Stephen Yiembe, a Kenyan assistant referee, is set to make history by becoming the first official from Kenya to participate in a UEFA competition. He will serve as the second assistant referee in the upcoming UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
The officiating team features an all-East African lineup led by Somalia’s Omar Artan as the centre referee. Djibouti’s Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed will take the first assistant referee role, while Slovenia’s Rade Obrenović is assigned as the fourth official. The video assistant referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Italy’s Marco Di Bello, assisted by Spain’s Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez.
Born in Nakuru, Yiembe has steadily risen through the ranks, gaining experience in Kenyan domestic leagues and major international tournaments. Notably, he was selected for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he officiated high-profile matches including Real Madrid vs RB Salzburg and Juventus vs Urawa Red Diamonds. His portfolio also includes assignments in the Africa Cup of Nations and CAF Champions League, overseeing games involving top clubs such as Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns.
In 2024, Yiembe further enhanced his international credentials by officiating at the Olympic Games in Paris. His appointment to the UEFA Super Cup adds another milestone to his distinguished career.
This selection is a significant achievement for Kenyan football referees, demonstrating that local officials can reach elite global stages. It also highlights growing recognition for East African referees, with officials from Somalia, Kenya, and Djibouti all represented in the UEFA Super Cup officiating team.
