Former FIFA referee Victor Gomes has been appointed as the Chairman of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations [COSAFA] Referees Committee. The appointment was confirmed by the South African Football Association [SAFA] on Friday.
The appointment of the two-time Premier Soccer League [PSL] referee of the season marks another significant milestone in his match officiating career.
Gomes was a PSL referee from 2008 until his retirement in late 2022. He was named PSL Referee of the Season in 2012/13 and 2017/18).
The 43-year-old brings a wealth of expertise, and international stature to his new role, continuing to elevate the standard of officiating across the Southern African region.
RENOWNED FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN REFEREE APPOINTED AT A SENIOR POSITION AT COSAFA
He joined the FIFA international panel in 2011, handling top-tier continental and international fixtures.
He is also heading to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 where he will serve as a Technical Instructor. The Under 17 World Cup is set to take place from 19 November-13 December 2026.
Among other important roles that Gomes serve across continental and global football bodies include serving as Vice-Chairman of the Confederation of African Football [CAF] Referees Committee, playing a pivotal role in referee development, training, and selection across Africa.
He also remains an influential member of FIFA’s technical advisory bodies, contributing directly to refereeing standards and strategic guidance on the global stage. Gomes also served as Chairman of the SAFA National Referees Committee, overseeing domestic development, talent identification, and match governance.
SAFA PRESIDENT PROUD OF VICTOR GOMES AS HE CONTINUES TO FLY THE SOUTH AFRICAN FLAG HIGH
Meanwhile, SAFA President Danny Jordaan has applauded the appointment at COSAFA saying he continues to fly the country and Association’s flag high.
“SAFA is immensely proud of Victor Gomes and his continuous rise in global and continental football governance,” Jordaan told the SAFA media team.
“His appointment as Chairman of the COSAFA Referees Committee reflects his dedication to raising the standard of match officiating. Victor has consistently flown the South African flag high, both on the pitch and in committee boardrooms, and we wish him every success in leading COSAFA’s refereeing structures,” added Dr Jordaan.
Gomes is also well known for officiating at multiple Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] tournaments, culminating in his selection to referee the 2021 AFCON Final between Senegal and Egypt. He concluded his active refereeing career at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
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