Victor Gomes

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Victor Gomes's career is marked by a series of firsts and high honours. He officiated at two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2021 final between Senegal and Egypt, a rare distinction for any referee. He also took charge of matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of international football. His integrity, demonstrated by rejecting a major bribe, set him apart as a role model. Since retiring, he has become a leader in football governance, shaping the next generation of referees across Africa.

AwardsVictor Gomes won the PSL Referee of the Season award twice, in the 2012–13 and 2017–18 seasons. These awards recognized his consistent performance and sharp decision-making in South Africa's top-flight league. He did not receive any entertainment industry awards, as his career was in football officiating.

Honours & Distinctions

2021 Africa Cup of Nations Final

CAF·2021

Appointed to officiate the final between Senegal and Egypt

2022 FIFA World Cup

FIFA·2022

Selected to officiate at the tournament in Qatar

PSL Referee of the Season

Premier Soccer League·2013

Won the award for the 2012–13 season

PSL Referee of the Season

Premier Soccer League·2018

Won the award for the 2017–18 season

Chairman of SAFA Referees Committee

SAFA·2023

Appointed to lead the referees committee

Records & Feats

First South African referee to officiate an AFCON final in the 2020s

Historic First·2021

Took charge of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Egypt, a first for a South African referee in that decade.

Rejected a bribe exceeding R300,000

Career Milestone·2018

In 2018, Gomes reported an attempted bribe to fix a CAF Confederation Cup match, demonstrating exceptional integrity.