Said Belqola

Said Belqola (; 30 August 1956 – 15 June 2002) was a Moroccan football referee, best known for officiating the 1998 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and France, being the first African referee to officiate a World Cup final.

Career Belqola's international career began when he was appointed to the international list in 1993, going on to referee the match between hosts France and eventual champions England at the Tournoi de France in 1997. He was also among the referees at the final tournaments of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and 1998, officiating two matches at each tournament, including the 1998 final where Egypt faced South Africa. At the 1998 FIFA World Cup, he also officiated two group matches (Germany vs. USA and Argentina vs. Croatia). In the final of the tournament, he controversially sent off French defender Marcel Desailly after a double booking; hosts France defeated defending champions Brazil 3–0.

Personal life Belqola was born in Tiflet, Morocco and worked in Fez as a civil servant (he was a customs officer).

Belqola died on 15 June 2002 in Rabat, after a long battle against cancer. He was buried in Tiflet, Morocco.

Major matches refereed

Honours Best Arab Referee: 1998