Mustapha Ghorbal has once again elevated the profile of Algerian refereeing on the global stage after being appointed to officiate the high-profile Club World Cup semi-final between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 38-year-old Oran-born referee formed part of the officiating team led by renowned Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who took charge of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.
Ghorbal’s inclusion in such a high-calibre team for a fixture of this magnitude underscores the continued confidence FIFA’s Referees Committee has placed in him and his capabilities.
This appointment is not only a personal triumph for Ghorbal but also a source of pride for Algerian football. His presence in a match of this stature reaffirms his status as one of the leading referees on the African continent.
In the eyes of many, he is the natural heir to Algeria’s rich refereeing legacy, following in the footsteps of respected names such as Djamel Haimoudi, Mohamed Benzellat, and Belaid Lacarne.
Ghorbal has carved out a name for himself through consistency, impartiality, and technical precision on the pitch. His rise through the international ranks is a testament to years of dedication and professional discipline.
Widely regarded as Africa’s top referee, he has become a role model for a new generation of Algerian match officials aspiring to reach the international level.
However, his journey to the Club World Cup semi-final was not without controversy. In the lead-up to the tournament, Ghorbal faced media criticism stemming from a disputed match officiated in Algeria, with some accusing him of poor judgement.
These claims, which many within Algerian football circles view as unfounded, were interpreted by some as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation and sideline him from future international appointments.
Despite the storm, Ghorbal retained the full support of FIFA, which entrusted him with key roles throughout the Club World Cup. His professionalism and unwavering commitment to fair play have allowed him to overcome these challenges and maintain his place at the highest level of the game.
His performance in the Real Madrid vs. PSG semi-final was seen as yet another demonstration of his maturity and composure under pressure, further strengthening his case for involvement in the Club World Cup final itself.
While the final appointment has yet to be officially announced, Ghorbal is among the candidates widely tipped to officiate the prestigious match.
For Algerian refereeing, his continued success represents a significant milestone. His achievements serve as both recognition of Algerian competence in officiating and as inspiration for those coming up through the ranks.
In a football world often dominated by players and managers, Ghorbal’s journey is a timely reminder of the crucial role referees play in upholding the integrity of the game.
As the Club World Cup reaches its climax, the presence of Mustapha Ghorbal on such a stage sends a powerful message: excellence in refereeing knows no borders—and Algeria remains firmly on the map.
