South African referee Victor Gomes invited to officiate in Saudi Arabia!

South African football referee Victor Gomes has been invited to officiate in Saudi Arabia on 26 November 2021.

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Gomes becomes the first South African referee to be invited to handle a football match outside of the continent, especially for a domestic match.

And it is his consistency, application of the law and no nonsense handling of the game that have made him a household name on the African continent.

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Gomes is a FIFA accredited referee who previously handled big matches involving clubs such as Al Ahly and Esperance among others.

His invitation to officiate in Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly enhance Gomes’ chances of refereeing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar.

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FULL STATEMENT BY SAFA

In a first for South African match officials, internationally acclaimed referee Victor Gomes has been invited to officiate in the Saudi Professional League, commonly known as the MBS League.

The award-winning referee has traversed the world and has become the face of South African referees around the globe. In his own words, Gomes said the latest invitation to the Middle East had really humbled him and as usual, was looking forward to the challenge.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation regularly invites leading referees from around the world to officiate some of their key matches in the MBS League and Kings Cup. They normally invite officials who are recommended by their continental bodies, making Gomes among the elite referees.

Over the years, South Africa has become the leading country on the continent and globally with most of SAFA match officials recommended to officiate in major global showpieces.

Gomes will handle an MBS league match on 26 November 2021.