Monday 5 February 2018

2018 FIFA WC - Seminar in Qatar for Selected Officials (05/02/18 - 09/02/18) - List of Participants

According to Qatar FA, this should be the list of selected officials for the seminar in Qatar, on the road to World Cup 2018. In addition to the selected officials, some VAR specialists have been called. 
If you spot some mistakes in translating the names, please don't hesitate to inform us. Your help will be very important. 

AFC
Fahad AL MIRDASI (KSA)
Alireza FAGHANI (IRN)
Ravshan IRMATOV (UZB)
Mohammed Abdulla MOHAMED (UAE)
Ryuji SATO (JPN)
Nawaf Abdulla SHUKRALLA (BHR)

CAF
Mehdi ABID CHAREF (ALG)
Malang DIEDHIOU (SEN)
Bakary Papa GASSAMA (GAM)
Ghead GRISHA (EGY)
Janny SIKAZWE (ZAM)
Weyesa Bamlak TESSEMA (ETH)

CONCACAF
Joel AGUILAR (SLV)
Mark W. GEIGER (USA)
Ricardo MONTERO (CRC)
John PITTI (PAN)
Cesar Arturo RAMOS PALAZUELOS (MEX)

CONMEBOL
Julio BASCUÑAN (CHI)
Enrique CACERES (PAR)
Andres CUNHA (URU)
Nestor PITANA (ARG)
Sandro RICCI (BRA)
Wilmar ROLDAN (COL)

OFC
Matthew CONGER (NZL)
Norbert HAUATA (TAH)

UEFA

Felix BRYCH (GER)
Cüneyt CAKIR (TUR)
Sergey KARASEV (RUS)
Bjorn KUIPERS (NED)
Szymon MARCINIAK (POL)
Antonio Miguel MATEU LAHOZ (ESP)
Milorad MAZIC (SRB)
Gianluca ROCCHI (ITA)
Damir SKOMINA (SVN)
Clement TURPIN (FRA)

VAR
Abdulrahman AL JASSIM (QAT)
Bastian DANKERT (GER)
Artur DIAS (POR)
Massimiliano IRRATI (ITA)
Danny MAKKELIE (NED)
Jair MARRUFO (USA)
Tiago MARTINS (POR)
Daniele ORSATO (ITA)
Wilton SAMPAIO (BRA)
Paolo VALERI (ITA)
Gery VARGAS (BOL)
Mauro VIGLIANO (ARG)

Source:
Qatar FA

56 comments:

  1. There is also a United States referee as VAR, but the translator says his name is Jirmarov, it must be a translation error.

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    1. I think it is Jair Marrufo. In this list he is reported as VAR specialist, differently from all the other referees who had been alread announced. Indeed, among CONCACAF list, there isn't his name.
      If somebody could help us in being 100% sure about the translation, it would be a very good thing.
      Also, particular to read that Dankert from Germany will be there but not Zwayer...

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    2. But if it is Marrufo, then there would be 47 referees, not 48 as the news says.

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    3. So, let's wait for somebody helping us. Maybe it is another referee from USA.

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    4. It's Jair Marrufo for sure.

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    5. Let me also say that it's not fully understandable to me that there is no VAR from Poland. I expected Gil and/or Stefański to be there. Poland is one from not so many countries that has fully implemented VAR in its league. Maybe just Marciniak's choice as he is in good relations with Orsato...

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    6. What do you mean by Marciniak's choice, Ray?? 🤔🤔

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    7. Maybe he prefers to work with Orsato than with Gil or Stefański? Of course, nothing sure.

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    8. Are the VARs selected by FIFA based on what the referees selected to be in the middle like and prefer?? If yes, I would be really surprised!!

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    9. But it would explain Dankert somehow (because he is Brych's AAR1).
      He worked as VAR in 2 of Brych's BL matches this season.

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    10. Makkelie for Kuipers in the same way??

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  2. Thanks, Ray. Maybe Zwayer's name is wrongly missing here. I expect him... possible?

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  3. Tiago MARTINS We write if the h

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  4. By using Google Translator on that page, UEFA lists shows Orsato as main referee instead of Rocchi.

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    Replies
    1. Indeed, but I can assure that Rocchi will be there in Qatar. It is possible that there are other mistakes / missing names in the list.
      Some rumors say that Orsato could handle games...

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  5. Replies
    1. Based on what I've seen from English referees this season. That's a good thing. No, it's a GREAT thing!

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  6. The final appointment of 2018 CAF African Nations Championship
    (yesterday)

    4 February 2018 at Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca (Morocco)

    Morocco vs. Nigeria (4-0)

    Referee: Bakary Papa Gassama (Gambia)
    Assistant Referee: Marwa Range (Kenya)
    Assistant Referee: Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos (Angola)
    4th official: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia)

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  7. https://streamable.com/z15aq
    From minute 01:10
    Yesterday's serie A game Lazio - Genoa.
    Disallowed goal for deliberate handball.
    What do you think?
    Of course it is not "deliberate" in the real meaning of the term, but the player took an advantage by controlling the ball with his arm. Very harsh to whistle, but it seems as nowadays this is the trend regarding crucial handballs, when a goal is scored thank to that.
    To add, what do you think about the previous attempt by defender to kick the ball? Regular action? In case, free kick and YC / RC?

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  8. The only thing you could go for is ”unnatrural position” if you are going to explain making that decision. It’s not deliberate so in terms of the laws of the game the decision is wrong but in this sport it is easier to call handball ”just because”... Because we can all se it hit the arm but clearly it was ball to hand.

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  9. Of course this video is very biased against Faghani but some calls I think were not in line with the laws of the game and Faghani looked aggresive in this match when not necessary. Anything in the media about this?

    https://youtu.be/Cce1UvxQ7DM

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  10. Sad update from the seminar in Qatar :

    Andrés Cunha (Uruguay) has ruptured his meniscus and will be out of action for at least one month... Cunha might have to miss the World Cup owing to this unfortunate injury... Really sad news this one and we all wish Andrés a very quick and speedy recovery from this blog!!

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    1. If he's injured then I guess he will function as VAR?

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    2. It's never the same as a referee in the middle and as a VAR... As expected the poor man is a bit down now but he wishes to give his best in recovering for the World Cup but difficult 😔

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  11. Clattenburg about the Liverpool match.

    I disagree with him. He says the penalty incident is offside.

    https://www.google.se/amp/s/www.101greatgoals.com/news/clattenburg-tottenham-liverpool-offside/amp/

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    Replies
    1. Agreed, explanations here:
      https://vimeo.com/254343152

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  12. Will we know the final list of referees for World Cup after this seminar ?

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  13. https://streamable.com/phm4x

    Boavista concede their third goal against Aves, which they claim is offside. Unfortunately the VAR cannot disallow it due to a Boavista flag blocking the best camera view! Though really the AR should be able to see that one...

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  14. At FIFA seminar Collina said that next week the final list will be deployed.
    http://refereeingworld.blogspot.fr/2018/02/collina-urged-referees-to-retain-their.html
    Regretted for Cunha; VAR duty could be still possible

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  15. The 2002 World Cup final referee Pierluigi Collina, now president of the FIFA Referees Committee, has hailed the outstanding capabilities of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup 2018 Referees Workshop, which is currently being held in Doha. There are 48 referees: 35 referees and 13 video assistant referees (VARs). Following the workshop, the confirmed list of selected referees is set to be announced by FIFA.



    The opening ceremony of the seminar was held at the InterContinental Hotel Doha and was attended by Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Massimo Busacca, Head of the FIFA Refereeing Department, Hani Ballan, Vice-Chairman of FIFA and AFC Referees Committees and Chairman of QFA Referees Committee and Mansoor Al-Ansari, General Secretary of the Qatar Football Association (QFA). During his welcome speech, Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of FIFA Referees Committee thanked QFA: “I would like to thank the state of Qatar and QFA for their support and providing the best facilities in the world to this 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Seminar. It’s a pleasure to welcome the best referees of the world here in Doha. We are grateful for the support received so far from the QFA.” He added: “We are using very good facilities and pitches that are 10 minutes away and are easily accessible.” He also said: “I would also like to extend a special thanks to Al Kass Sports Channel for providing us with their state of the art studios, staff and their latest technology and equipment to us for this seminar.” When commenting about the seminar, he said: “The target of this seminar is not something new for old referees here, but this is a very important week because after the seminar we will make the final decision regarding which referees will be selected for the World Cup 2018 next summer”. He urged the assembled referees to retain their ‘hunger’ to be selected for Russia. “The months between today and the day when the World Cup in Russia kicks off is everything”, he said. The referees will practice using the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system during their stay in Doha, said Massimo Busacca, FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, ahead of its expected use in Russia. Asked how many referees will be selected for the 2018 World Cup, Busacca said FIFA is looking for quality, not quantity.



    Hani Ballan, Vice-Chairman of FIFA and AFC Referees Committees said: “It brings me great pleasure to welcome you all to the opening ceremony of the seminar for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Referees, which witnesses the referees gathered from all over the world who will be officiating the matches of the most prominent event in the world, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. I would like to thank FIFA and those involved in organising this seminar here in Doha, which I am convinced will be extremely valuable for you.” He added: “We are pleased to host you here during the next few days to conduct your medical and fitness tests, as well as theoretical and practical analysis in preparation for the World Cup.” He also said: “Throughout the week, 48 referees and VARs from all confederations will benefit from both theoretical and practical sessions, while having the opportunity to discuss new trends and programs in the refereeing world. The seminar will also provide training on VAR, taking into consideration FIFA’s intention to apply the technology at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia”.

    This World Cup Referees Seminar is the second of the four workshops hosted by QFA this February. Last week, the first workshop held was the FIFA Technical Experts Workshop and next week the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 Workshop will be held from 12-16 February, followed by the FIFA Master Futuro Workshop, which will be held from 19-23 February.

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    1. In this other news Busacca says that the final list will be given only in March: http://www.al-watan.com/news-details/id/121134

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    2. I assume, they can't announce VARs before it has been officially decided to use them at the World Cup. As far as I know, the decision will be made by the FIFA Council meeting on 15th/16th March.

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  16. UEFA has planned several meetings for referee observers, the first one will be held in London on 8 and 9 February. Main aim is to improve the standard interpretation and the analysis of referees performances in order to find more consistency regarding the final assessments.

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  17. Serie A appointments for next matchday:

    CHIEVO – GENOA
    GAVILLUCCI
    DOBOSZ – PASSERI
    IV: ILLUZZI
    VAR: CALVARESE
    AVAR: SAIA

    CROTONE – ATALANTA Sabato 10/02 h.18.00
    MASSA
    GIALLATINI – PRETI
    IV: CHIFFI
    VAR: GIACOMELLI
    AVAR: COSTANZO

    FIORENTINA – JUVENTUS Venerdì 19/02 h.20.45
    GUIDA
    MELI – VALERIANI
    IV: DI BELLO
    VAR: FABBRI
    AVAR: DI FIORE

    INTER – BOLOGNA
    VALERI
    BINDONI – LONGO
    IV: SACCHI
    VAR: LA PENNA
    AVAR: VIVENZI

    NAPOLI – LAZIO Sabato 10/02 h.20.45
    BANTI
    VUOTO – PERETTI
    IV: PINZANI
    VAR: DAMATO
    AVAR: TEGONI

    ROMA – BENEVENTO h.20.45
    MANGANIELLO
    DEL GIOVANE – TASSO
    IV: MINELLI
    VAR: TAGLIAVENTO
    AVAR: DI VUOLO

    SAMPDORIA – H. VERONA
    PAIRETTO
    RANGHETTI – SANTORO
    IV: FOURNEAU
    VAR: PASQUA
    AVAR: MARRAZZO

    SASSUOLO – CAGLIARI h.12.30
    MAZZOLENI
    LIBERTI – SCHENONE
    IV: ROS
    VAR: AURELIANO
    AVAR: TONOLINI

    SPAL – MILAN Sabato 10/02 h.15.00
    MARIANI
    FIORITO – PAGANESSI
    IV: GIUA
    VAR: DOVERI
    AVAR: LO CICERO

    TORINO – UDINESE
    ABISSO
    GORI – PAGLIARDINI
    IV: MARINELLI
    VAR: MARESCA
    AVAR: PILLITTERI

    Among others, Orsato and Rocchi have been ruled out. Being busy this week in Qatar with the FIFA seminar, it is possible that one of them or even both have a game on next week, maybe on Tuesday?
    I could guess Orsato as suitable name for Basel - Manchester City.
    This, of course, without knowing the observer.

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  18. I think that both Orsato and Rocchi are designated, Orsato will be designated for Basel - Man.City and Rocchi will be designated for Real Madrid - PSG

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  19. OT :

    Are the observers for UCL R16 1st legs out, Chefren?? 🤔🤔

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  20. No, I'm sorry. We have to wait UEFA :)

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  21. Today we will know the official list of referees for the 2018 world fair?

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    Replies
    1. No, Busacca said the list will be announced only in March.

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    2. thanks for the information Joaquín

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  22. Very interesting situation from yesterday's serie A game Fiorentina - Juventus.
    Referee: Marco Guida. AR involved: Filippo Meli.
    VAR: Michael Fabbri - Riccardo Di Fiore.
    Penalty whistled in favor of Fiorentina for deliberate handball, then, after more than 3 minutes of waiting before the execution, the penalty was annulled due to a previous offside position missed by AR.
    The offside decision was taken direcly by VAR without any ON FIELD REVIEW by referee. Situation is very tricky and I must say almost impossible to read. Indeed, question is about the last touch. A player from Juventus (Alex Sandro) touched the ball, as you can see in the video, but was that a deliberate play? VAR assessed the touch as deflection, so the offside by Fiorentina player was confirmed. I don't know what AR had seen on the pitch, and why he didn't raise the flag, that's not clear, very likely he missed the offside. In any case, I think it is impossible to assess whether this was a deliberate touch or not, because the player from Juventus touches the ball while falling, and there isn't any clear gesture / signal, that he wants to play it.
    What I can say is that in this case referee had to go to check the incident, because the assessment of a deliberate play or deflection is something related to his discretion, but he relied on VAR without any intention to check it. I think a mistake of procedure under this aspect, but surely regarding the final decision everything can be supportable there. It can be read in both ways.

    PENALTY CALL:
    https://streamable.com/fwd5q

    DELIBERATE PLAY OR DEFLECTION:
    https://streamable.com/5vkwa

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    Replies
    1. I agree, that it can be read in both ways.
      But then, I think, the VAR should not intervene - not even recommend an OFR.
      In situations like this, I prefer the current German approach to VAR: If it is not clear after 2-3 replays, it can't be a clear and obvious mistake, so the referee's decision is kept and the game continues.

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    2. IMO it's an excellent decision taken by VAR.

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  23. Guys, do you have RAP 2017.2 ?

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  24. Interesting situation from Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Hertha BSC. Indirect free kick given for touching the ball with the hands after releasing it and before it has touched another player. Correct application of the LoTG. I remember Niclas wanted such indirect free kicks to be given in the past. He would be more than glad now. :)

    https://streamable.com/9zvz8

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  25. I understand the call and if this is what IFAB wants it’s fine. But I don’t think this is why the law was created. He didn’t ”release” the ball and never held it. He just touched it for less than 0.5 seconds. And then picked it up for real.

    But if IFAB wan’t to see this as a release then okay.

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    Replies
    1. Fully correct by referee. Keeper had to control the ball by hands immediately after having touched it for the first time. He couldn't wait before doing that in order to waste time, this is unsporting behavior. We can't consider the second action as related to the first one, so he was not entitled to touch the ball again. I must say, excellent call.

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    2. "parry" was removed from the LotG with the major 16-17 rewrite. Is this something that they want to be considered a "save" now, especially as the ball was (loosely) on target and needed to be stopped?

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  26. Two situations in the Portuguese league, last matchday
    Ref: De Sousa
    1) Imo, a clear penalty. Player #19 pulls the opponent. De Sousa and VAR don´t give.
    https://www.vsports.pt/vod/41847/m/361959/zero/6bca053d3917241ce63171623874ccdf

    2) De Sousa considers that player #91 touched the opponent (VAR confirms). Imo, at most could consider there dangerous game, never motive for free direct / penalty.

    https://www.vsports.pt/vod/41849/m/361959/zero/d704148d702e3ea26819fb4c02a51077

    Your opinions?

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    Replies
    1. First situation: I think De Sousa assessed the contact as not enough for a whistle. One can agree, despite of the fact that ball was not played, I think this is not a clear mistake in any case. So, OK to back referee. Of course, this doesn't mean that he took a 100% wrong or correct decision, just his discretion.
      Second situation: if no contact, indirect free kick. Even with a minimum contact you have to whistle direct free kick / penalty so also in this case OK. But I understand that this can look like a borderline call.

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  27. 1: 50/50 looks like the attacker exaggerated a lot.

    2: If there is contact you can’t go for indirect free kick if you blow the whistle. But it looks like simulation to me.

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