Kenya’s Stephen Yiembe to Officiate Real Madrid vs Salzburg in FIFA Club World Cup Showdown
Kenyan referee Stephen Yiembe is set to make history once again as he takes up officiating duties in one of the most anticipated matches of the FIFA Club World Cup—Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg, scheduled for Friday, June 27 at 4:00 a.m. EAT at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA.
Yiembe will serve as the second assistant referee in a high-stakes Group H clash that will determine which team advances to the knockout stage. Both Real Madrid and Salzburg are level on four points, with the Spanish giants holding a slight edge on goal difference.
This appointment marks a significant milestone in Yiembe’s officiating journey, which spans over a decade and includes appearances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, CAF Champions League semi-finals, and a previous Club World Cup match between Inter Milan and Urawa Red Diamonds.
“This is an incredible honor,” Yiembe said ahead of the match, expressing his pride in representing Kenya and the CECAFA region on such a global stage.
The officiating crew will be led by Mauritania’s Beida Dahane as the center referee, with Angola’s Jerson Santos as the first assistant and China’s Ning Ma as the reserve referee.
Yiembe’s rise is not just a personal triumph—it’s a beacon for African referees and a proud moment for Kenyan football. His participation underscores FIFA’s growing commitment to showcasing officiating talent from across the continent.
With the eyes of the football world—and FIFA president Gianni Infantino—on this crucial fixture, Yiembe’s presence on the touchline is a powerful reminder that Kenyan excellence is no longer confined to the track.
