Egyptian referee Mahmoud El-Banna retires after 24 years of service

Mahmoud El-Banna officially announced his retirement from officiating in Egyptian football, ending a career that spanned 24 years, including 12 years at the international level.

In a heartfelt public statement, El-Banna admitted that stepping away wasn’t easy, but recent administrative challenges, which he described as unfair, made him choose to leave to protect his legacy and principles.

El-Banna has been one of Egypt’s most respected referees, starting from humble beginnings in the lower divisions and rising to manage matches in prestigious African, Arab, and global tournaments. Throughout his journey, he became known for his disciplined approach and calm demeanor, which earned him respect from fans and football officials alike.

In his statement, El-Banna expressed pride and gratitude, saying, “Today I announce, with honor, that I am ending my refereeing career in Egypt. It’s been 24 years, including 12 as an international referee, representing my country across Africa, the Arab world, and globally.” He added that his decision was motivated by a lack of fairness in the officiating system and emphasized that integrity meant more to him than continuing under unjust conditions.

El-Banna thanked everyone who supported him throughout the years and noted that refereeing was truly a calling for him, not just a career.