The Egyptian Football Association, led by Hani Abourida, has announced plans to hold trials for new referees in a bid to expand the base of officials and support the country's refereeing system. The trials, set to begin on December 4, 2026, will be open to current referees looking to upgrade their status and new applicants. The association has set a registration fee of 500 Egyptian pounds, which includes medical examination and exam fees. Successful applicants will have to pay 2,500 pounds to the association's treasury.
The move is part of the association's efforts to support the refereeing system and provide opportunities for new officials to join the ranks. The trials will be overseen by the association's Referees Committee. To be eligible, applicants must be of good character and have a clean record. They must also have played football professionally for at least one season and be between 16 and 24 years old. Applicants must have completed their secondary education or be enrolled in university.
The association has set out specific conditions for applicants, including a clean criminal record and no previous disciplinary actions. Applicants must also pass a medical examination, fitness tests, English language proficiency, and a personality test. The association is waiving the age requirement for national team players who have represented Egypt in international matches and for players who have represented their clubs in top-tier competitions.
The trials aim to identify and recruit talented young referees who can contribute to the development of Egyptian football. The association is seeking to increase the pool of qualified referees and improve the standard of officiating in the country. The new referees will undergo training and development programs to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge.
The Egyptian Football Association's decision to open up the refereeing system to new applicants has been welcomed by football fans and stakeholders. The move is seen as a positive step towards improving the sport in Egypt and ensuring that the country has a strong and competent refereeing corps. The association's efforts to support the development of referees are expected to have a positive impact on the sport.
The registration process for the trials will involve submitting an application form to the referees committee, along with the required registration fee. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to participate in the trials, which will assess their technical, physical, and personal abilities. The association is committed to ensuring that the trials are fair and transparent.
The Egyptian Football Association's initiative to recruit new referees is part of a broader strategy to improve the sport in Egypt. The association is working to develop the skills and capabilities of referees, as well as to promote the values of fair play and sportsmanship. The recruitment of new referees is expected to enhance the overall quality of football in Egypt.
Key points
- The Egyptian Football Association will hold trials for new referees on December 4, 2026.
- Applicants must be between 16 and 24 years old and have a clean criminal record.
- The association is waiving the age requirement for national team players and top-tier club players.
