Ghanaian Match Officials Approved for International Duties
Twenty-three Ghanaian referees have been officially awarded FIFA badges for the 2026 football season, highlighting Ghana’s continued presence and influence in the global officiating arena.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) presented the badges at a symbolic ceremony held at the GFA Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The badges entitle these officials to officiate international football matches from January to December 2026.
The approved group reflects Ghana’s expanding footprint across multiple formats of the game and includes 10 Centre Referees, 10 Assistant Referees, one Futsal Referee, one Beach Soccer Referee, and one Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Veteran official Daniel Nii Laryea tops the list, earning dual recognition as both a Centre Referee and a Video Assistant Referee — a testament to his consistency and recognition at African and international levels. The roster also features new assistant referee Richard Kwaku and Portia Oppong, who makes history as Ghana’s Beach Soccer referee on the FIFA-approved list.
At the ceremony, GFA Vice-President Mark Addo encouraged the officials to uphold the highest standards of fairness, professionalism, and impartiality as they represent Ghana on the global stage. He also stressed the importance of maintaining world-class performance and decorum as ambassadors of Ghanaian football.
FIFA badges are awarded annually to match officials who meet stringent performance, fitness, and technical requirements. National federations first assess their referees before forwarding their nominations to FIFA for final approval. Those who receive badges are eligible to officiate international matches and tournaments throughout the year the badge is valid.
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