FIFA selects Ismail Elfath for Intercontinental Cup final between PSG and Flamengo | OneFootball

FIFA has selected Ismail Elfath, 43, to referee the Intercontinental Cup final between PSG and Flamengo in Qatar on Wednesday at 18:00.

The appointment is a surprise given his recent workload. CulturePSG reports that the American international has taken charge of only five matches in 2025-2026, the same as the previous campaign.

His reduced schedule is linked to a special assignment with the Moroccan Football Federation to support the development of refereeing, focusing on identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

Elfath has never officiated in the Champions League, yet he brings notable experience at major tournaments. He has overseen 234 MLS fixtures and eight Concacaf qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

He also handled three matches at the 2022 World Cup, including Portugal v Ghana, a 3-2 group-stage win for Portugal. He awarded a penalty converted by Cristiano Ronaldo without using VAR, a call strongly contested by Ghana’s federation.

Source: L'Équipe