The Benin Football Federation (FBF) has initiated a training session for match commissioners and aspirants in Porto-Novo. This move is part of the reforms aimed at professionalizing Benin's football. The training, which took place on September 24, 2026, was attended by the President of the FBF, members of the Professional Football Management Council led by Joël Débally, and officials from the National Technical Directorate. The program seeks to standardize organizational practices across the country's stadiums.
The two-day training program covers several key modules, including the regulations of the Benin Professional Football League (LFPB), the Laws of the Game and their administrative application, match security management, welcoming officials, match report writing, and adherence to the professional clubs' charter. The goal is to eliminate amateurism in match organization. This refresher course is mandatory for all commissioners wishing to officiate in the Ligue Pro this season.
An evaluation will be conducted at the end of the training to select the most competent officials. According to the organizers, this process aims to ensure that only the most capable individuals are entrusted with these responsibilities. The training is a critical step in enhancing the credibility and visibility of the national championship. The FBF and its Management Council are committed to promoting a culture of excellence.
Joël Débally, President of the Professional Football Management Council, emphasized the strategic role of match commissioners. He stated that commissioners are not limited to administrative tasks but are also responsible for ensuring the respect of regulatory texts, acting as essential actors in the smooth running of matches, and preserving the integrity and credibility of the championships.
Débally further highlighted that the ambition is to promote a culture of excellence where merit, competence, and performance are the primary criteria for accessing responsibilities. The training is also an evaluation step, aiming to provide each participant with the opportunity to demonstrate their value. This approach seeks to give more credibility and visibility to the national championship.
A match commissioner is an official designated by the Federation to oversee aspects outside the game, including stadium organization, security, regulatory compliance, and welcoming officials. They are also responsible for writing the official match report, which serves as a reference for the League. This role is crucial in ensuring that matches are conducted professionally and in accordance with established regulations.
The training session is a significant step towards achieving the FBF's goals of professionalizing football in Benin. By equipping commissioners with the necessary skills and knowledge, the Federation aims to improve the overall organization and integrity of the sport. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the country's football landscape.
Key points
- The Benin Football Federation has launched a mandatory training session for match commissioners and aspirants ahead of the professional league.
- The training aims to standardize organizational practices and eliminate amateurism in match organization.
- The program covers key modules, including regulations, match security, and report writing, and will be followed by an evaluation to select competent officials.
