Guyana’s 2024 FIFA referees receive official badges

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde on Friday presented the official FIFA badges to Guyana’s top four referees.

During a simple ceremony at the federation’s headquarters in Georgetown, Forde congratulated FIFA Assistant Referee Kleon Lindey, who has earned this prestigious recognition for an impressive 10 consecutive years; the lone female FIFA Assistant Referee Denisha Isaacs, as well as FIFA Referee Shavin Greene and FIFA Futsal Referee Colin Abel.

The four officials made the list FIFA 2024 referee because of their exceptional on-field performances in 2023.

This is Isaacs, Green and Abel’s second year as official FIFA referees.

“I am honoured to present you with these badges which symbolises your commitment to maintaining the highest standards as match officials. Your dedication to football makes us proud at the federation as we continue to work towards professionalising football in Guyana,” President Forde shared.

He added: “We are witnessing tangible outcomes from our investments in the referee programme. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved achievement.”

Referees Project Officer Lenval Peart, a former FIFA referee, reiterated the need for increased female participation in the referee programme and also encouraged the four officials to persist in upholding the highest standards of officiating.

“The sky’s the limit,” he told the group.

“Continue to fly the Guyana banner across the world.”

FIFA Assistant Referee Isaacs shared that “for my first year, I had a wonderful year. I’m overwhelmed to be here today.”

“It’s been a great journey so far. I just want to encourage my colleagues to keep up the hard work.”

The core goal of the Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRC) is to increase the representation of Guyanese match officials on the FIFA List in the coming years through heightened investments in training initiatives and collaborative efforts with all stakeholders. (GFF)