FIFA sets 1 October deadline for South African referees seeking 2027 international status

FIFA has set 1 October as the deadline for nominations to its 2027 international refereeing lists, with candidates required to meet age, experience, medical and fitness conditions before they can be considered.

The deadline was confirmed in a circular issued by FIFA on 7 September to its member associations. The requirements are contained in the Regulations on the Nomination and Appointment of FIFA International Match Officials.

Under the regulations, proposed referees must have been born on or before 31 December 2001. Assistant referees must have been born on or before 31 December 2003, with FIFA saying the age limits are intended to ensure a minimum level of experience.

FIFA can also subject older candidates to additional checks. The organisation said: ‘FIFA reserves the right to require proposed match officials who will be over the age of 45 next year (born in 1982 or before) to undergo additional technical assessments, as well as specific medical examinations and fitness testing on a case-by-case basis.’

Candidates must be ranked according to the marks they receive while officiating at national level during the 12 months before their nomination. They must also have regularly handled matches at the highest level in their member association for at least two years.

All nominated match officials, apart from video match officials, must have passed a FIFA-approved fitness test and a medical examination on or after 1 June 2026.

FIFA also stressed that the roles are gender-neutral, meaning any qualified individual can be nominated. Officials seeking appointments in men’s football must pass the relevant men’s football fitness test, while separate requirements apply to futsal and beach soccer.

The relevant time standards are contained in the FIFA Fitness Tests for Match Officials document, which was enclosed with the circular.

‘The FIFA Referees Committee will carefully consider all nominations submitted by each Member Association before deciding who will be named in the upcoming international lists,’ states FIFA.

South African candidates

South Africa’s current Premier Soccer League referees include Abongile Tom, Cedric Muvhali, Siyabonga Nkomo, Thokozani Mkhize, Sikhumbuzo Gasa, Luxolo Badi, Philangenkosi Khumalo, Siyabulela Qunta, Alfred Chavani, Msimeleli Mabuto, Eugene Mdluli, Christopher Kistoor, Moses Kheswa, Thulo Mokhele, Moreki Lekwape, Xola Sitela, Michael Mosemeng, Msimeleli Mabuto, Buhlebendawo Jobela and Joseph Makhubo.

The assistant referees listed include Thamaga Sebati, Xolani Hlatshwayo, Cledwin Baloyi, Brian Kganyago, Lubabalo Pitsha, Simukele Jali, Karabo Baloyi, Romario Phiri, Lalelani Mngadi, Zakhele Siwela, Romeo Matibidi, Happy Nhlanhla, Given Letlaka, Khamusi Razwimisani, Phillip Moeti, Mervyn van Wyk, Thembinkosi Mangai, Thamaga Sebati, Jimmy Kgaphola, Thabo Thinane, Sergio Olyn, Jantjie Dlamini, Kgara Mokoena, Kenny Mamegwa and Kamohelo Ramutsindela.

All the South African referees included on the 2026 FIFA list were retained from the previous year.

That group consisted of nine referees: Tom, Badi, Mdluli, Chavani, Masixole Bambiso, Gasa, Akhona Makalima, Nonjabulo Ndlela and Hloniphile Msezane.

There were also eight South African assistant referees included on the 2026 FIFA list. To be eligible for the 2027 panel, one of those officials will have to undergo further assessments because they were born in 1982.

Tom and Siwela were South Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They were involved in five matches, with Tom serving as a fourth official and Siwela working as a reserve assistant referee.