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Bonaventura CodjiaBeninese football referee
Date of Birth: 09.12.1967
Country:  Benin |
Content:
- Koffi Codjia: An Experienced African Referee
- Rapid Rise in Refereeing
- Professional and Language Skills
- International Refereeing Career
- - FIFA World Cups: 2002, 2006
Koffi Codjia: An Experienced African Referee
Early Life and InjuryKoffi Codjia, a Beninese football referee, embarked on his career as a player but was forced to switch to refereeing at the age of 19 due to an unfortunate injury. Coincidentally, his father, a former international referee, guided him in his new path.
Rapid Rise in Refereeing
With his father's guidance, Codjia quickly established himself as a leading referee not only in Benin but also across the continent. He achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest African referee with an international license.
Professional and Language Skills
Outside of refereeing, Codjia is a marine inspector by profession. A polyglot, he speaks English, French, and Fon.
International Refereeing Career
Codjia became a FIFA referee in 1994 and has officiated in numerous prestigious tournaments, including:
- FIFA World Cups: 2002, 2006
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2007- Africa Cup of Nations: 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008
- AFC Asian Cup: 2004
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 1999, 2003
- FIFA U-17 World Championships: 2001, 2005
- CAF World Cup qualifiers: 2006, 2010
Candidate for 2010 FIFA World Cup
FIFA included Koffi Codjia in the preliminary list of referees for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, highlighting his experience and recognition as one of Africa's most accomplished referees.
