The world is preparing to welcome the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, which will take place from 14 June to 13 July in the United States, and Africa is proudly celebrating the selection of five outstanding referees who will demonstrate their skills on the world stage.
From Mauritania to DR Congo, these match officials not only have an abundance of experience but also a spirit of excellence and professionalism that has made them among the world’s best. The selected African referees are:
Dahane Beida – Mauritania
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Mustapha Ghorbal – Algeria
Ibrahim Mutaz – Libya
Jean Jacques Ndala – DR Congo
Issa Sy – Senegal
These five officials are members of a historic pool of 117 match officials selected from 41 FIFA member associations, including 35 referees, 58 assistant referees, and 24 video match officials.
They represent the growing prominence of the continent in international football officiating and its influential role in forging the contemporary game.
Amongst them, Ghorbal is one of Africa’s most seasoned referees with experience in top-tier tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and CAF events.
Ndala and Sy, respectively, have proved themselves with a good track record from years of good performance in top-flight games both in Africa and outside the continent.
Not only will this tournament be an exhibition of club football excellence, but it will also be an advancement in technology in refereeing.
Referees will, for the first time, be wearing body cameras, giving fans an unparalleled look at in-game decisions through DAZN, the broadcast partner.
The innovation is an extension of FIFA’s commitment to transparency and more fan involvement, as well as a valuable tool for referee coaching and performance analysis.
FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina described the appointment as a “privilege” since to be included in the first edition of this reformed tournament is a unique landmark in any referee’s career.
African referees who have been consistently gaining acclaim for their talent and authority now have the chance to shine even brighter under the world limelight.
While clubs from across the globe battle it out for supremacy in America this summer, Africa can look on proudly as its referees demonstrate to the world the beauty of fair play and the beautiful game.
They are not just refereeing matches – they are inspiring a new generation of referees across the continent.
Below is the full list:
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, writer, and digital consultant passionate about creating impactful stories and business solutions. He is the Founder & CEO of SamBoad Business Group Ltd, a dynamic company with subsidiaries in digital marketing, logistics, publishing, and risk management.
