Victor Gomes Lands Major COSAFA Appointment As SAFA Confirms New Role

Former FIFA referee Victor Gomes has secured another major position in football administration after being appointed Chairman of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Referees Committee.

The appointment was confirmed by the South African Football Association (SAFA) on Friday, November 6, 2026, marking another important milestone in the career of one of South Africa's most recognised refereeing figures.

Gomes is widely respected for his contribution to football officiating, having represented South Africa on the international stage during his time as a FIFA-accredited referee. His experience at the highest level of the game is expected to be valuable in his new administrative responsibility.

The appointment places him in a significant position to contribute towards the development, improvement and professional standards of refereeing across Southern Africa. The COSAFA Referees Committee plays an important role in matters relating to match officials, including the development of referees, assessment of performances and the promotion of consistent officiating standards across the region.

His appointment is also a positive development for South African football, as the country continues to produce individuals who are making meaningful contributions beyond the domestic game.

During his refereeing career, Gomes became a familiar figure in major African and international football competitions. He officiated at the highest level, earning recognition for his experience and ability to handle high-pressure matches. His involvement in international football gave him valuable exposure to different refereeing standards and the demands of elite competitions.

Although his new position will move him away from the pitch and into football administration, his knowledge of the game and experience as a former match official could prove important in shaping the next generation of referees.

Refereeing remains one of the most important aspects of football, with match officials expected to make crucial decisions under intense pressure. Across Southern Africa, improving the quality of officiating, strengthening referee development programmes and maintaining consistency remain important priorities.

Gomes' appointment therefore comes with significant responsibility, particularly as regional football continues to grow and competitions become increasingly competitive.

For South Africa, having a respected former FIFA referee occupying such an influential position within COSAFA is another encouraging development.

While further details about his immediate plans and priorities in the role have not been provided in the announcement, his appointment represents a new chapter in his football journey.

After years of serving the game on the field, Victor Gomes now has an opportunity to influence Southern African football from the administrative side.

The announcement represents a significant step for Gomes, whose influence in refereeing has continued to grow since his retirement from active officiating.

Gomes previously served as chairman of SAFA's National Referees Committee and has also established himself within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), where he serves as vice-chairman of its Referees Committee.

His international achievements include officiating at several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, with one of the biggest highlights being his appointment to referee the 2021 AFCON final between Senegal and Egypt.

He also concluded his active refereeing career at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, bringing an end to an impressive journey on the field.

SAFA president Danny Jordaan welcomed the development, expressing pride in Gomes' continued rise within continental and international football administration.

Jordaan believes the appointment reflects Gomes' dedication to improving match officiating and his commitment to representing South Africa with distinction.

The former referee is also expected to serve as a technical instructor at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled to take place from November 19 to December 13.

With his extensive experience at domestic, continental and international levels, Gomes now has another opportunity to contribute to the development of football beyond South Africa.

His latest appointment further strengthens the country's presence in important football structures and places a respected South African official in a position to influence refereeing across the Southern African region.

Source https://x.com/FARPostZA/status/2118716649096265846?a=Hel78ZDebmOpZzDoHTc&s=19