FIFA has officially released the list of Ghanaian referees approved to officiate international matches for the 2026 calendar year.
The approved list features a total of 23 officials, comprising 10 Centre Referees, 10 Assistant Referees, one Futsal Referee, one Beach Soccer Referee and one Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Leading the contingent is experienced official Daniel Laryea, who earns recognition both as a Centre Referee and a Video Assistant Referee. The list also includes new assistant referee Richard Kwaku and Portia Oppong, who makes the cut for Beach Soccer officiating.
In line with FIFA regulations, Member Associations are required to submit annual nominations for new referees or seek renewal for existing officials on the FIFA list. The process is overseen by the Referees Committee of the Ghana Football Association, which ensures all nominees satisfy FIFA’s strict eligibility standards, including passing FIFA-approved fitness and medical examinations.
Following internal assessments, the nominations are forwarded to FIFA for final validation, with the world governing body reserving the right to reject any nominee who fails to meet its criteria.
Officials approved by FIFA are entitled to wear the FIFA badge from January 2026 to December 2026, with continued inclusion in subsequent years dependent on performance. The badge itself remains the exclusive property of FIFA throughout the calendar year.
Credit: Ghana FA
