SHILLONG, JUL 22: Meghalaya’s Pipilmoris Wanniang has successfully cleared the AIFF Upgradation Practical Examination 2026 and has been upgraded to a Category 5 football referee, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) informed on Tuesday.
With the promotion, Wanniang is now eligible to officiate all national-level football matches as a Category 5 referee.
The Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) said the achievement reflects its ongoing efforts, in close collaboration with the Meghalaya government, to strengthen football in the state. The initiative focuses on developing the sport at every level, including grassroots football, senior competitions, women’s football, the upskilling of match officials and hosting top-level tournaments.
In the past few months, two other Meghalaya match officials have also attained Category 5 status—referee Pynskhemhame Mawthoh and assistant referee Jespar Syiemlieh.
The latest achievement marks another milestone for Meghalaya as it continues to produce qualified match officials capable of officiating at the national level.