Fiji Football referee Veer Singh has held a lifelong dream of being involved in a FIFA tournament and with his appointment to officiate at the FIFA World Cup, that dream has become a reality.
Singh has been appointed along with 25 referees from around the world to officiate at the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023 in Argentina.
Singh will be joined by New Zealand-based referee, Campbell-Kirk and Tonga’s assistant referee Folio Moeaki and Solomon Islands Bernard Mutukera
For Singh, getting to this point is the culmination of years of hard work in the relentless pursuit of a goal he has held since becoming a referee 12 years ago.
“I’ve dreamed of being involved in football on the world stage ever since I decided to join refereeing,” he said.
“So it is a bit like a dream come true but it’s one that has become more realistic as time went on and the dreams shifted into goals. So it is a dream but it does feel realistic and like it’s the next logical step for me,” he said.
Singh’s passion for refereeing was initially ignited by former Fiji FA referees director Rakesh Varman who taught him how to Referee a match and the opportunity to become a referee.
“I must thank Master Varman for his support and guidance and Fiji FA and OFC for having faith in me till today,” Singh said
He decided to quit his full-time job with Vinod Patel and first picked up a whistle as a 24-year-old and, also eventually gave up on playing to focus solely on refereeing from his Lakena Strikers which participates in the Rewa Regional Local League competition. He has been officiating in Rewa Football local league games since 2011.
For the past 12 years, Singh has sacrificed a lot to achieve his dream.
“I have a beautiful family and I always stayed away from them to officiate locally and in OFC tournaments but I am thankful to my wife, three little daughters, and my mum who always supported me in my journey as a FIFA referee.” Not forgetting my family and friends
The tears of joy were flowing in Singh as he misses his late father Late Amy Chand Sing formerly of Vunivere Seaqaqa and his uncle Master Tota Ram who always supported him after he lost his Dad in 2010
“I really miss my dad who was my mentor but I know he is giving me blessings from above. I wish he was here today to physically hug me on my achievements,”
“I can feel his happiness, “said Singh
“When I received the email, I was lost for words but I pray and thank God almighty for the blessing, and asked for his guidance and protection,” Singh said.
Just like with players who hope to appear in a World Cup, the commitment for a match official is high if they want to be appointed, and get games once they are there.
Singh said he has had to make a lot of sacrifices but it was all worth it.
“My journey to this FIFA U-20 World Cup has not been easy but my family, my referee’s family, and Fiji Football Association offered their support and assistance, so I wish to thank them for everything,” he said.
Singh gets a huge amount of joy from refereeing and would love to see many other Fijian referees follow in his footsteps.
He will be heading to Auckland next week to attend an OFC Elite Referees Course before leaving for Argentina early next month.
Singh who will also celebrate his birthday in Argentina says those will be the memories he will cherish for a lifetime.
