I may have erred over Spanish 'goal', says official

UGANDAN assistant referee Ali Tomusange, who officiated at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, said yesterday he may have made a mistake when he disallowed Spain's extra-time goal against South Korea.

Spain were eventually defeated 5-3 after a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals last month, but had two goals controversially disallowed during the match. Spanish Football Federation president Angel Maria Villar resigned from FIFA’s referees’ commission afterwards, saying refereeing errors had condemned Spain to a premature exit from the World Cup.

When asked whether he wrongfully disallowed the goal headed in by Fernando Morientes, Tomusange said: “I may have made a mistake when I raised my flag and disallowed the goal.”

Tomusange, who was speaking after being honoured by the Ugandan parliament for his role at the tournament, added: “I have no regrets. I tried my level best to do what I could do and I achieved my goals.”

The Egyptian referee during the match, Gamal Ghandour, disallowed the goal after Tomusange raised his flag indicating that Spain’s 20-year old winger Joaquin had let the ball roll out of play before crossing perfectly for Morientes. Television replays showed the ball was clearly still in play.

Football’s governing body FIFA admitted major refereeing errors took place in the World Cup, and asked the referees’ committee to appoint the best officials for the last few matches, rather than select them on a regional basis.

Despite the controversy, Tomusange’s overall performance is considered by Ugandans to have been outstanding.

Aggrey Kabenge chairman of the Uganda Football Referees Association said Tomusange’s achievement would inspire other referees in the region.