BEN Aukwai has etched his name in the records of Solomon Islands football history, becoming the first referee from the nation to be nominated for the prestigious International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) World’s Best Referee 2024 award.
The announcement, made on Friday, November 22, 2024, places Aukwai among an elite group of 20 match officials from across the globe, including notable names like Szymon Marciniak of Poland, who officiated the epic 2022 FIFA World Cup final, and English Premier League stalwarts Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver.
Aukwai stands out as the sole nominee from the Oceania region, and this recognition comes just two years after earning his FIFA referee badge in 2022, marking another remarkable milestone.
The now 38-year-old nomination is a testament to his dedication and skill, honed through opportunities on the international stage.
This year alone, he participated in elite FIFA seminars Seminar of Asia Football Confederation (AFC), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Oceania Football Federation (OFC) where top referees are selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Speaking on his nomination, an emotional Aukwai said:
“I want to firstly thank God for taking me this far in my career. To make it this far is truly an honor. I feel humbled to be nominated among the world’s best. This recognition reflects hard work, discipline, and teamwork. I am deeply grateful to my family and colleagues for their unwavering support.”
Aukwai’s inclusion in the IFFHS shortlist comes after another significant honor earlier this year. He was one of two referees nominated by the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to attend the Elite Referees Seminar in Argentina, a precursor to selecting officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The IFFHS is renowned for celebrating excellence in football through its comprehensive documentation and analysis of global football activities, including tournaments, leagues, players, and referees. The organization’s annual rankings and awards are considered some of the most coveted accolades in the sport.
The World’s Best Referee 2024 award will be presented in January 2025, with Aukwai sharing the spotlight with some of the most decorated referees in the world, including François Letexier (France), Daniele Orsato (Italy), and Wilton Sampaio (Brazil), among others.
