FIFA selects two referees of Jamaican origin for officiating Olympic football tournament

Daneon Parchment and Odette Hamilton, two referees of Jamaican origin, have been selected by FIFA to officiate the Olympic football tournament in Paris. The news of both the referees officiating the game is confirmed by the International Federation of Association Football.

Parchment is appointed as a VAR i.e. video match official. A VAR is someone who assists the on-ground referee in making a decision by replaying the footage of the match, if required or in cases of confusion. This method ensures that the judgement is checked and accurate and that the game is not unfair to anyone.

While Parchment will work as a VAR, Hamilton will be a support staff referee. Hamilton will support the main referee on the ground by standing behind the goal line and keep an eye for any incidents near the penalty area. A total of 89 staff have been announced out of which there will be 21 referees, six as support referees 42 as assistant referees. The selection is confirmed by FIFA Referees Committee. All the officials are selected from 45 different countries keeping any bias away from the football ground.

Parchment initially served the role of a VAR during the finals of the Concacaf Nations League contested between the United States and Mexico, hence making Parchment seasoned and suitable for the role.

The roles of the referees will be closely monitored before and during the season by a group of FIFA technical trainers which will include VAR instructors, match analysts, physiotherapists and sport scientists.

The women’s tournament will commence on the 25th of July and will end with a gold medal match at the Parc des Prince in Paris on the 10th of August, similarly, the men’s tournament will commence on the 24th of July while the final match will take place on the 9th of August at the same venue as the women’s tournament.