Guinea hails success of FIFA Elite Referees training course

The closing ceremony of the FIFA MA Course for Elite Referees took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Nongo Technical Centre in Conakry, marking the end of an intensive week of training aimed at improving officiating standards in Guinea.

The programme, which brought together 28 referees — including six women — was widely praised by both FIFA and the Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFOOT) for its organization, quality of instruction, and participant performance.

FIFA physical instructor Jeanne Ayemou commended the participants for their professionalism and commitment throughout the training, noting the steady progress made in both technical and physical aspects of refereeing.

Her remarks reflected FIFA’s broader objective of strengthening the capabilities of African referees through continuous education and mentorship.

In his address, the Secretary General of FEGUIFOOT, Ibrahima Blasco Barry, underlined the indispensable role referees play in the development of football, describing them as “the backbone of fair competition.”

He also set an ambitious target for the federation — to train as many Guinean referees as possible to operate the mobile VAR (Video Assistant Referee) system within the WAFU zone.

“Referees are central to the credibility of our competitions. By equipping them with modern tools and knowledge, we are investing directly in the integrity and progress of Guinean football,” Barry said.

FEGUIFOOT Vice-President Mamadou Barry closed the ceremony by reaffirming the federation’s commitment to ongoing professional development.

He assured participants that such initiatives would not be limited to a single event but would form part of a broader, continuous training programme designed to produce referees capable of officiating at both regional and international levels.

“The knowledge you have gained here should be immediately applied on the field, he told the group. It is through consistency and practice that we maintain excellence.”

The event brought together several senior officials from the federation and representatives of Guinea’s football community, demonstrating FEGUIFOOT’s determination to elevate refereeing standards across all tiers of competition.

With FIFA’s support and the dedication of local instructors, Guinea’s refereeing body continues to strengthen its reputation within West Africa, setting the foundation for future international recognition of its officials.