By: Madi Senghore
The Gambia’s international refereeing pool has reportedly suffered a setback following the 2026 FIFA fitness assessment, with several FIFA-accredited referees and assistant referees said to have failed to meet the required fitness standards.
According to a source familiar with the assessment, only 10 officials successfully completed the mandatory fitness test, while several others reportedly failed, were excused or were unable to participate because of illness.
Those reportedly failing the assessment include central referee Omar Sallah; assistant referees Abdul Aziz Bolel Jawo, Mustapha Bojang, Omar Darboe, Alima Darboe and Sainabou Cham; and referee Fatou Jabang.
The source said Abie Ceesay and Isatou Touray were excused from the assessment, while Jainaba Manneh and Fatou Ngum were unable to participate due to illness.
Officials reportedly successful in the assessment include referees Lamin N. Jammeh (Castin), Abdallah Jammeh, Muhammed Marigo, Alhassan Bass and Mariama Faal, as well as assistant referees Sait Ngallan, Isaha, Sasum Sarr, Mariama Wally and Awa Sanneh.
The reported results could affect The Gambia’s representation in CAF and FIFA competitions. According to the source, only four male FIFA badge-holding referees and three assistant referees currently remain eligible for international appointments by the two governing bodies.
The source further said the FIFA badges of officials who failed the assessment are expected to remain valid until December 2026. However, they would reportedly be ineligible for CAF or FIFA appointments during that period unless they pass a second fitness assessment.
The affected officials are expected to have another opportunity to undergo the fitness assessment in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya or another designated country, with the officials reportedly responsible for their own travel expenses.
If confirmed, the development could significantly reduce The Gambia’s representation in continental and international competitions and pose a challenge to the country’s refereeing programme.
The reported second-chance assessment will therefore be crucial for the affected officials seeking to regain eligibility and return to the CAF and FIFA appointment lists before the end of 2026.