Top South African referee Victor Gomes has announced his retirement following his return from the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

Gomes flew the South African flag high when he represented the country at the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

He was in charge of officiating two group stage games, including France’s 4-1 victory over Australia as well as Spain’s 2-1 defeat to Japan.

Gomes was also named as a fourth official during Argentina’s victory over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout during the quarter-finals

The South African referee has since confirmed his retirement from the game during an interview with Robert Marawa on Monday.

“The dream started when I was only a child. Now that I’ve achieved the World Cup I’m grateful and ready to spend time with my family,” said Gomes on Marawa Sports Worldwide as per iDiski Times.

“The eight-hour flight was enough for me to make the decision to retire. We discussed this with my wife. I believe I’ve been better than those who have come before me and I want others to come and also do better than me.

“Football is in my blood, I will leave the field but I will still contribute towards lifting South Africa’s flag high.”

Photo by EPA/Ali Haider