Cayman Islands referee panel grows as 2 officials earn FIFA appointments

The Cayman Islands has expanded its presence on the international football stage following FIFA’s release of its 2026 International Referees List, with two new assistant referees added and a total of eight Cayman Islands-based officials now holding FIFA appointments.

It marks the most referees Cayman has had on the FIFA list at one time.

Kevon Harris and Anny Arriaga Zuniga have been appointed as FIFA assistant referees, increasing Cayman’s representation on the global list for the upcoming cycle. Both joined the Cayman Islands Referee Association in 2023 and will now be eligible for selection to FIFA-sanctioned international matches.

Their inclusion brings Cayman’s total number of FIFA-listed officials to eight, as they join Benjamin Whitty, Kedeen Foster, Michael Akangou, Jonathon Hughes, Dwight Cummings and DeeAnn Foster, all of whom retained their FIFA badges for 2026.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to have been selected for another year on the FIFA list and to have two new additions within our small team fills me with a lot of joy and pride,” said Whitty, who serves as CIFA’s Competitions, Registrations and Club Licensing Officer in addition to serving as a match official.

Whitty, who retained his place on the FIFA list following a year that included officiating at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and earning a spot on the preselection list for the FIFA World Cup 2026, said the new appointments reflect the strength of development pathways and the value of mentorship in Cayman.

“Becoming a FIFA Assistant Referee is a reward for my dedication, discipline, determination and sacrifice,” said Harris, who became interested in refereeing following his playing career. “It is an absolute honor to represent the Cayman Islands, and I vow to give this opportunity my very best. Stepping into the realm of elite referees comes with high expectations — expectations I fully intend to meet.”

Zuniga’s appointment represents an important milestone for women’s officiating locally and regionally and she hopes her journey in the sport with inspire others.

“As a 35-year-old woman, I’m proud to show that women can be accomplished in football at every level,” she said.

Cummings has served as a FIFA assistant referee since 2019.

“I am deeply passionate about contributing to the sport of football, and I am proud to represent the Cayman Islands on the international stage,” Cummings said. “I congratulate all my colleagues who have maintained their badge and extend a special welcome to those who have made the FIFA panel for the first time.”

With eight officials now on FIFA’s International Referees List, Cayman continues to strengthen its footprint within regional and global football officiating.