The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially appointed Bakary Papa Gassama—often referred to simply as Pape Bacary Gassama—as Manager of Referees’ Development in Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially appointed Bakary Papa Gassama—often referred to simply as Pape Bacary Gassama—as Manager of Referees’ Development in Africa. This appointment was announced on July 18, 2025 by CAF .

✅ Who is Papa Bacary Gassama?

He is a highly respected Gambian international referee, born on February 10, 1979, and served as a FIFA-listed referee from 2007 through his international retirement in December 2023 .

He officiated in high-profile tournaments including multiple Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA World Cups, the 2012 Olympics, and the 2017 Confederations Cup Final. He was voted CAF Referee of the Year three years in a row (2014, 2015, 2016)

What does his new role involve?

As Manager of Referees’ Development, Gassama will:

Lead CAF’s initiatives to train, mentor, and assess referees across Africa;

Implement modern techniques, strengthen education programs, and establish robust referee development pathways;

Identify and nurture emerging referee talent continent-wide, supporting CAF’s vision to raise professionalism and consistency in officiating .

Why is this appointment significant?

Gassama’s legacy as one of Africa’s most decorated referees lends both credibility and inspiration to the referees’ development mission.

CAF appears committed to enhancing integrity and elevating standards of officiating on the continent—something that Gassama’s reputation and experience strongly align with .

Attribute Details

Name Bakary Papa Gassama (Pape Bacary Gassama)

Nationality Gambian

FIFA-listed referee 2007–2023

Major Tournaments Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA World Cups, Olympics

CAF Referee of the Year 2014, 2015, 2016

New Position Manager of Referees’ Development (CAF)

This move not only honours one of Africa’s most accomplished referees but also signals a broader push by CAF to professionalize officiating. It will be interesting to see how his leadership helps shape CAF’s refereeing pathways in the years ahead.