Kenyan assistant referee Stephen Yiembe/HANDOUT 
Kenyan assistant referee Stephen Yiembe has made history after becoming the first match official from the country to be appointed to officiate a UEFA Super Cup match.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed that Yiembe has been selected as one of the assistant referees for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa Conference League champions Aston Villa, set for August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
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Yiembe will serve alongside Somali centre referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan and fellow assistant referee Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed of Djibouti, marking a significant milestone for Kenyan officiating on the international stage. 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,” said Lumbugu.
He noted that the appointment reflects the growing recognition of African referees in elite global competitions. “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.”
Lumbugu added that UEFA’s decision to entrust Yiembe with one of Europe’s biggest club fixtures is a testament to his consistency, professionalism and quality.
“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.”
The FKF Referees Department believes the historic assignment will inspire more Kenyan officials to pursue careers at the highest level of the game. “This appointment is a beacon of hope that illuminates the path for local talent to ascend the global stage,” Lumbugu said.
Yiembe has steadily climbed the officiating ladder through impressive performances in Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA competitions before earning his breakthrough UEFA appointment.
His selection comes amid growing international recognition for Kenyan referees, with FKF expressing confidence that the achievement will motivate more local match officials to strive for excellence on the global stage.