner.
Meanwhile, assistant referees Phatsoane Souru of Lesotho and Cledwin Baloyi of South Africa, plus Namibia’s Naftal Mweshitsama Negongo, were the fourth official.
Why FIFA may dismiss Mali’s complaint and impose a penalty
Despite the uproar, Mali’s case appears difficult to sustain.
Under FIFA’s competition regulations, protests related to referee judgements or match incidents are inadmissible. As clearly stated:
“No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
In practical terms, the MFA would need to provide indisputable evidence that referee Luxolo acted with deliberate bias, a bar that has rarely been met in international football.
Failure to meet formal protest requirements means FIFA can dismiss the complaint outright, and an unfounded claim could even attract a fine.
“If an unfounded or irresponsible protest is lodged, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may impose a fine.”
Source: Twitter
The rules also stipulate that any appeal must be lodged in writing within 24 hours of the match.
Although FIFA reserves the right to intervene independently if the integrity of the competition is threatened, early indications suggest Mali’s chances are slim.
This is not the first time Ghana’s qualification journey has faced courtroom drama.
In 2021, South Africa protested a controversial penalty that sealed their defeat to the Black Stars.
That appeal was eventually thrown out, allowing Ghana to progress and later edge Nigeria in the playoffs to reach the 2022 World Cup, according to AIPS Media.
For now, Ghana’s victory over Mali keeps the Black Stars firmly in charge of Group I with 19 points from eight games, per the BBC.
Check the current standings of Group I:
The Eagles, meanwhile, sit in fourth place on 12 points, leaving their path to the 2026 World Cup looking increasingly difficult.
Mali coach criticises Ghana
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Mali’s head coach, Tom Saintfiet, was blunt in his assessment following his side’s loss to Ghana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Addressing the press at the Accra Sports Stadium, the 52-year-old Belgian claimed the Black Stars approached the game with fear.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
