Mahmoud El Banna, a referee, expressed surprise and disappointment at being selected as part of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Speaking to the “Malaeb On Time” program hosted by the journalist Ahmed Shobier on On Time Sports channel, El Banna stated that his inclusion in the VAR officials’ list before the African Cup of Nations was an unexpected turn of events for him.
El Banna highlighted his participation in officiating five matches during the African tournament as part of the Video Assistant Referee team.
Furthermore, El Banna pointed out that the presence of spectators at the matches contributes significantly to enhancing the efficiency of the referees.
On Wednesday, the Egyptian Football Association’s board of directors, led by Jamal Al-Am, honored the Egyptian referees who participated in managing matches during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Ivory Coast.
Seven Egyptian referees took part in overseeing the continental tournament.
They are Amin Omar, Mohamed Adel, and Mohamed Marouf as field referees, Mahmoud Abu El-Rajal and Ahmed Hossam Taha as assistant referees, and Mahmoud Ashour and Mahmoud El Banna as VAR officials.
The recognition by the Egyptian Football Association underlines the significant role played by Egyptian referees in officiating prestigious continental competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations.
