The Gambia’s international refereeing pool has reportedly suffered a major setback following the 2026 FIFA fitness assessment, with several FIFA-accredited referees and assistant referees reportedly failing to meet the required fitness standards.

According to an insider 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 due to illness.

Among those said to have failed are central referee Omar Sallah, assistant referees Abdul Aziz Bolel Jawo, Mustapha Bojang, Omar Darboe, Alima Darboe and Sainabou Cham, as well as referee Fatou Jabang.

The insider further disclosed that Abie Ceesay and Isatou Touray took an excused absence from the assessment, while Jainaba Manneh and Fatou Ngum were unable to participate due to illness.

The officials reportedly successful in the fitness assessment are Lamin N. Jammeh (Castin), Abdallah Jammeh, Muhammed Marigo, Alhassan Bass and Mariama Faal among the referees, alongside Sait Ngallan, Isaha, Sasum Sarr, Mariama Wally and Awa Sanneh among the assistant referees.

The reported outcome could significantly affect The Gambia’s representation in CAF and FIFA competitions, with the country potentially left with a much smaller pool of officials eligible for international appointments.

According to the source, only four male FIFA badge-holding referees and three assistant referees currently remain eligible for CAF and FIFA international appointments.

The FIFA badges of officials who failed the fitness assessment are reportedly expected to remain valid until December 2026. However, they would not be eligible for CAF or FIFA appointments during that period unless they successfully complete a second-chance fitness test.

The affected officials are expected to have another opportunity in Ivory Coast, Kenya or a selected country where the second-chance assessment will reportedly take place. The officials will, according to the insider, be required to cover their own travel expenses to participate.

If confirmed, the development would represent a significant challenge for Gambian refereeing and could reduce the country’s presence on the continental and international stage.

The second-chance fitness test will therefore be crucial for the affected officials as they seek to regain their eligibility and return to the CAF and FIFA appointment lists before the end of 2026.

By Ebrima KB Sonko