Tamale, NR — Salifu Barikisu, a referee based in Tamale, has been named among 22 Ghanaian referees who have received FIFA badges for the 2025 football season.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) presented the badges during a ceremony at its headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

FIFA awards these prestigious badges annually to top-performing referees from the previous year, authorizing them to officiate international matches during the calendar year.

Barikisu, notably the only representative from Northern Ghana, has been included in the recently unveiled list of Ghanaian referees approved by FIFA.

Her achievement is a significant milestone for women in sports in the region and reflects her unwavering dedication and outstanding performance.

The 2025 list comprises 10 Center Referees, 10 Assistant Referees, one Futsal Referee, one Beach Soccer Referee, and one Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Of the 22 referees honored, 12 are male and 8 are female, showcasing the growing recognition of women in officiating roles.

Barikisu’s accomplishment has been widely celebrated as an inspiration for aspiring female referees from Northern Ghana.

Her commitment to excellence continues to pave the way for greater female representation in sports across the region.

The FIFA badge, valid for one year, is regarded as a symbol of excellence and professionalism in refereeing and remains the exclusive property of FIFA.

Story By: Rafiq Abdulai