Only two African referees have been selected amongst the 23 expected to officiate at the World Cup finals.

Egyptian Essam Abd El Fatah and Coffi Codja from Benin made the final list which has 10 referees from Europe, three from Central America, five from South America and three from the Asian region.

"The 33rd team at the World Cup - the 23 referees who will be in action in Germany - are currently the best match officials in the world," said Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

"That is the way it has to be as they will have a crucial role to play in this tournament, and great demands will be placed upon them."

The World Cup, in which Angola, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Togo will be representing African, begins on 9 June.