Akissi Konan

Akissi Natacha Gérardine Konan, commonly known as Natacha Konan is an Ivorian football referee and former player. She has been on the FIFA International Referees List since 2022.

Career

Following a decade-long career as a left-back at Club Olympique de San Pédro, Konan chose to pursue refereeing. Following her nomination to the FIFA International Referees List in 2022, she took charge of various national team and World Cup qualifying fixtures. She became the first Ivorian referee to officiate at a FIFA women's tournament after being selected for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Colombia. In June 2025, she was appointed to officiate at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, her first appointment at a senior-level international tournament, following prior experience in senior domestic matches and youth competitions.

Controversy

In April 2024, Konan gained national attention during a Coupe de Côte d'Ivoire round of 16 match between Africa Sports and Stade d'Abidjan. While officiating the game, she issued a red card to Clément Kanouté, who reacted angrily. In response, Konan lost her composure and struck the player, knocking him to the ground. Following the incident, she received a warning and a four-match suspension.