Friday 27 April 2018

2018 FIFA WC - Seminar in Italy for Selected Officials, main trios and VAR (April 2018) - List of Video Assistant Referees

A further step on the road to WC 2018 is the meeting helding now in Italy for selected officials. In this occasion, FIFA will select video assistant referees who will attend the tournament in Russia. 


The seminar will last two weeks. On the first week (starting from Monday 16 April 2018) main trios from CAF and UEFA will participate, while on the second week (from Monday 23 April) there will be officials from AFC, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and OFC.
Law5 - The Ref is proud to offer you the names who have been called as VAR specialists and will be tested by FIFA before the final confirmation.

Video Assistant Referees (13)

AFC (1)
Abdulrahman Al Jassim (QAT, 1987)

COMEBOL (3)
Wilton Sampaio (BRA, 1981)
Gery Vargas (BOL, 1981)
Mauro Vigliano (ARG, 1975)

UEFA (9)
Bastian Dankert (GER, 1980)
Artur Soares Dias (POR, 1979)
Paweł Gil (POL, 1976)
Massimiliano Irrati (ITA, 1979)
Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins (POR, 1980)
Danny Makkelie (NED, 1983)
Daniele Orsato (ITA, 1975)
Paolo Valeri (ITA, 1978)
Felix Zwayer (GER, 1981)

130 comments:

  1. So the names are the ones published by Qatar FA a few months ago, in occasion of a previous meeting, with some additions.
    Italian media are reporting that among these 13 referees, the 3 Italians have big chances.
    In my opinion, it is even possible that all 13 will go to WC. We will see.

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    1. Well, the number should depend on the exact plans.
      Will this group cover all (main) VAR spots? Probably, because they get more training than the regular referees attending the tournament.
      Will this group also cover all the AVAR1 spots? Maybe and in that case 13 seems to be just enough (would mean an appointment every 2 days on average in GS).
      I assume, AVAR3 will be "normal" referees.
      But that is only speculation.

      Also remarkable that there is no French-speaking specialist and only 2 Spanish native speakers. So I hope, some referees had some extensive English lessons during the last year. ;)

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    2. I can say with some degree of certainty that certain referees from Africa can't do a single game without French speaking VAR... What will happen to them??

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  2. The Polish FA informed that Szymon Marciniak will handle a second leg of CL or EL semi-final. Surprise, if you ask me, but it also shows how strong position Marciniak has in UEFA.

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    1. I must say I am very surprised with that, considering his last match. My guess is EL. It looks like UEFA 'forgives' mistakes this season for some officials. In that case, Kuipers could get CL semi-finals despite that offside mistake.

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    2. After the entire Oliver episode, UEFA must be looking for the 8 most experienced and most well known names in charge of the 8 SFs... Of course, it's thoroughly unfair to see Marciniak appointed for a SF after a very poor performance early on... This can also clear the way out for Brych and Kuipers as surely offside mistakes can be ignored if that all around poor performance of the Polish team at Wembley was accepted... Also Mateu Lahoz, Turpin can be possible because overall basically no referee has been as bad overall as Marciniak was that night... Committee most probably wants the 8 most trusted and most well known names in action!!

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    3. I'm surprised as well, a more than positive signal for Marciniak but also for the entire Polish team, there had been some important mistakes also by assistant referees.
      My idea is the game in Europa League involving Salzburg and Marseille, but according to the source posted by Ray, the final decision will come on 27 April, after having seen and known all first leg scores and performances.
      So, this allows us to think that Kuipers could get a CL game, despite of the mistake made by AR at the end of EL quarterfinal and maybe... Mateu Lahoz is not still totally out as well... we will see.

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    4. Same applies for Brych... Brych's AR had major offside mistakes in Juventus v Tottenham and Liverpool v Manchester City but of course that's "minor" compared to Marciniak's show... The only thing I hope is this extreme move may not backfire but still it's better than having Çakir 🇹🇷 for multiple SFs!!

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    6. Mateu Lahoz for a final I don't think is likely... I'm going for Scenario 3!!

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    7. I am not surprised about Marciniak. Collina has no options. From experienced refs in KO stage, only Skomina and Mazic didn't make any bigger mistakes. You can't rule out Cakir, Kuipers, Marciniak, Rocchi, Brych... Who instead of them? Marciniak had one nightmare evening, but we should have in mind that he was excellent for several years. Very consistent and experienced, so he should get EL semifinal.
      About finals, my 2 names are Mazic (CL) and Rocchi (EL). No Italian teams in EL anymore, so this is great opportunity for Italian ref. I don't think that UEFA will go with Skomina and Mazic together, because they are coming from countries always available for the most important games. This is Mazic's last opportunity, and Skomina is there for 4 years more, and surely will get his CL final. If Skomina get CL final this year, who for the next year?

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    8. Mazic can do it next year... There are no age limits and he can comfortably continue for 2–3 more years provided his body allows him!!

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    9. I read once that there are no time limits anymore, but everybody here write that this is his last year. And I see now that Atkinson is 47 already... Mazic is always in brilliant form, but I don't think he'll get big final when 46-47 years old.
      If Collina wants always new name in CL/EL final (and it is tradition), he should be very careful with his choice.

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    10. Only if there is no age limit in Serbia...

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    11. Indeed our Serbian readers could answer on that. Are there age limits for referees in Serbia? Is Mazic about to retire after this season?

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    12. I missed your questions here, so I'll write answer here and (because most of bloggers will miss it here) on some newer page.
      In Serbia, referee automatically retires at the end of the season during which he becomes 46 years old. So, for Mazic that means that (if nothing changes) next season 2018/19 will be the last, because he will be 46 on March 23, 2019. He will finish his career when next season ends.

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  3. Marciniak in Rome ....Mazic and Skomina must be careful to Lahoz if the real comes out of the Champions League !!!The opportunity to have a final without Spanish is greedy .......... and when will happen new?

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    1. Is it your prediction that Marciniak in Rome or is it an information you're giving? :/

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  4. For me, Turpin is best referee that Rocchi.

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    1. What does this even mean?? 😂😂

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    2. Why do you even care? Accept the fact that you're not the blogs official keyboard warrior. Who must always defend the honor of the blog. Let it go. Let it be.

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    3. I agree with Soham. What kind of "language" is this?

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    4. So ridiculing or dismissing a person's knowledge of football based on his country of origin is bad.
      Yet questioning a person's ability to properly express himself in English is acceptable?
      Maybe try to consider that English is not his native tongue. Yet he's tries to express himself in the best manner possible. That you don't agree with what he posts. That's a different matter.

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    5. It's not his English (also my English is far from perfect), his short "statements" have no substance whatsoever and don't contribute anything.

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    6. Ah, so it goes to not liking and/or agreeing with what he posts. Simple fix. Scroll past it and ignore what he says. But you all love the drama on this blog. Thus the reason why you all always take the bait when it is dangled out there.

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    7. For God's sake, I don't even care what he thinks or not or which referees he likes or not. What kind of a "football knowledge" do you see in statements like "Smith bad referee", "Brown better than Smith", "Brown very bad yesterday" etc.?

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    8. I see and read it as his opinion. Which he is entitled to have. Is he not? But I get it. If your comment doesn't praise and worship a referee. It's viewed as non constructive and as something that doesn't add to the conversation.

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    9. No, you are wrong again. Of course he's entitled to have an opinion but what is a purpose of such blogs if not at least try to explain your opinions? If we were all "Albertos", noone would be reading such stuff because it is void. To end the discussion - also Soham or anyone has a right to critisize such "contributions", also in sarcastic manner.

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    10. So become part of those "no one's" who don't read such stuff. As I said before, "scroll past it and ignore it". But no you've both always take the bait and thus give his comment some sort of credibility.
      Lastly, it's just a comment not a ****, don't take it so hard.

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  5. https://streamable.com/8hcys

    When referee Guido Winkmann whistled at half-time break, VAR Bibiana Steinhaus intervened then Guido Winkmann looked at the scene then he brought out the two teams. Penalty for Mainz because of handball by Kempf

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    1. Never seen anything more bizarre than this in football :D

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  6. The most curious situation I have seen so far revolving around the VAR in the German Bundesliga. Referee whistled for halftime, after the teams are already in the tunnel and some of the players in the locker rooms, the VAR insists that the main referee rewatches a possible penalty situation right before the end of the first half, so the referee calls the teams back on the pitch and a penalty is given.

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    1. I agree, the most curious situation so far. First of all it was a clear penalty, for me there is no doubt. But there is one sentence in LoTG that boders me: "The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his
      discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee or the fourth official, provided
      that he has not restarted play or terminated the match."
      Since Winkmann ended first half I think it was not correct to call teams back on the field and award that penalty.

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    2. Correct procedure. Explanation:

      https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Da7ccq9WkAEPpxv.jpg:large

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    3. Oh I did not know that. Thanks Ray for explanation :).
      Great intervention by Steinhaus and absolutely correct decision by Winkmann to re-watch and award a penalty.

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    4. The document says, that the VAR has to inform the referee immediately, so that he can stop the players leaving the field.
      Apparently, this did not work tonight and it's not clear, why. Maybe the VAR waited too long, maybe there were communication issues, maybe it was not possible to react faster. Certainly a situation for VAR training everywhere.

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    5. I found a good var pdf with this information here

      https://www.knvb.nl/downloads/bestand/9844/var-handbook-v8_final

      Though I also read the ref cannot agree to a var decision after he/she has left the field of play. And at 30 seconds on the following link, you can see the ref has left the field of play https://streamable.com/8znol

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    6. Strange but correct situation, although was it really necessary to get all of the players around the penalty area? Surely the only two players you need are the GK and penalty taker, because once the goal is scored or the GK saves it, the half is over!

      @Referee 12 - surely once the half time whistle has been blown, the game does not restart until the second half kicks off?

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    7. @Michael: You are right about restart in second half, end of half time is not end of match. About first part of your comment on getting all the players on the field, Winkmann was right to call them back. LoTG sais that all players must be on the field when penalty kick is kicked off. No need to be arround penalty area but must be on the field.

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    8. What Steinhaus could've done better was that she could've informed Winkmann that she was having a check so in that way Winkmann could've have asked the players to hang on close by till the confirmation was made!!

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  7. What we had in CL semifinals in last 6 years ?

    11/12 Webb, Brych, Cakir, Kassai
    12/13 Kassai, Kuipers, Webb, Skomina
    13/14 Eriksson, Webb, Proenca, Rizzoli
    14/15 Rizzoli, Clattenburg, Atkinson, Eriksson
    15/16 Cakir, Skomina, Clattenburg, Cakir
    16/17 Atkinson, Cakir, Mateu Lahoz, Kuipers

    Always the same names. Some of these names retired before 45 years old. I'm asking why. Maybe because of those criminal yo-yo tests (which are criminal for every referee, esspecially for those over 40 years old) ? A lot of referee have problems with articulations (knee, leg), tendons, muscles because of those fitness tests. Collina should understand that referees are not athletes...

    Anyway, it's a very poor management of Collina thinking that, in this moment, there are maximum 5-6 names capable to whistle a CL semifinal. For example, a referee like Mazic (45 years old, with WC and EURO in his palmares) didn't whistle a CL semifinal yet.

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    1. Indeed Mazic exclusion is odd... Last year I thought Mazic was a certainty but he didn't appear!!

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    2. We have Mazic and Rocchi (both selected for World Cup, both 45 years old (in their last season as FIFA referees), who didn't whistle a CL semifinal yet...

      I read Marciniak will have a semfinal (CL or EL). It's totally unfair from my point of view after his blatant mistake from Spurs- Juventus (I was on Wembley at that game, even from stands it looked like an obvious penalty).

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    3. It's not just about a penalty... There were far more problems from the entire Polish crew...

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    4. Agree re Mazic, but he is a particular case.
      Before 2014 it was too early, in spite of his very well managed Semifinals in EL.
      And then his Derbi Madridleño that went so (7,2) wrong, so he was no option for Atletico and Real.
      But I have no explanation for 2016/17, at least after his excellent KO stage, eg Besiktas - Lyon.
      IMO he will debut in a CL Semifinal this year, but I am struggling to see where...

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    5. Liverpool or Rome would suit Mazic the best... Madrid or Munich rather not!!

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    6. Besides Mazic (I already wrote that Collina was injustice to him last year, and also a year before), I am surprised that Brych has a single one CL semis, and Kuipers and Rizzoli only two. Atkinson also two, but Rizzoli and Kuipers are much above him IMO. Same goes for Eriksson. Really, always same names, so probably this year there will be no room for new names, too (only one new name that could appear is Makkelie, but I expect him in EL semis).

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    7. I don't really understand, why you say "always same names", when except Cakir nobody had more than SFs in recent years.
      The last 16 SFs were handled by 11 different referees. That's some variety IMO.
      (for comparison: the last 16 FA cup SFs were refereed by 9 different officials - over 8 years)

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    8. Last 16 SFs (last 4 years) were whistled by only 10 referees, not 11.
      Last 24 SFs (last 6 years) were whistled by only 12 referees !!!

      Semifinals + Finals in last six years: 12 referees for 30 games !!!

      Those (only) 12 referees who whistled semifinals and finals in laste 6 years (30 games) were: Webb, Kassai, Proenca, Rizzoli, Atkinson, Skomina, Brych, Clattenburg, Kuipers, Eriksson, Cakir and Mateu Lahoz.
      Four of them retired (Webb, Clattenburg, Proenca, Rizzoli), one is inactive (Atkinson), other two are disgraced (Kassai and Eriksson). So, we have only 5, that's why I said in previous post we have max. 5-6 referees capable to whistle a SF in this moment.
      Sorry, but this means disastrous management from Collina !

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    9. 12/30 = 2/5

      Try to imagine a situation when only 2 referees will whistle last 5 games of Champions League (semifinals + final). Because, proportionally speaking, that was the situation in last 6 years. Maybe, with this (extreme) example, you will understand better how bad was PLC's management.

      During 2012-2017 interval (last 6 years) we had 2 editions of EURO (2012,2016) and 6 editions of Champions league. I took in consideration:
      - last 7 games of each EURO (QFs, SFs and F)
      - last 5 games of each Champions League edition (SFs and F)

      That means a total of 44 games (7+7+30). Do you know how many referees whistled all those games ? 13, those 12 that I mentioned earlier and Lannoy ...

      In last 6 years, the most important 44 games in european football were whistled by only 13 referees.

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    10. Let's go further. To those 44 games mentioned in previous post I will add the EL finals from 2012-2017. We will have now 14 referees for a total of 50 games. But two of these 14 whistled only one game at the start of this interval, in 2012: Stark with the EL final, Lannoy with a SF in EURO 2012.

      I searched datas all night long. Honestly, I'm preety shocked to see that only 14 referees whistled all that counts in UEFA competitions in last 6 years (3 of them have only one game in my statistic: Stark, Lannoy, Mateu Lahoz).
      Keep in mind that we have now more than 25 Elite referees. Adding those who already retired it means there were > 30 Elite referees in last 6 years.

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  8. In my opinion this season Marciniak was "naturally planned", or at least supposed to be in a CL semifinal, following his progressive development. In the past two seasons he got EL semifinal.
    Now, after the performance in London we can reason in this way: maybe this will cost to him the chance to officiate in CL semifinal, and he will appear "only" in Europa League semifinal, for the third time in a row. Otherwise, despite of a not good performance in Tottenham - Juventus, he will be confirmed for a CL semifinal. If we analyze the recent period of the Polish, we could say that a CL semifinal would be still deserved, of course.
    However, one must be honest and must admit that, if Marciniak will get CL semifinal, everything with the other referees should be possible as well, including Mateu Lahoz.
    Finally, one must also underline that the major mistake (missed penalty) was not important then for qualification, Juventus managed it. And maybe this is another reason of the choice by committee, however these are only speculations.
    We will see.

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    1. Van Roekel and Borsh offsides haven't directly affected qualification of teams....so yes, basically Marciniak getting any SF appointment would basically clear out the way for any other referee because that was comfortably the worst display in this KO round and Marciniak was looking literally terrified and gobsmacked throughout the game... And after that performance, a CL SF absolutely isn't "deserved" and that's speaking from experiences from past instances where referees had their seasons ended and rightly so!! All that said, I would be happy to see the World Cup referees in action in the SFs...it would be expected even in case of one poor performance they will make a strong comeback and for somebody going to a World Cup it's mandatory to show such qualities... In that way, I would want to see Marciniak whistle another game to regain is confidence ahead of the World and for this purpose Marseille v Salzburg would be ideal to ease him back!!

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    2. @Chefren

      I also think that Marciniak would have been a natural choice for a SF this year. In fact, I'm preety sure about that. But his performance in Spurs- Juventus doesn't qualify him for a semifinal(CL or EL). More than that, Marciniak was not always perfect in last 12 months (as you try to suggest).

      One thing is clear: in this moment there is lack of options for SFs + F (because of bad management of Collina in previous years). Coolina needs 5 referees for next 5 games. We have Mateu Lahoz, Marciniak (and also Cakir imo) with big mistakes in their last games. Even Turpin made some mistakes in Roma- Barca (red card Piques, maybe 2nd yellow to Fazio). I don't know what thinks PLC about Collum's performance in Bayern- Sevilla (I see that a missed red card in Shaktar- Roma was not an obstacle to give him a QF in CL). Than we have some unfortunated situations: Brych had Liverpool in QF (Brych already had 3 games in CL knock-out stage), Cakir had Real in QF, Rocchi had Real in last 16 etc. It will be difficult for PLC to choose.

      I am sure that Skomina/Mazic will whistle CL final. Than Mazic/Rocchi will whistle EL final. I can't exclude the situations when Skomina (if mazic will get CL final) will have 2 semifinals in CL (like Cakir 2 years ago)

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    3. From what I know, Marciniak was planned for EL final this season.

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    4. @Ray To be fair at the end of last season Marciniak had to be a natural candidate and his last season was fantastic... But this season he was slightly off-colour and that must have cost him the final this time... But he will comfortably get it in the coming years so no worries!!

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    5. Sure, but in case of good TOT-JUV he would get it.

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    6. Yup very possible... After many of our big names retire within 2020, he is the future!!

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  9. Good performance by Oliver tonight in London. There was again a rising tension but the English made it well, but two particular situations to remark on.

    1) If you remember the Polish tackle on C. Ronaldo at Brych didn't whistle, very similar situation but the ball this time had no chances to reach attacker, I mean a real zero chance ball was heading to the other side of the penalty area, so common sensically play on was correct choice IMO (87')
    2) So similar situation to +93' in Madrid but towards the edge of the penalty area, everyone held their breath... but AR1 Burt correctly saw an offside so it was irrelevant (+94')

    I'll try to find the clips for these moments, but it was a good Oliver tonight and that was pleasant to see after all that's happened.

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    1. Good on Michael... I just hope that night in Madrid brings out the best in Oliver and he reaches massive heights in his career :)

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    2. Thought Michael and AR Cook were outstanding, 3 correct disallowed goals for West Ham, one of the best officiated game as a team I have seen all season and considering the extra pressure on him from what happened on Wednesday, it was a high quality performance from our number 1 referee

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  10. Massimo Busacca has released an interview, he was asked about the penalty incident in Real Madrid - Juventus, he stated that a referee must decide in one or two seconds and for this reason it is always difficult. It is a job mostly based on instinct.
    A referee can't take time to think about the minute, the teams, the score and so on.
    Fully right words from the Swiss this time.

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    1. And he diplomatically avoids assessing the call - like a true Swissman ;)

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    2. A whole lot of nothing said by Massimo "Million Excuses" Busacca. FIFA's finest at it's best!

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    3. It's not Massimo Busacca's job to assess the decision so I think in his post this is an appropriate answer!!

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    4. The fact of the matter is that this type of comment is "par for the course" for Busacca.

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  11. Looking at domestic appointments, it seems that we won't see Skomina's team in Europe next week.

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    1. Again one mistake by web administrator of the federation??

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    2. I don't think so; Skomina has a match on Saturday (a match in 2nd League) and the rest of his standard team mates (both ARs and AARs) have matches on Sunday.

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    3. Then he can be very likely appointed for a 1st leg SF!!

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    4. Probably the whole team would be appointed together in Slovenia then.

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  13. OT: uefa youth league
    Chelsea-Porto: Srdjan Jovanovic, Uros Stojkovic, Milan Mihajlovic, Fedayi San
    City-Barcelona: Aghayev, Mammadov, Amirali, Schàrer
    Final: Ekberg, Culum, Hallberg, Karlsson

    This explain why Ekberg attended winter course but did not get appointment in EL knock out faze.

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    1. Thank you. There were also other referees appointed in Youth League KO stage after having attended the course: Massa, Pawson, Kabakov, Siebert... now for all a promotion to Category 1 should follow. Ekberg is the only referee already promoted to Category 1.

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  14. Coupe de France
    Semifinal

    LES HERBIERS - CHAMBLY, Nantes 17/Apr 2100
    REFEREE: Bastien Benoit (UEFA 1st Cat)
    AR1: Zakrani Hicham (FIFA)
    AR2: Pacelli Julien (FIFA)
    4th: Abed Karim (UEFA 2nd Cat)
    VAR1: Millot Benoit (UEFA 2nd Cat)
    VAR2: Gautier Antony

    SM CAEN - PARIS SG, Caen 18/Apr 2105
    REFEREE: Letexier Francois (UEFA 2nd Cat)
    AR1: Mugnier Cyril (FIFA)
    AR2: Rahmouni Mehdi (FIFA)
    4th: Brisard Jerome (UEFA 2nd Cat)
    VAR1: Schneider Frank (UEFA 2nd Cat)
    VAR2: Hamel Johan

    I hope for FFF's sake that their gamble with Letexier comes off as well as Turpin has (WC 2018), although that was rather by luck for the federation than design. But surely it's not an appointment based on the performance principle for Letexier, however talented he is.
    I think it could be a combative match for Bastien, surely these two clubs will never have a better chance to attend the Final, and will fight hard for the qualification.
    Maybe Schieder or Rainville for the Final?

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    1. Ruddy Buquet will get the final ! Because of Turpin got Coupe de la Ligue's final, he's the only one who can get this one (even if Bastien deserves it)

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  15. Tore Hansen broke his elbow. Due to severity of the injury, he will be off for many months. He was going to handle the Norwegian Supercup between Lillestrøm and Rosenborg (26/04). :/

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    1. Really sorry to hear that, I hope he will recover soon!

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  16. Celta Vigo - Barcelona: 2-2 by Celta was scored by arm and clearly punishable if you ask me (player made a deliberate movement to control the ball). You can't allow this goal, but of course one must think Fernández Borbalán missed the entire incident.

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    1. Not only Fernández Borbalán... not even Barcelona players saw it live. It was only after the replay of the goal that it was seen by both the commentators either. It is for me a punishable offence too.

      BTW, a correct RC for DOGSO (holding) to Sergi Roberto earlier in the game.

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    2. DOGSO
      https://streamable.com/t7hzk

      Goal
      https://streamable.com/biach

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  18. CONCACAF Champions League Final
    Toronto FC vs CD Guadalajara (Chivas)

    1st Leg at BMO Field in Toronto
    CR: Ricardo Montero (Costa Rica)
    AR1: Juan Mora (Costa Rica)
    AR2: Ainsley Rochard (Trinidad & Tobago)
    4th: Said Martinez* (Honduras)

    This assignment leads me to think that the 2nd Leg to be played in Guadalajara at Estadio Akron will be handled by:
    Joel Aguilar (El Salvador).

    *Said Martinez (Honduras) is only 26 years of age. Quite an assignment to get at such a young age. I don't know much about the Honduran League. But he is viewed in CONCACAF as a highly promising referee prospect.

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  19. Does anybody have a full programme of FIFA seminar in Florence? Like on the main page?

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    1. Screenshots shown on Italian TV, nothing more... if anybody has the full program and wants to share it with us, he can send it to our mail. :)
      Since TV was allowed to film it, I think there aren't problem in publishing it.

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  20. Marc Batta will observe Jovanovic and Aghayev in Nyon. Lukasz Wachowski from Poland will be a delegate.

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  21. German media is citing Collina:
    "We have 13 VARs, who will work as specialists during the WC and additionaly there will be some referees, who will be used as VAR".
    "The incident [from Monday in Bundesliga] was discussed here [at the seminar]. FIFA has given the referees some clear advices and recommendations for this kind of siuations."
    "The 13 VARs at the seminar come close to the final team"
    "Nobody should cover more than one match per day. It is not like sitting on the couch drinking coffee. They are sweating like on the pitch".
    "There will be teams in Russia, which are formed by language groups"

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    1. They also report there will be (among others) 1 Portuguese and several Polish VARs - but I assume this is wrong information.

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    2. Language Groups ? So they need to find a french-speaking VAR.. Isn't too late to appoint a french ref as VAR for this summer ? Assuming that offline training and 3-4 online games will be enough..

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  22. Appiontments German Bundesliga, Matchday 31

    Borussia Mönchengladbach - VfL Wolfsburg (Friday, 8:30 PM)
    Ref: Tobias Stieler (FIFA)
    Ass 1: Christian Gittelmann
    Ass 2: Markus Häcker (FIFA)
    FO: Sven Jablonski
    VAR: Benjamin Brand
    AVAR: Thorben Siewer

    RB Leipzig - TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Saturday, 3:30 PM)
    Ref: Tobias Welz (FIFA)
    Ass 1: Rafael Foltyn (FIFA)
    Ass 2: Christian Leicher
    FO: Robert Kempter
    VAR: Dr. Robert Kampka
    AVAR: Thorben Siewer

    Eintracht Frankfurt - Hertha BSC
    Ref: Sascha Stegemann
    Ass 1: Christian Fischer
    Ass 2: Mike Pickel
    FO: Guido Winkmann
    VAR: Dr. Jochen Drees
    AVAR: Johann Pfeifer

    Hamburger SV - SC Freiburg
    Ref: Benjamin Cortus
    Ass 1: Florian Badstübner
    Ass 2: Frederick Assmuth
    FO: Jan Seidel (FIFA)
    VAR: Robert Hartmann
    AVAR: Alexander Sather

    Hannover 96 - FC Bayern München
    Ref: Martin Petersen
    Ass 1: Tobias Reichel
    Ass 2: Jan Neitze-Petersen
    FO: Markus Schüller
    VAR: Christian Dingert (FIFA)
    AVAR: René Rohde

    VfB Stuttgart - SV Werder Bremen
    Ref: Sören Storks
    Ass 1: Christian Dietz
    Ass 2: Eduard Beitinger (FIFA)
    FO: Thomas Stein
    VAR: Benjamin Brand
    AVAR: Daniel Schlager

    Borussia Dortmund - Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Saturday, 6:30 PM)
    Ref: Markus Schmidt
    Ass 1: Christof Günsch
    Ass 2: Michael Emmer
    FO: Christian Bandurski
    VAR: Günter Perl
    AVAR: Florian Heft

    FC Augsburg - 1. FSV Mainz 05 (Sunday, 3:30 PM)
    Ref: Frank Willenborg
    Ass 1: Arne Aarnink
    Ass 2: Holger Henschel (FIFA)
    FO: Thorsten Schiffner (FIFA)
    VAR: Sven Jablonski
    AVAR: Christof Günsch

    1. FC Köln - FC Schalke 04
    Ref: Marco Fritz (FIFA)
    Ass 1: Dominik Schaal
    Ass 2: Marcel Pelgrim
    FO: Johann Pfeifer
    VAR: Wolfgang Stark
    AVAR: Timo Gerach

    Benjamin Brand seems injured, again only as VAR. Storks replaces Aytekin, maybe he is injured too.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Waiting for an official confirmation, so far it seems as all 13 VAR called for this meeting, will attend WC.

    ReplyDelete

  24. then......
    Real-Bayern, Çakir
    Roma-Liverpool, Skomina
    Salzburg-Marseille, Makkelie
    A. Madrid-Arsenal, Marciniak
    CL: Mazic EL: Rocchi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marciniak is injured, he has announced he wont handle game on next week, because he doesn't want to risk before World Cup.
      He will be back in Polish league on next weeks.
      He had been appointed by UEFA but he has renounced.

      Delete
    2. Why would UEFA appoint an injured referee anyway in the first place till he is fully fit?? The stories from Poland and all the media articles are scarcely believable... After the R16 performance and with a injury concern some 2 weeks back, I'm pretty sure that UEFA would've never appointed him anyway... Plus has it ever happened before that a SF appointment and details of which leg etc was made known to the media so far in advance??

      Delete
    3. Plus I don't think Mazic will get CL final without a single match in CL this year (knock-out stage). Exactly the same happened in 2012 with Wolfgang Stark. Top clashes in CL group stage. In knock out stage no CL, but in EL: round of 32, quarter final and then final, just like Mazic. I don't see any other "logical" reason not to apppoint Mazic in CL knock-out stage.

      Delete
    4. @CroRef I couldn't find you in Facebook using the name you provided me :(

      Delete
    5. @Soham: try with this link https://www.facebook.com/cro.ref, I think it should work.
      Sorry for using other profile here, on my laptop I am signed with Referee 12 and on my mobile phone with Croref, but I am behind both user names :)

      Delete
  25. OT : Big controversies about CONMEBOL referee Jose Argote from Venezuela... Reported by our friends at Arbitro Internacional

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Argote’s bank accounts were frozen because of an investigation from the Venezuelan Government against those people dealing illegally with the dollars... They have accused Argote of illegally earning money, tax evasion and smuggling!!

      Delete
    2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_in_Venezuela_(2012%E2%80%93present)

      I know nothing of Argote's case, but Venezuela is a nation in a huge economic crisis so it is sth different to happening in a stable Western nation.

      Delete
    3. Absolutely right, Venezuela has some big problems with money... People do not have things to eat at times... The minimum some may earn is like 2 dollars per month... The government says 1 dollar = a certain amount of Venezuelan bolívares so there are some people with a parallel exchange rate (more realistic) dealing with the dollars and that's illegal, I suppose... Argote comes under such suspicions of the government.

      Delete
  26. Second 50, wrong foul decision by Alberola Rojas: it was inside the penalty area, so should have been a penalty.

    ReplyDelete
  27. OT: correct early yellow card (5’) issued by Orsato.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 18’ RC after var intervention. Dangerous challenge.

      Delete
    2. Excellent decision by Orsato and VAR (Valeri).
      Clear SFP. No problems by officials in showing a RC so early in the game. That's good.

      Delete
    3. I agree! But did Orsato miss a YC in the 28/29th min? It would’ve been the player’s second. He certainly could’ve given it.
      He might’ve missed it though as his back was slightly turned to the incident.

      Delete
    4. Now confrotation between Mandzukic and Candreva.Orsato choose not to give bookings.

      Delete
    5. After the RC, Orsato has lost the game. One must be honest.

      Delete
    6. Another var intervention. Goal correctly disallowed.

      Delete
    7. After VAR intervention Juventus offside goal was dissalowed

      Delete
    8. Missed yc atleast for Candreva for foul on Mandzukic.
      I agree with @Chefren Orsato has lost the game,very rarely that happens to him.

      Delete
  28. From seminar:
    https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/990304642016804864

    ReplyDelete
  29. My opinion for REAL BAYERN-ROCCHI OR CAKIR, ROMA LIVERPOOL- SKOMINA, CL FINAL MAZIC becouse it will be defineltey his last chance, he have a carrer season this year, Skomina is younger than Mazic, so he can be cleary contender for Wanda Metrpolitano CL FINAL 2018, EL FINAL IF NOT MAZIC THEN ROCCHI.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rocchi was bad in Real-PSG
      Real-Bayern must be for Çakir.

      Delete
  30. Wisła Płock - Zagłębie Lubin
    Referee: Krzysztof Jakubik (UEFA Third Group)
    VAR: Szymon Marciniak (UEFA Elite Group)

    Penalty incident
    https://streamable.com/0v5mi

    Handball
    https://streamable.com/xw6qc


    Pogoń Szczecin - Sandecja Nowy Sącz
    Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski
    VAR: Jarosław Przybył

    Handball
    https://streamable.com/wssgb

    YC for SPA by deliberate handling, dissent
    https://streamable.com/epg8k


    Lech Poznań - Górnik Zabrze
    Referee: Bartosz Frankowski (UEFA Second Group)
    VAR: Paweł Raczkowski (UEFA First Group)

    Two potential 2nd YC to Lech player. Unbelievable he wasn't sent off...
    https://streamable.com/bsynp

    Violent conduct missed by Frankowski. VAR invites him to review the incident and Frankowski decides to issue only a yellow card. Outrageous refereeing if you ask me...
    https://streamable.com/3ss2u

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did Frankowski judge the potential VC as accidental and went for the YC only???

      Delete
    2. My opinions:
      1) Rather no penalty, I would have liked a review, but maybe no clear mistake
      2) Correct decision
      3) grey area, not VAR relevant
      4) YC correct, player is lucky not to get directly a 2nd
      5) First time, final warning is OK, because it is not a clear SPA - but then he has to send him off for the next foul
      6) I think, it is difficult to be sure that the "kneefall" / wrestling move was intentional. Also the contact does not seem so strong (I think, the red player is exaggerating). Therefore I can understand no RC.

      Delete
    3. Very deliberate. Just put yourself in that situation. Would you fall down with both knees forward? No you would absolutely not. That players intention was to pretend he fell to injure the player with his knees. Clear and super easy red card.

      Delete
  31. OT : Looks like Cüneyt Çakir had a tough game in Turkey tonight with some controversial calls... He is trending on social media and overall getting a lot of coverage from media as well about some of the decisions which have been labelled as wrong... Our Turkish readers or anyone who might have seen the match might be able to add what exactly happened?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It looks also Orsato had a huge amount of work on Inter-Juve.

      Delete
    2. About Cakir, this happened. Fenerbahçe scored after this in/out decision for AR2 (maybe Ongun) and it has led to massive protests on the field by Kasimpasa players and on social media by Galatasaray and Besiktas supporters.

      This is the best frame I could find about this. For me it's not 100% out, difficult but IMO supportable decision to play on by AR2.

      https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Db4zwlTXcAAuf95.jpg

      Delete
    3. Huge media exposure... Otherwise no more problems as far as Cakir is concerned... He is experienced enough to deal with such distractions!

      Delete
  32. Orsato with big mistake to not give Pjanic his 2nd yellow.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Get latest Updates on FIFA World cup here:
    https://2018fifawcupdates.com/
    For live online: https://2018fifawcupdates.com/2018-fifa-world-cup-live-streaming/

    ReplyDelete

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