18-03-2025
FIFA Referee Ismail El Fath to Lead Morocco's Officiating Reform
Doha – The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has enlisted FIFA referee Ismail El Fath to spearhead a comprehensive overhaul of the country's refereeing system, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa disclosed Tuesday at the federation's headquarters.
El Fath, a prominent Moroccan-American official, will undertake an extensive audit of Morocco's officiating structure, collaborating with the National Refereeing Department and the Central Refereeing Commission to devise strategic improvements.
The Federation unveiled the initiative during a high-level gathering at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, assembling key stakeholders from the National Refereeing Department, Central Refereeing Commission, and National Professional Football League.
Addressing the assembly, Lekjaa shed light on officiating's vital role in football competitions, acknowledging that refereeing sparks debate globally, with discussions intensifying based on match outcomes.
He commended the National Refereeing Department's ongoing efforts while introducing this new development phase.
Born in Casablanca in 1982, El Fath began his officiating career as a fourth official in 2011 and made his Major League Soccer debut the following year.
Since becoming a FIFA referee in 2016, he has officiated at several major tournaments, including the 2019 U-20 World Cup, the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
His experience also extends to CONCACAF competitions, where he has refereed multiple Gold Cup matches.
Speaking to the press, El Fath pledged to leverage his international expertise and collaborate with Moroccan officials to elevate the national refereeing standards.
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He outlined plans for a thorough assessment of all aspects of Moroccan refereeing, noting that the country's football landscape and passionate fan base necessitate high-quality officiating. He also promised to incorporate global best practices into the development strategy.
The initiative aims to establish a detailed roadmap for advancing Morocco's refereeing standards, building upon existing foundations while implementing international benchmarks.
The reform comes as the North African country stands on the threshold of hosting two major sporting events – the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
