BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– Eswatini referee Leticia Viana continues to reap the rewards of her rising profile in continental football after earning a share of the match officials’ payments from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), including the prestigious final played on Sunday.
According to information shared by Jakinda Media, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) pays match officials at AFCON a standard fee of USD 1 200 for every match officiated during the tournament. At the current exchange rate, this amounts to approximately E19 740 per match.
CAF officials at the tournament are also expected to receive an additional lump sum payment, the exact figure of which has not yet been disclosed. Collectively, the total earnings for officials who handled several matches, including the final, are estimated to be close to E100 000.
Viana, who was appointed as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at AFCON 2025, officiated in more than five matches during the tournament, which began in December last year. Her consistent selection throughout the competition highlights the confidence CAF places in her technical ability, professionalism and composure under pressure.
Notably, the AFCON final between second-time champions Senegal and hosts Morocco was not the only high-profile match in which Viana played a role. Her inclusion in multiple fixtures underscores her importance within CAF’s elite pool of match officials.
Eswatini made history on Africa’s biggest football stage when Viana was appointed as part of the officiating team for the AFCON final, marking a major milestone for the country’s refereeing fraternity. Her presence at the tournament’s showpiece event placed Eswatini alongside the continent’s leading football nations in terms of officiating excellence.
CAF’s decision to entrust her with several matches, culminating in the final, reflects her steady growth and strong reputation within African football circles. It also highlights the increasing recognition of Eswatini referees at the highest levels of the game.
The remuneration structure for referees is believed to be similar to that of the AFCON 2023 edition, despite the tournament’s expanded profile and increased prize money. Nevertheless, the earnings represent both financial reward and professional recognition for officials who meet CAF’s demanding standards.
Viana’s achievements continue to inspire aspiring referees across the country, demonstrating that Eswatini can compete successfully on the continental stage beyond playing talent alone. Her journey illustrates the value of investing in technical expertise, discipline and international exposure.
As Eswatini’s flag flies high among Africa’s elite match officials, Viana’s success reinforces the country’s growing footprint in international football officiating and opens doors for more local referees to dream big and aim for global stages.
(Courtesy Pic)
