IHF selects referees for 2027 World Championship

The International Handball Federation (IHF) has announced the 26 referee pairs chosen to oversee the men's world championship in Germany, scheduled for January 13 to 31, 2027. The selection includes four reserve pairs, ensuring a total of 22 national federations are represented.

French referee pair confirmed

Among the selected referees, France is represented by Karim and Raouf Gasmi, a brother duo who have previously officiated at major international events. They were part of the 2025 World Championship and the recent European Championship, showing their experience on the global stage.

IHF reaffirms trust in French pair

The Gasmi brothers' inclusion in the 2027 World Championship highlights the IHF's continued confidence in their abilities. They have been regular participants in international competitions for several years, establishing themselves as reliable referees.

Experienced and new referees join the list

The selection includes several experienced referee pairs, such as the Slovenians Bojan Lah and David Sok, the Swedes Mirza Kurtagic and Mattias Wetterwik, and the Danes Mads Hansen and Jesper Madsen. Alongside these seasoned officials, new referees have also been included to add fresh perspectives to the tournament.

Gasmi brothers' focus on performance

For Karim and Raouf Gasmi, the upcoming championship represents an opportunity to solidify their reputation on the world stage. Their success will depend on both the performance of the French team and their own officiating skills during the competition.

List of selected referee pairs

The 26 referee pairs include representatives from countries such as Algeria, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Spain, France, Germany, Hungary, Kuwait, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan. Four reserve pairs have also been named in case of need.