Shillong, July 21: Meghalaya’s Pipilmoris Wanniang has been upgraded to Category 5 football referee after successfully clearing the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Upgradation Practical Examination 2026.
The AIFF confirmed Wanniang’s promotion on Tuesday.
With the Category 5 certification, Wanniang is now eligible to officiate national-level football matches across India, joining the ranks of match officials qualified for the country’s top domestic competitions.
The achievement comes as the Meghalaya Football Association (MFA), in collaboration with the state government, continues its efforts to strengthen football development across the state. Besides promoting grassroots, women’s and senior football, the initiative also focuses on improving the quality of match officials and enhancing Meghalaya’s capacity to host national-level competitions.
Wanniang is the latest Meghalaya official to attain Category 5 status. Earlier this year, referee Pynskhemhame Mawthoh and assistant referee Jespar Syiemlieh also earned the same qualification, reflecting the state’s growing pool of nationally accredited match officials.
