Two months after the events, the Linafoot Disciplinary Committee has delivered its verdict in the referee scandal involving the match between AS Vita Club and FC Les Aigles du Congo.
The punishments are unequivocal. Referee Tabitha Botendra and her assistants Fatou Briki and Nabina Sebetu have each received a one-year suspension. The incident dates back to May 21, 2026, at the Tata Raphaël de la Kethule stadium, during the playoff between AS Vita Club and FC Les Aigles du Congo.
#Sport: The clash between AS Vita Club and Les Aigles du Congo was halted tonight in the 87th minute, with the score tied at *1-1* on the scoreboard.The incident erupted after a highly controversial decision by referee Tabitha Botendra pic.twitter.com/tZLIkhYqre
— Saï Monde FM (@sai_monde) May 21, 2026
After being interviewed a few weeks ago, the three officials have now been sanctioned for serious breaches of impartiality, neutrality, and independence, as well as for failing to uphold the Laws of the Game. The Committee determined this was a refereeing offense as defined by Article 83 of the FECOFA Disciplinary Code.
OFFICIAL: A month and a half after the chaotic end of the match, LINAFOOT has made its decision. Referees Botendra Nzola, Fatou Broki, and Nabina Sebuti are suspended from all activity for 12 months. pic.twitter.com/m0LfH3eTJ3
— Mubemba Djastro (@MubembaD) July 21, 2026
The match was unable to reach its conclusion due to extreme tensions. Vita supporters stormed the neutral zone to protest several decisions, including the disallowing of a goal by Platini Mpiana Mozizi for a highly disputed offside. At the time, AS Vita was handed a 0-3 forfeit loss and hefty financial penalties.
Piala Dunia 2026
Piala Dunia FIFA 2026 akan menjadi edisi paling revolusioner dalam sejarah sepak bola dunia. Turnamen ini untuk pertama kalinya akan diselenggarakan di tiga negara sekaligus, yaitu Amerika Serikat, Kanada, dan Meksiko. Selain itu, jumlah peserta juga meningkat dari 32 menjadi 48 tim, membuka peluang lebih besar bagi negara-negara dari berbagai konfederasi untuk tampil di panggung global. Format baru ini akan menghadirkan lebih banyak pertandingan, atmosfer kompetisi yang lebih luas, serta jangkauan penonton yang semakin besar di seluruh dunia.
Dengan skala yang jauh lebih besar, FIFA menargetkan turnamen ini sebagai ajang yang tidak hanya kompetitif tetapi juga spektakuler dari sisi teknologi dan pengalaman penonton. Stadion-stadion modern di berbagai kota tuan rumah telah dipersiapkan untuk menghadirkan pertandingan berkelas dunia, didukung oleh inovasi seperti peningkatan sistem VAR dan pengalaman digital bagi fans. diprediksi akan menjadi tonggak baru dalam evolusi sepak bola internasional, memperkuat popularitas olahraga ini sekaligus menciptakan momen-momen bersejarah yang akan dikenang dalam waktu lama.
