The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) “Elite ‘A’ Men’s Referees and Assistant Referees/Women Referees and Assistant Referees course” officially opened on Thursday, December 5 in Cairo, Egypt. The course is running from 2nd to 9th December and brings to Cairo the best match officials from the continent.
President of the CAF Referees Committee, Magdi Shams El Din said in his opening remarks “The fact that CAF was running this course for the top officials on the continent, (Elite A) shows that CAF is giving attention and serious importance to refereeing. Match Officials are the cornerstone of football and CAF will support you in seeking to be the best you can be “. Said Mr Magdi Shams El Din.
He went on to urge the attendees to carry themselves with uttermost professionalism in their work and be true ambassadors of their Confederation (CAF). “Shun any behavior and association that compromises and puts into question your impartiality” Mr Magdi Shams El Din urged the participants.
Magdi Shams El Din revealed that of the 400 matches officiated in this year there were only 2 matches were complaints were raised and he commended the officials for such high standards and urged them to surpass that and keep working hard. “I am pleased to say l saw your physical fitness training and was impressed as l was with the Medical examination, which produced a 100% pass rate and now make the most of the time with experts we have here for you as you go into the rest of the theory and practical lessons.” said Magdi Shams El Din before he concluded by saying, “On behalf of the CAF President, Issa Hayatou l declare this course open”
The Elite A the fourth, referees and assistant referees’ course to be held since the new CAF Referees Committee headed by Magdi Shams El Din started its tenure has forty-nine (49) men Referees and Assistant Referees and fifteen (15) women in attendance. Match officials to be chosen to represent the African continent at next year’s 2014 FIFA World Cup will be selected from among these Elite A gathered in Cairo and some at this course will also be selected to officiate at next month’s Orange African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be held in South Africa.
CAF has so far run similar courses for its Elite ‘B’ and the Young Talent group this year, also in Cairo and the participants will be taken through both practical and theoretical sessions. Topics to be discussed include Amendments of the Laws of the Game, Tactical Awareness, and Match Analysis amongst others.
Confederation of African Football News
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