Fahim Omar, former international referee, commented on the performance of Egyptian referees in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), sharing his views on Egyptian refereeing in general and its trajectory.
In exclusive statements to “Al Watan Sport,” Fahim Omar expressed his satisfaction with the level of Egyptian refereeing in the recent AFCON held in Ivory Coast, won by the host nation.
“All the Egyptian referees who participated in the tournament lived up to their responsibilities, displaying outstanding performances,” said the former international referee.
Representing Egyptian officiating were Amin Omar and Mohamed Adel as on-field referees, while Mahmoud Abu El-Ragel and Ahmed Hossam Taha served as assistant referees.
Mohammed El Banna and Mahmoud Ashour were part of the VAR team.
Fahim Omar’s pick for the best referee in Africa
Fahim Omar highlighted the disallowed goal for Nigeria and the penalty awarded to South Africa in the semi-final, officiated by Egyptian referee Amin Omar, as standout moments in the tournament.
These instances showcased Amin Omar’s strong character, earning him the title of the best field referee in Africa.
Additionally, Fahim Omar chose Mahmoud Ashour, who officiated several matches in the tournament as a VAR referee, particularly in the final, as the best Egyptian referee in the tournament, praising his disciplined decisions.
Fahim Omar criticizes Vitor Pereira
He added that the excellence of Egyptian referees was a result of personal efforts and support from Egyptian leadership. However, he did not attribute the achievements of referees to Portuguese Vitor Pereira, head of the referee committee.
“The first step to reform Egyptian refereeing lies in the departure of Pereira from his role and his removal from Egyptian refereeing,” Fahim Omar stated, describing him as a hindrance to the development of Egyptian refereeing.
He further emphasized that Egyptian referees possess numerous capabilities but still fall short of global recognition.
Vitor Pereira, Head of the Referee Committee
The Egyptian Football Association appointed Portuguese Vitor Pereira as the head of the referee committee on March 5, 2023.
His contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, 2023/2024.
Pereira, aged 66, brings vast experience in European refereeing, having officiated 104 international matches, including 24 UEFA Champions League games, notably the UEFA Super Cup between Bayern Munich and Liverpool in 2001.
Previously, Pereira chaired refereeing committees in various countries and associations, including Russia, Greece, and the Czech Republic, and served as the head of the referee committee for the Portuguese league.
