Referee who made controversial calls against Canada previously suspended for corruption

Referee Janny Sikazwe of Zambia has contributed to an unfair result for the Canadian national team. 

Canada vs Belgium match witnessed the first penalty incident of the match in the 10th minute after a handball was given against Yannick Carrasco. Davies' shot was blocked by Thibaut Courtois denying Canada their first goal, The Business Standard reported on November 24 .

There was another penalty incident soon after when Canada's Tojan Buchanan was brought down by Jan Vertonghen inside the box after Eden Hazard's back pass went across to a Canadian player. However, a strange offside decision was made by the assistant referee, and VAR wasn't consulted. The third penalty incident in question was when Axel Witsel brought down Richie Laryea in the box in the 38th minute, however, once again, the referee decided against giving a spot kick.

Referee Sikazwe did not bother consulting VAR for the two subsequent penalties despite obvious fouls inside the box. The referee, it appears from the replays, should have whistled for both penalties.

A lot of people were left scratching their heads before the first half was over thanks to the news that had been spreading on Twitter about the referee.

In 2018, he was suspended for his role in a disgusting incident that occurred during a match between Tunisia and Mali. His performance today pales in comparison to his past work.

The controversial removal of Sikazwe from CAF

In that sanctioned game, the referee called it after 85 minutes. Undoubtedly impacting the game, he also declined to review a potential red card using VAR. After careful consideration, the African Football Federation (CAF) decided to suspend him.

Even before that, Sikazwe was implicated in match-fixing scandals involving the African Champions League match between Esperance and Primiero Agosto.

Could this referee play an even bigger role in the remainder of the tournament? If so, the entire world will be watching and ready to point out any more mistakes he makes against any national team.