Instead, Vaalii Faalogo, Anuilagi Mulipola, Maria Akenese Tamalelagi and Apisaloma Faafua Leiataua have set their sights on representing Samoa as international referees.
The four came one step closer to achieving this dream following their addition to the FIFA referee’s list for 2013 as assistant referees. Their selection on the list gives them the opportunity to officiate at tournaments in the Oceania region as well as FIFA-sanctioned tournaments.
The FIFA referee’s list consists of referees who have passed all the necessary requirements to become an international referee.
To be accepted onto the list, a referee must have officiated in their country’s highest league for at least three years. They must have extensive knowledge of the FIFA Laws of the Game and must pass a vigorous fitness test, which measures both speed and endurance.
Once on the list a person receives FIFA badges which allow them to officiate in international tournaments and games.
Samoa’s four latest recruits were presented with their FIFA badges at a recent ceremony held at the Football Federation Samoa (FFS headquarters.
Following the presentation Leiataua expressed his delight at getting one step closer to officiating at international level.
“For me it’s amazing and I’m very happy to have made it on the FIFA list as I know it’s not easy to achieve this. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” he said.
FFS CEO Sarai Bareman congratulated the four young referees on their achievements.
“The job of a referee is not easy. They are often subjected to abuse from players, coaches and even spectators,” Bareman said.
“It takes commitment, dedication and hard work to officiate top level matches and all four of these referees have proven they have got what it takes to make it onto this list.”
The four assistant referees will now receive extra training in both theory and fitness to help them with their preparations for future tournaments.

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