Solomon Islands’ Hugo Pado (middle) at the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti. Image: FIFA via Getty

SOLOMON Islands beach soccer referee Hugo Pado will join the Tahiti Tiki Toa at the end of this month as the only Oceania representatives in the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas.

In his last appearance at the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal, Pado’s capability earned him the role of 3rd referee in the final between the hosts and OFC’s representatives Tahiti.

Participating in his fourth FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup after being hand-picked by FIFA once again, Pado is eager to improve his ranking as a FIFA match official and make his country and region proud.

Oceania Referee Development Officer Kevin Stoltenkamp is pleased to see Pado make his return to the world stage after the hard work he has put in to his personal development, and hopes his achievement will inspire other referees to reach for the elite level.

“We are pleased to see that OFC officials are representing us on the world stage in a major FIFA tournament. It is a just reward for Hugo for his dedication and commitment to Beach Soccer,” he said.

“Like players, it is also an ambition of match officials to officiate in a FIFA World Cup and we know that Hugo will do himself, Solomon Islands and OFC proud throughout the tournament.

“We wish him well, and we will be watching his performances throughout the tournament.”

Hugo will arrive in Nassau on 21 April to participate in the pre- World Cup referee preparation workshop from 23-26 April before the competition kicks off at National Beach Soccer Arena on 27 April.

–OFC