World Cup Referee

Bakary Papa Gassama is expected to become the first Gambian appointed by FIFA as referee to officiate the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Among the 25 referees, two others from Africa are two-time African Referee of the Year Djamel Haimoudi of Algeria and Noumandiez Desire Doue of Côte d’Ivoire.

Female Jury President

Chinese actress Gong Li has been named president of the jury for the main award at the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival. It is the first time a female will head the jury. The actress said she will lead the jury members to try and find films that “touch people’s heart”. This year’s film festival is scheduled from June 14 to 22.