World football governing body, FIFA’s Referees Committee has revealed the selection of match officials for the Olympic Football Tournaments of Paris 2024 Olympics. Africa has a strong representation. 12 match officials were listed by FIFA from Africa, with none from Nigeria making the cut.
89 officials selected from across the globe.
The women’s tournament is scheduled to kick off on July 25, 2024, ending 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.
Also, match analysts, fitness coaches, physiotherapists, and sports scientists are to provide the officials with guidance and support throughout the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024 represent a significant milestone for the selected officials 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 be there.
Additionally, NABADDA Shamirah from Uganda will provide support as part of the match officials’ team.
