GFF Referees excel during first Caribbean Games Futsal tourney

Two Guyanese Referees impressed FIFA and UEFA futsal instructors during the inaugural Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe, culminating in their selection as part of the match official team for the final of the competition.

Colin Abel and Lenval Peart were singled out for praise by FIFA futsal instructor Wilson Da Costa, who said the feedback received for the two officials had been “amazing”.

“In a nutshell, both Referees were exceptional, on and off the field of play,” Da Costa said. “They officiated the finals – and that speaks volumes. I want to congratulate the football association for keeping these officials interested in the game.”

Abel was praised for his “superb personality”, “good foul recognition”, and “very good movement”. “I would like to see him as a FIFA referee for futsal by the end of the year,” Da Costa explained.

“That is the impact he made on myself and on the UEFA instructor from France.”

Peart was singled out for his “expertise” and “know-how”.

“Peart is someone who leads futsal in your country,” Da Costa said.

GFF Head of Refereeing and Executive Committee member Dion Inniss said he was extremely proud of the two officials.

“We are particularly happy with the performances of Colin Abel and Lenval Peart,” Inniss said.

“From all reports, they have acquitted themselves exceptionally well, and this augurs well for our match officials for future appointments.”

“We would like to encourage other match officials who have an interest in becoming a futsal Referee to step forward,” he added.

“We will do our best to create opportunities. We are hopeful that other opportunities will present themselves in the near future.”

The inaugural 2022 Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe featured seven disciplines, including futsal.