Ben Aukwai has made history as the first referee from the Solomon Islands to be nominated for the prestigious IFFHS World’s Best Referee 2024 award. Announced on 22 November 2024, Aukwai is one of 20 nominees worldwide, including prominent names like Poland’s Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, and English referees Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver.
At 38, Aukwai is the only nominee from Oceania and a FIFA referee since 2022. His nomination reflects his dedication and international experience, including participation in FIFA seminars for the AFC, CAF, and OFC, which help select officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Aukwai expressed his gratitude, thanking God, his family, and colleagues for their support. Earlier this year, he was also selected by the Oceania Football Confederation to attend an Elite Referees Seminar in Argentina, a key event for World Cup 2026 officials.
The IFFHS, known for recognizing excellence in football, will announce the World’s Best Referee award in January 2025, with Aukwai competing against top referees like François Letexier, Daniele Orsato, and Wilton Sampaio.
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