Victor Gomes, an official who is from South Africa, and Janny Sikazwe, who is from Zambia, have decided to end their careers as referees after the end of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Victor Gomes officiated when Japan defeated Spain in the group stage match, and he also participated in France’s opening match against Australia, which the French team won by four goals to one.
He was as well the fourth official when France beat England in the quarter finals.
His journey on the international stage started when he officiated in the U-17 Africa Cup. The 40-year-old had been an international referee since 2011.
In 324 appearances, Gomes has given 1042 yellow cards and 86 red cards. He is one of the most famous officials in Africa.
The retired referee has also compelled the Dstv Premier League to introduce the use of VAR in South Africa to help the referee make correct decisions.
Janny Sikazwe participated in Belgium’s victory over Canada in the group stage. Also, the referee had been a decider in various African Cup of Nations matches and the CAF Champions League.
Sikazwe, who has vast knowledge in refereeing, will go to his country to make young ones who really are interested in the job, get more knowledge about it and succeed in that area.
He is known for prematurely blowing a match in the Africa Cup of Nations. He is known for prematurely blowing a match in the Africa Cup of Nations. He has issued 365 yellow cards and nine red cards.
Being the first African official to do so, he was in charge when Real Madrid defeated Kashima Antlers in the FIFA Club World Cup in the 2016–17 season.
He also officiated the 2017 AFCON championship game, which Cameroon won in overtime.
Another was the CAF Super Cup in the 2017/18 season when Wydad Casablanca beat TP Mazembe.
He was also in charge when Orlando Pirates lost the CAF Confederation Cup final on penalties to RS Berkane of Morocco in Nigeria in May.