Former World Cup referee Jilali Gharib dies as Morocco pays tribute

Moroccan football is mourning the loss of former international referee Jilali Gharib, the first official from the North African nation to participate in a FIFA World Cup.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced Gharib’s death on Sunday, paying tribute to a man widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential referees.

In a statement published on its official website, the federation extended its condolences to Gharib’s family and praised his contribution to the development of Moroccan football officiating.

A pioneer for Moroccan refereeing

FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa led the tributes, describing Gharib as one of Morocco’s most distinguished referees and highlighting his historic achievement on the international stage.

Gharib made history in 1994 when he represented Morocco as an assistant referee at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, becoming the first Moroccan official to take part in football’s biggest tournament.

His World Cup campaign included an appointment to the third-place play-off between Sweden and Bulgaria, a recognition of his standing among the world’s top officials.

International recognition beyond Africa

Gharib’s career extended far beyond the World Cup, with the Moroccan also officiating at major international competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup and the Olympic Games.

Those appointments reflected the respect he commanded within global football and cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s leading match officials.

His achievements helped elevate the profile of Moroccan refereeing on the international stage and opened doors for future generations of referees from the country.

Lasting legacy

Throughout his career, Gharib was regarded as a trailblazer who paved the way for Moroccan officials to compete at the highest level of world football.

His pioneering role and international success ensured that his influence stretched far beyond the touchline, leaving a lasting mark on Moroccan and African football.

With his passing, Morocco has lost one of the figures who helped establish the country’s reputation in international officiating.