The competency of African referees was repeatedly questioned over the past years but the problem escalated after Ahli's 1-0 loss at Esperance in the CAF Champions League.

Ghanaian Joseph Lamptey, who officiated the match, allowed an illegitimate goal to stand, which eventually gave the Tunisian side a place in the elite competition final on the away-goal rule.

Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo flagrantly used his forearm to steer home a corner kick at the far post seconds after the kickoff, but neither the linesman nor the referee signaled for a foul.

New measures will be implemented soon to prevent such refereeing mistakes, according to Abou-Rida, who's also a FIFA executive committee member.

"What happened in Eseprance-Ahli game shows how bad African refereeing is and now action must be taken," he told Modern TV.

"Issa Hayatou didn't watch the game but he voiced his disgruntlement with what happened.

"He's looking for a solution. Soon there will be a tangible improvement."