Kenyan Referee Yiembe to Officiate 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Kenyan referee Stephen Yiembe has been appointed as the sole official from the Council for East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) to officiate at the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States. Yiembe will serve as an assistant referee, joining a prestigious group of international officiating talent.

With extensive experience on the global stage, Yiembe has steadily made a name for himself in the world of officiating. Earlier this year, he was also selected as one of 89 match officials for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, highlighting his growing reputation in international football. His recent performances include officiating the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations final in 2023, where he oversaw a thrilling match between Egypt and Morocco.

However, Yiembe's journey has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, he faced scrutiny from Kakamega Homeboyz, who formally requested that he be barred from officiating their matches. This request came after a contentious decision involving Yiembe during a match against Gor Mahia, where he ruled offside on a late goal scored by Homeboyz striker Moses Shummah. Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula criticized Yiembe's officiating, claiming that his decisions during that match were questionable on multiple occasions.

Upon reviewing the incident, many observers noted that video footage suggested Shummah was onside, adding to the scrutiny Yiembe has faced regarding his decision-making.

Despite recent challenges, Yiembe’s selection for the FIFA Club World Cup represents a significant honor for both him personally and for Kenyan football, showcasing the potential of officials from the CECAFA region on the global stage. As he prepares for this prestigious tournament, many will be watching closely to see how he performs among the elite of international refereeing.