Following a number of controversial refereeing decisions during the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup which precipitated calls for a formal investigation from the Costa Rican and Panamanian football federations, acting CONCACAF President Alfredo Hawit has announced that he will lead a review of the confederation's Refereeing Department.

Review already underway

The CONCACAF Executive Committee approved the review during an executive session in Philadelphia on Sunday, and per a CONCACAF press release, the review is already underway. The release went on to state that Hawit's review will extend across the region and will encompass refereeing assignments.

“The foundation of our game is fair play, and we must take the required steps to reinforce the importance of this principle,” Hawit said. “This review will allow the Confederation to take the next step towards improving refereeing across the region.”

Controversy abounded at the Gold Cup

This is not the first time that CONCACAF referees have come under criticism. However, this is the first time that the confederation has received such sweeping condemnation. Two hugely controversial calls helped Mexico get through the quarterfinal against Costa Rica and the semifinal against Panama.

In stoppage time against Costa Rica, Oribe Peralta went down softly in the box after a challenge from Roy Miller in the 121st minute. Referee Walter Lopez did not hesitate, and pointed to the spot. Andres Guardado stepped up, and converted the penalty in the 123rd minute to give Mexico and 1-0 victory and send them through to the semifinal.

That decision was second guessed, but it was nothing compared to the reaction after Panamanian defender Roman Torres was penalized for a handball in the box in the 88th minute while leading Mexico 1-0. Panama was furious, and attempted to walk off the pitch. Guardado stepped up again and conerted the spot kick, sending the match to extra time where Mexico were awarded another penalty and Guardado duly converted again, to win the match 2-1.

Reaction was instant

The Costa Rican federation called for “a formal protest for bad refereeing during Costa Rica's Gold Cup matches, and previous tournaments” following the quarterfinal, and the Panamanians called for an investigation into "officiating irregularities".

While it seems unlikely that this review will find anything, if it serves to improve refereeing standards it can only be good.