Vice-President of the Football Association, Mark Addo, has urged Ghanaian referees to set their sights on the highest levels of global officiating after 23 match officials were awarded FIFA badges for the 2026 season.
Speaking at a brief but symbolic ceremony at the GFA headquarters on Tuesday, January 21, where the badges were formally presented, Mark Addo congratulated the officials on their achievement and challenged them to embrace the responsibility that comes with FIFA recognition.
“I want to congratulate all of you for how far you’ve come and urge you to keep your heads high,” he said.
“There is a lot of expectation on you, and you must continue to work hard to maintain the standards required.”
The Vice-President further encouraged the referees to pursue excellence beyond the domestic scene, stressing that professionalism, integrity and perception are critical on the international stage.
The FIFA-approved contingent for 2026 comprises 10 Centre Referees, 10 Assistant Referees, one Futsal Referee, one Beach Soccer Referee and one Video Assistant Referee (VAR), highlighting Ghana’s expanding footprint across multiple disciplines of football.
Leading the group is seasoned official Daniel Nii Laryea, who earned dual recognition as both a Centre Referee and a Video Assistant Referee, underlining his consistency and stature within African and global officiating circles.
Credit: ghanasoccernet.com
