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The 43-year-old referee has officiated three Champions League finals in his career.
In a bittersweet moment for African football, renowned referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa has announced his retirement following his role as the center referee in the CAF Champions League final second-leg game between Wydad AC and Al Ahly in Casablanca.
The 43-year-old Ethiopian referee, who began his career in 2003, had the honor of officiating his last match alongside Kenyan duo Gilbert Cheruiyot as the second assistant referee and Peter Waweru Kamaku as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Tessema's remarkable career saw him officiate numerous high-profile African international tournaments, World Cup qualifiers, and even the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, leaving a lasting impact on the game.
However, his adept use of VAR technology during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Senegal and Burkina Faso will be remembered as one of his most significant contributions to African football.
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In his last public interview, Tessema gave advice to those wishing to take the referee role not to shy away as there are many benefits.
“You have to be passionate about the game. You won’t get rich, but you will travel to a lot of countries and you can enhance your reputation in your country and be as famous as some football stars if you succeed,” Tessema told reporters.
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“There is an amazing satisfaction – which is very hard to describe – when you are controlling games in a peaceful way and the responsibility which comes with it.
“It gives you great pleasure if conducted in the right way and etiquette. If you can control your emotions, it’s a good profession for you.”
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It is worth noting that in 2017 Bamlak also officiated the CAF Champions League final between Al Ahly and Moroccan and Wydad Casablanca.
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