Thompson’s prowess has been rewarded with high-profile assignments, including what is arguably the biggest game he has handled in his career to date. Thompson was the man in the middle when Erling Haaland scored his first goal for Manchester City his colors last July at Bayern’s Munich exhibition at the historic Lambeau Field. bottom.
Now that he’s reached the professional level, Thompson’s ambition is to have the opportunity to become part of the Senior PRO roster and eventually become a FIFA official. If he achieves the former, he will join friend and fellow African-American referee John Freamon. A similar path was paved through
If he achieves the latter, he will be selected as one of the referees for the 2022 Men’s World Cup and will be in a position to emulate Ismail Elfas, who was the fourth referee in the final between Argentina and France. . The success of Freamon, Elfus and others reflects the growing diversity of senior priestly rosters in the United States and Canada.
It is also reassuring for those who are trying to take over.
“Thankfully, there are more people of diverse backgrounds and colors in the professional ranks,” Thompson said. It definitely means a lot to myself and young African American referees. You can do anything and become a professional referee.