England-born referee Farai Hallam made his Emirates FA Cup debut on Monday, officiating the clash between Doncaster Rovers and Crystal Palace.

Hallam, whose mother is Zimbabwean, has officiated 25 senior matches this season in the English Football League (EFL). A former Middlesbrough player who once considered representing Zimbabwe’s Warriors, he transitioned to refereeing in 2012, making rapid progress in the field.

His composed officiating style and leadership earned him a role as Senior Referee Officer at the FA’s Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE), where he mentors aspiring officials.

Hallam’s debut is not only a personal triumph but also a proud moment for Zimbabwean football fans. With his sights set on becoming one of the top referees in the world, his journey continues to inspire future generations.