Renowned Gambian referee Bakary Papa Gassama has announced his retirement from international football, www.aclsports.com reports.
Gassama, Gambia’s most respected and decorated referee, announced on Thursday, 21st December, calling time on an illustrious career of nearly two decades which saw him officiate in all the most prestigious football tournaments including the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup finals.
The 44-year-old rose to prominence within the refereeing circles after joining FIFA’s elite panel in 2007. He started his career in The Gambia’s domestic football leagues before progressing to the African regional football tournaments. Gassama was listed among the match officials for the past three FIFA World Cups in Brazil, Russia and Qatar.
Bakary Gassama’s style and command of the game made him a respected figure on the African continent.
In reaction to Gassama’s retirement, the Gambian Football Federation praised the arbiter on his stellar refereeing career.
“As Gassama’s international career draws to a close, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity and professionalism. His decision to retire is driven by a desire to provide opportunities for younger referees to emerge and gain visibility on the global stage.
“While stepping away aside from international duties, Mr. Bakary Gassama has committed to continue his involvement in football by contributing to the GFF domestic league Division One for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. His experience and mentorship will undoubtedly be invaluable to the development of upcoming referees in Gambia,” said GFF.
Gassama is widely regarded as one of the best to have emerged from the continent in the past decade and the Gambian will be missed in the refereeing circle.
He was renowned to be Nigeria’s lucky charm in the build-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia after he officiated the crucial win over Algeria in Uyo and the 1-1 draw with Cameroon in Yaounde. He was however at the centre when Morocco hammered Nigeria’s home based Eagles in the African Nations Championship final in February 2018.
