Tunisian referee Mehrez Melki has been appointed to officiate the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier between Gabon and Seychelles, scheduled for March 20 in Franceville.
The match, part of Group F’s fifth round of qualifiers, will be a crucial fixture as both teams look to advance in the competition.
Tunisian officiating takes center stage
Melki’s selection highlights FIFA’s continued trust in Tunisian refereeing, despite ongoing controversies in Ligue 1, where clubs often request foreign officials for high-profile domestic matches.
In recent months, refereeing decisions in Tunisia have faced increased scrutiny, leading to the appointment of international referees for major clashes.
The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has faced pressure to improve officiating standards, particularly after the ES Tunis vs ES Sahel encounter last Wednesday, which was overseen by Portuguese referee Luis Godinho.
Similarly, the highly anticipated ES Tunis vs Club Africain derby on December 22 was also officiated by Godinho, following concerns from both clubs regarding local officiating.
All-Tunisian refereeing team for Gabon-Seychelles
For the Gabon-Seychelles fixture, Mehrez Melki will be assisted by his compatriots:
- Wael Hannachi (Assistant Referee 1)
- Mohamed Bakir (Assistant Referee 2)
- Amir Loucif (Fourth Official)
This all-Tunisian officiating team underscores FIFA’s confidence in their abilities on the international stage, despite challenges they face domestically.
A crucial match for Gabon and Seychelles
The stakes are high as Gabon aims to strengthen its position in the group, while Seychelles, considered the underdog, will be looking for a strong performance.
The match in Franceville could prove decisive in shaping the path to the 2026 World Cup, making refereeing decisions all the more critical.
Mehrez Melki’s appointment is another reminder that, while Tunisian referees may face criticism at home, they continue to be valued on the international stage, with FIFA showing continued faith in their capabilities.
