Victor Gomes appointed COSAFA referees committee chairman

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) and FIFA referee Victor Gomes has been appointed chairman of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Referees Committee.

The announcement was made by the South African Football Association (SAFA), which congratulated Gomes on taking up the regional role.

“His appointment at sub-continental level marks another significant milestone in an extraordinary administration and match officiating career. Gomes brings a wealth of expertise and international stature to his new role, continuing to elevate the standard of officiating across the Southern African region,” said SAFA.

Gomes will also work as a technical instructor at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, SAFA confirmed. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 19 November to 13 December 2026.

The South African officiating official had a reputation for a no-nonsense approach during his career in the country’s top flight, where he refereed from 2008 until retiring in late 2022.

He was named PSL Referee of the Season in 2012/13 and 2017/18, winning the award twice.

Gomes was added to the FIFA international panel in 2011 and went on to take charge of major continental and international fixtures. His assignments included matches at Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, before he was selected to referee the 2021 AFCON Final between Senegal and Egypt.

He brought his active refereeing career to an end at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

SAFA president Dr. Danny Jordaan said the organisation was proud of Gomes’ continued progress in football administration at both continental and global level.

“SAFA is immensely proud of Victor Gomes and his continuous rise in global and continental football governance. His appointment as Chairman of the COSAFA Referees Committee reflects his dedication to raising the standard of match officiating.”

Gomes is also the vice-chairman of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Committee. In that position, he contributes to the development, training and selection of referees across Africa.

His latest appointment places him in charge of the committee responsible for refereeing matters within COSAFA, while his upcoming FIFA role will see him deliver technical instruction at the Under-17 tournament in Qatar.