Kenya’s Stephen Yiembe has been chosen by FIFA to officiate as an assistant referee at the upcoming 2024 Olympics in France.
This appointment places Yiembe among an elite group of 12 referees from Africa. The Olympic tournament, scheduled to run from Thursday until August 11th, promises to be an exhilarating event. Yiembe will be joined by other esteemed African officials including Ahmed Liban Abdoulrazack from Djibouti, Chikotesha Dian from Zambia, Jermoumi Fatiha from Morocco, Noupue Elvis from Cameroon, and Santos Jerson Emiliano Dos from Angola. Their selection highlights the growing recognition of African refereeing talent on the global stage.
The FIFA Referees Committee has appointed a total of 89 match officials for the Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024, comprising 21 referees, 42 assistant referees, 20 video match officials, and six support referees from 45 countries. The women’s tournament is set to begin on July 25, 2024, culminating in the gold medal match at the Parc des Princes in Paris on August 10, 2024. The men’s competition will commence on July 24, 2024, with its gold medal match taking place on August 9, 2024, also at the Parc des Princes.
To ensure optimal performance, the match officials will undergo rigorous preparation and monitoring before and during the Olympic Games. A team of FIFA technical trainers including referees and video assistant referee (VAR) instructors, as well as match analysts, fitness coaches, physiotherapists, and sports scientists, will provide comprehensive support and guidance. For the selected officials, the Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024 represent a significant milestone in their careers, potentially paving the way for future appointments at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
Both the women’s and men’s tournaments will benefit from goal-line technology and the VAR system, including semi-automated offside technology, to ensure fair and accurate decision-making. As the 2024 Olympics in Paris draw near, excitement continues to build among fans and participants alike. The football tournaments are expected to be a highlight of the Games, featuring top teams and players from around the world.
