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Senegal referee Diedhiou: Russia World Cup removed doubts on African referees

Related Topics: Senegal, Referee, Russia, Malang Diedhiou

Senegalese referee Malang Diedhiou says Africans who officiated at the just-ended World Cup banished negative perceptions that clouded match officials from the continent.

The 45-year-old last week announced his retirement from refereeing.

He hung his whistle after enjoying a fair outing in Russia, where his four assignments included the round of 16 showdown between Belgium and Japan.

He was also involved in the Belgium-England third-place playoff match where he was the fourth official.

With 10 African assistant referees having initially been selected for the tournament by Fifa, they were left a man short after Kenyan linesman Range Marwa withdrew after being caught on tape allegedly receiving a bribe.