Rabat – The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced on Sunday the death of former international referee Jilali Gharib, a pioneering figure in Moroccan football officiating.
In a statement published on its official website, the federation extended its condolences to Gharib’s family and paid tribute to his contribution to Moroccan football.
FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa also honored the late referee, describing him as one of the country’s most distinguished officials and recalling his historic achievement as the first Moroccan referee to participate in a FIFA World Cup.
Gharib served as an assistant referee at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, where he was part of the officiating team for the tournament’s third-place playoff between Sweden and Bulgaria
His international career also included appointments at the AFC Asian Cup and the Olympic Games, reflecting the recognition he earned beyond African football.
Throughout his career, Gharib played a significant role in raising the profile of Moroccan refereeing on the global stage, becoming a trailblazer for future generations of match officials.
