OLYMPICS
The FIFA Referees Committee has announced the appointment of match officials from across the globe for the upcoming Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024, with a notable representation from Africa.
Among the 89 officials selected, 12 hail from Africa, demonstrating the continent’s expertise and contribution to the international football stage.
The women’s tournament is scheduled to kick off on July 25, 2024, culminating with the gold medal match at the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10, 2024.
Similarly, the men’s competition will commence on July 24, 2024, with the final match set for August 9, 2024, also at the Parc des Princes.
These African match officials will undergo rigorous preparation and will continue to receive close monitoring and support from a team of FIFA technical trainers, including referees and video assistant referee (VAR) instructors.
Additionally, match analysts, fitness coaches, physiotherapists, and sports scientists are poised to provide the officials with guidance and support throughout the Olympic Games.
The inclusion of these African match officials underscores the continent’s rich refereeing talent and their readiness to officiate on the global stage.
For the selected match officials, the Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024 represent a significant milestone on their journey towards prestigious events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.
The African Referees for the tournament include BEIDA Dahane from Mauritania, ISMAIL Mahmood Ali M. from Sudan, and KARBOUBI Bouchra from Morocco.
Meanwhile, assistant referees from Africa 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 play crucial roles.
Additionally, NABADDA Shamirah from Uganda will provide support as part of the match officials’ team.
As they prepare to officiate at the Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024, they carry the hopes and aspirations of their nations and continent to uphold fairness and excellence.