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Ghanaian referees will not be represented at the 2026 World Cup, according to officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This announcement follows a review of officiating performances across various international and continental tournaments, which failed to meet the strict criteria set by FIFA for World Cup referees.
In a joint statement, the GFA and CAF expressed concerns over the lack of Ghanaian referees selected for the upcoming World Cup in North America. The decision has stirred disappointment in the local football community, as Ghana has historically been represented by its referees at global tournaments.
According to GFA officials, including Referees Manager, George Lamptey, and CAF’s Referees’ Committee member, Khalil Alhaji, the performance assessments during qualification rounds and other competitions were not up to the expected standard set by FIFA. They emphasized that referees must demonstrate exceptional skill, consistency, and decision-making under pressure to be considered for such a prestigious event.
The GFA also stated that this decision was part of a broader effort to enhance the development of referees in Ghana. In light of this, they plan to invest in training programs, including international exposure for promising referees, in a bid to ensure future representation on the world stage.
This marks a setback for Ghana, whose referees have had a notable presence at previous World Cups. However, officials remain optimistic about the future, asserting that Ghanaian referees have the potential to make a strong return to the global stage with the right development and support.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and FIFA’s selection process for referees continues to be one of the most rigorous in the footballing world.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source :Loco tv