Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has congratulated Kenyan assistant referee Yiembe Stephen Eleazar Onyango following his appointment to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa scheduled for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
Yiembe has been selected by UEFA as one of the assistant referees for the prestigious fixture, becoming the first Kenyan match official to earn an appointment for a UEFA Super Cup encounter. The assignment places him among a select group of African officials entrusted with overseeing one of Europe’s premier club competitions.
According to a letter from UEFA dated June 26, 2026, Yiembe will serve alongside Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan and Djiboutian assistant referee Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed for the clash between the reigning UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa Conference League winners.
FKF Referees Manager Edward Lumbugu described the appointment as a landmark achievement for both Yiembe and Kenyan football.
“This is a significant milestone for him, as it marks the first time a Kenyan referee has been selected for such a prestigious European football fixture. His appointment underscores the growing recognition of African officiating talent on the global stage, reflecting a broader trend of cross-continental collaboration in professional sports,” said Lumbugu.
Quality of Kenyan referees
Lumbugu noted that UEFA’s decision to entrust Yiembe with such a high-profile assignment speaks volumes about his quality and consistency over the years.
“By entrusting Yiembe with this high-stakes encounter, UEFA not only highlights his individual expertise and consistent performance but also paves the way for greater diversity among elite officiating crews. This historic assignment serves as an inspiration for aspiring referees across the country, proving that dedication and skill can transcend borders and break barriers.”
As he prepares for the assignment in Salzburg, Yiembe carries the hopes of a growing generation of Kenyan referees aiming to make their mark on the international stage.
“As Yiembe prepares to take the pitch in Salzburg, he carries with him not just a flag, but the aspirations of countless officials who see in his journey a testament to the power of meritocracy,” Lumbugu added.
The FKF Referees Department has hailed the appointment as a watershed moment for Kenyan football, expressing confidence that Yiembe’s achievement will inspire more local officials to pursue excellence and compete at the highest level. It noted that his appointment “is a beacon of hope that illuminates the path for local talent to ascend the global stage and wishes him continued success as he represents the nation on this prestigious international platform.”
