The Referee Briefing of the 2024 UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Tunis brought together all referees assigned to the tournament and was led by WKF President Antonio Espinós and UFAK President Souleymane Gaye, as the many improvements of the refereeing of the sport in the continent were celebrated.

With WKF Referee Commission Chairman Javier Escalante and UFAK Referee Commission Chairman and WKF Referee Commission member Zitouni Metyout also in attendance, the primary aim of the briefing was to review and clarify the competition rules ahead of the tournament. It also provided an opportunity to standardize refereeing criteria, ensuring consistent and fair decision-making throughout the event.

WKF President Antonio Espinós highlighted the impressive progress made in karate refereeing across Africa in recent years.

"We have seen tremendous progress in the quality of refereeing in Africa, and this is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the referees on the continent. As the level of judging continues to rise globally, Africa is keeping pace and setting high standards. I want to thank all the members of the refereeing community in Africa for their efforts to continuously improve. Your dedication is essential for the growth of karate, not only in Africa but worldwide."

The 2024 UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships, hosted in Tunisia showcased young talent and served as a crucial platform for future champions in the continent. Egypt topped the final medal table of the event with 33 medals.

Top picture: WKF President Antonio Espinós (centre) headed the meeting of all the referees ahead of the event.

Nearly 100 referees from 17 countries officiated at the event.

WKF President Antonio Espinós addresses the referees, with WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante, UFAK Referee Commission chairman Zitouni Metyout, UFAK Vice President Bechir Cherif, UFAK President Souleymane Gaye and WKF Technical Commission chairman Mohamed  Elhosieny in attendance.