Jubilee Celebrations Honor Former International Referee Djaoupé Kokou Claude
Next week will be marked by a series of special events commemorating the illustrious career of former international referee Djaoupé Kokou Claude. The celebrations will culminate in a tournament featuring four top Togolese first division clubs: Kotoko de Lavié, Dynamic Togo (Dyto), AS Togo Port, and Semassi.
The competition will follow a knockout format, with the first semi-final matching Kotoko de Lavié against Dyto, and the second pitting AS Togo Port against Semassi.
A Remarkable Career
Djaoupé Kokou Claude retired from refereeing on December 27, 2013, concluding a 25-year career that earned him recognition both nationally and internationally. Over his career, he officiated 55 international matches and participated in four African Cup of Nations tournaments—including the senior tournaments in Ghana (2008) and Angola (2010), as well as junior and cadet competitions.
A trained sociologist and current secretary general of the Lomé Football League, Djaoupé also officiated the 2009 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Abidjan and refereed the first leg of the 2010 CAF Champions League final between TP Mazembé and Esperance de Tunis.
He earned the title “Best Whistle of Togo” five years in a row and, since joining the international referees’ list in 2001, has attended several FIFA elite referee training programs. In December 2013, he was certified as a FIFA trainer of trainers.
His international refereeing debut was in a CAF Cup preliminary match between Stella FC (Ivory Coast) and Mancha (Congo Brazzaville).
