The dream to officiate at a FIFA World Cup continues for Solomon Islands’ top FIFA badge referee, Ben Aukwai who left the country this morning to attend the FIFA Seminar of Asia Football Confederation (AFC), Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Oceania Football Federation (OFC) in Doha, Qatar.
The 37-year-old is among 30 fellow match officials from the three FIFA Member Associations (MA) who are nominated to take part in the FIFA Seminar for elite referees from 26 – 29 February.
The seminar is part of the preparation programme and selection process for nominations to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup USA, Mexico, and Canada and Aukwai says he is so fortunate to represent the country to have a shot at football’s world stage.
“To be given this opportunity is exciting and I’m very much looking forward to it,” Aukwai told SIFF Media
Aukwai will be the third FIFA badge referee from the Solomon Islands to be given the opportunity – Matthew Taro officiated at a 2010 FIFA World Cup and former referee Gerald Oiaka was also part of the seminar in 2014.
Matches officials attending the seminar will have to undergo, practical training sessions with local football players, Integrated exercises (physical/technical), and Fitness
“It’s such opportunities like this for referees to set the bar and it reflects the standard of football in the country is developing – that comes in three codes, referees, coaches and players,” he says.
“It’s a blessing I’d say to be selected to attend the seminar, it was really hard to get up there but through commitment and hard work towards what you want to achieve.
Aukwai alongside New Zealand referee, Campbell-Kirk Alexander Waugh are the 2 candidates from OFC.
-SIFF Media
