The FIFA Referees Committee has released the list of match officials chosen worldwide for the upcoming Olympic Football Tournaments in Paris 2024, highlighting significant representation from Africa, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
Out of the 89 officials appointed, 12 are from Africa, showcasing the continent's adeptness and impact on the global football platform.
The women’s tournament is slated to commence on July 25, 2024, climaxing with the gold medal showdown at Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10, 2024.
Likewise, the men’s competition will kick off on July 24, 2024, concluding with the final match on August 9, 2024, also at Parc des Princes.
These African match officials will undergo thorough training and will receive continual support and monitoring from FIFA's team of technical trainers, including referees and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) instructors.
Moreover, an array of professionals including match analysts, fitness coaches, physiotherapists, and sports scientists stand ready to offer guidance and assistance to the officials throughout the Olympic Games.
The African match officials highlight the continent's refereeing talent, gearing up for global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.
A few of the African referees for the tournament are BEIDA Dahane from Mauritania, ISMAIL Mahmood Ali M. from Sudan, and KARBOUBI Bouchra from Morocco.
Assistant referees include AHMED Liban Abdoulrazack from Djibouti, CHIKOTESHA Diana from Zambia, JERMOUMI Fatiha from Morocco, NOUPUE Elvis from Cameroon, SANTOS Jerson Emiliano Dos from Angola, and YIEMBE Stephen from Kenya.
In the video match officials category, ASHOUR Mahmoud from Egypt and BENBRAHAM Lahlou from Algeria will be crucial. NABADDA Shamirah from Uganda will provide support as part of the team.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola