Papua New Guinea top referee David Yereboinen will leave for Qatar tomorrow to attend a FIFA seminar.
The 30-year-old is among the 52 fellow match officials from around the world who have been selected to take part in the FIFA Referee Seminar from 1-5 November 2021.
The seminar is part of the preparation programme and selection process for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and Yereboinen says his inclusion is reward for the hard work and commitment he has made to excelling as a referee.
The PNG top referee is a regular face at OFC tournaments – he also once officiates as a fourth official at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland in 2019.
Yareboinen, who was added to the list of prospective referees for Qatar 2022 in March, says he is keen for his journey to act as an example for his fellow match officials in Papua New Guinea.
If successful in being confirmed for Qatar 2022, Yareboinen will become the first Papua New Guinean referee to officiate in the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
“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,” Yareboinen said.
“In refereeing we need to stay focused and not give up hope as opportunities are there for the taking.
He said he was privileged and blessed to go out there and represent the country and his fellow referees.
“I would like to encourage my fellow referees in the country to do not give up, knowing there is a pathway to reach big events and ultimately your full potential,” he says.
“Refereeing is all about respect; we respect the players and in return they respect us. Anything is possible, if you believe in yourself, stay committed and focused you can reach your dream.”
PNGFA head of referee Jimmy Warai say it is great to see a representative from PNG attending the seminar.
“It is an honour to have one of our local referees selected to participate in the FIFA Seminar as part of the referee selection process for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“It shows the potential our referees can achieve, if we continue to work hard,”
“David has set the pace and I encourages everyone to follow his footstep to achieve your dream,” Warai said.
The FIFA Referee Seminar will be held from 1-5 November in Qatar.
SOURCE: PNGFA