“This is a proud moment for our association to have our best referees, Uinifareti Aliva and Lemusa Alatasi, included as match officials for an OFC tournament for the first time under the FFAS umbrella,” explained FFAS CEO Tavita Taumua.
“I believe strongly in them as they have consistently been the best soccer officials for our association for several years.”
Aliva and Alatasi are on the FIFA Referee/Assistant Referee listing as AR’s and have been for several years. They are ranked 1 and 2, respectively, by FFAS for local competition.
Aliva will be one of five referees for the tournament with three of them hailing from New Zealand and the other from Fiji. Alatasi has been appointed as an Assistant Referee for the upcoming tournament alongside two from Fiji and one each from New Zealand and Samoa.
“It is a very proud moment for me to be appointed for this tournament and I welcome the challenge of showcasing my knowledge of the FIFA Laws Of The Game with my fellow colleagues,” Aliva said.
“I am very thankful for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to,” Alatasi added.