Monday 1 February 2021

FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 - Selected officials

Selected officials for 2020 CWC, to be played in Qatar from 1 to 11 February 2021.

AFC:

Referee: Mohammaed Abdulla Mohammed (UAE)
Assistant Referees:  Mohammed Alhammadi (UAE), Hasan Almahri (UAE) 
VAR: Khamis Al Marri (QAT)  


CAF:

Referee:  Maguette N'Dyaie (SEN)
Assistant Referees: Djibril Camara (SEN), El Hadji Malick Samba (SEN)
VAR: Redouane Jiyed (MAR)

CONCACAF:

Referee: Mario Escobar (GUA)
Assistant Referees: Nicholas Anderson (JAM), Humberto Panjoj (GUA)
VAR: Drew Fischer (CAN) 

CONMEBOL:

Referees: Edina Alves Batista (BRA), Leodan Gonzalez (URU) Esteban Ostojich (URU)
Assistant Referees:  Neuza Back (BRA), Mariana de Almeida (ARG), Nicolas Taran (URU), Richard Trinidad (URU)
VAR: Nicolas Gallo (COL), Julio Bascuñán (CHI)

OFC:

Referee: Abdelkader Zitouni (TAH)
Assistant Referees:
VAR: 

UEFA:

Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
Assistant Referees:  Mario Diks (NED), Hessel Steegstra (NED)
VAR: Kevin Blom (NED), Jochem Kamphuis (NED)

187 comments:

  1. So the final confirmation that men and women will work together even in such tournaments that were attended only by men in past.
    FIFA hasn't specified the trios in detail and it is not reported who will be the reserve referee, but this is not difficult to understand. As it was one year ago, Zitouni from Tahiti will take this role, he is there without assistant referees.
    As for UEFA, Makkelie is an absolutely expected name, if I'm not wrong this will be his first FIFA tournament on the pitch, after having attended many big games as VAR in this role. Very particular.
    Edina Batista (I didn't like heir performances at last Women World Cup, to be honest), will surely get a game as well.
    I didn't know that VAR is used in Morocco, I checked that and indeed that's a very good thing for CAF to have also a referee in this role.
    This is how FIFA has changed nowadays with men and women together and more flexibility in pairing referees and assistant referees...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Makkelie was at U17WC 2015, but yes, he is a logical choice (as would have been Orsato or Taylor).
      Also no (male) surprises from the other confederations, I think. All referees were involved in the late stages of their continental competitions, are pre-selected for WC2022 (lists from Jan/Feb 2020) and haven't been to a CWC before.

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    2. @Chefren: it used to be like this with the "mixed"-teams (at least considering the nationalities) until EC1996, i think? EC1996 was the first tournament when at least the trio on the pitch was from the same nation. the WC2002 was then the first FIFA competition with same-nation trios. WC1998 saw also mixed teams. i remember a debate before wc2002 that the majority was unhappy with the performance of the mixed teams in the tournaments before. when was the first tournament either UEFA or FIFA used "specialist-asstitants"? I dont recall tbh...maybe someone can help out...

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    3. The referee crews at Korea/Japan 2002 were "mixed" Confederations and Nations.

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    4. 1990 Italy was the last WC with "main" referees in linesman role,
      Euro 1992 was first tournament with "real/specialist linesman"

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    5. Also iff you look good at the appointments in WC 1994, most referees also took 1 linesman from their own country/confederation, wich Fifa mixed with one other referee (4th official) and his linesman.... Netherlands-Saudi-Arabia (Diaz Vega with Russian and Hungarian Linesman, Puhl 4th, few days before Puhl refereed with Hungarian and Russian Linesman with Diaz vega 4th official

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  2. Tomorrow night Milan-Juventus, definitely the most important match of this Serie A season so far. Who will be appointed? IMO the favourites are Mariani, Di Bello and Valeri. Massa and Orsato refereed yesterday so they are probably candidates for other top matches next Sunday.

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  3. Which referees do you think that will be selected for 2020(1) Olympic tournament if it takes place?

    Consider that traditionally the confederation spots have been like this: 5 UEFA referees, 3 CONMEBOL, 3 AFC, 2 CAF, 2 CONCACAF & 1 OFC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can the names from Euro repeat or will there be different referees?

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    2. UEFA: Kruzliak (SVK), Makkelie (NED), Marciniak (POL), Orsato (ITA), Taylor (ENG)
      CONMEBOL: Tobar (CHI), Herrera (VEN), Rojas (COL)
      AFC: Al-Jassim (QAT), Ning (CHN), Shukralla (BHR)
      CAF: Ghorbal (ALG), Ngambo (COD)
      CONCACAF: Escobar (GUA), Marrufo (USA)
      OFC: Zitouni (TAH)

      Delete
    3. UEFA: Vincic (SVN), Jovanovic (SRB), Taylor (ENG), Marciniak (POL), Soares Dias (POR)
      CONMEBOL: Tobar (CHI), Rojas (COL), Rapallini (ARG)
      AFC: Al-Jassim (QAT), Ning (CHN), Shukralla (BHR)
      CAF: Ghorbal (ALG), Tessema Weyesa (ETH)
      CONCACAF: Escobar (GUA), Elfath (USA)
      OFC: Waldron (NZL)

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  4. Makkelie already get Final match for sure👌

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope - It's actually rare to see the UEFA referee appointed for the final match, last time it was Çakir in 2012 edition. The UEFA referee is usually appointed for the semifinal match not involing CL winner (although Hategan last year was appointed for a QF)

      2019: Al-Jassim (QAT)
      2018: Marrufo (USA)
      2017: Ramos (MEX)
      2016: Sikazwe (ZAM)
      2015: Faghani (IRN)
      2014: López (GUA)
      2013: Ricci (BRA)

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    2. Proença was actually appointed to the final (his last ever match) in 2014, but San Lorenzo rejected him for the Iberian connection to Real Madrid; López was the compromise option accepted by both, and Proença finished his career with the match for third place.

      Eriksson and Kassai both attended tournaments after WC 2014 on the premise they would be in Russia, but they both (deservedly, one must say) missed out!

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    3. Mario Escobar (GUA) will add a 3rd Final without any cards shown to his "illustrious" resume. He is the prototypical referee that is wanted and desired at the moment.

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    4. “ Proença was actually appointed to the final (his last ever match) in 2014, but San Lorenzo rejected him for the Iberian connection to Real Madrid”

      This sort of thing really annoys me. Teams shouldn’t have a say in who the referee is!

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    5. IMO, matches involving teams from two different Confederations should always have a referee team from a third Confederation. I have been, currently am, and will always be a staunch supporter of Confederational Neutrality. It is what is fair and what is good for the game.

      Delete
  5. Some clips from this weekend's Bundesliga Matchday Germany

    1) Bayern München - FSV Mainz, handeled by Markus Schmidt [VAR: Frank Willenborg]:
    Foul prior goal? - not given; no VAR intervention
    https://streamable.com/yqidkk

    2) VfB Suttgart - RB Leipzig, handeled by Christian Dingert [VAR: Felix Zwayer]:
    Penalty? - PK given; no VAR intervention
    https://streamable.com/w2pmf2


    3) Werder Bremen - FC Union Berlin, handeled by Tobias Stieler [VAR: Tobias Welz]:
    Penalty (handball)? - no PK given; no VAR intervention
    https://streamable.com/qbod7r

    4) Borussia Dortmund - VfL Wolfsburg, handeled by Manuel Gräfe [VAR: Bibiana Steinhaus]:
    Penalty (handball)? - no PK given; no VAR intervention
    https://streamable.com/efqqzi

    5) TSG Hoffenheim - SC Freiburg, handeled by Robert Hartmann [VAR: Guido Winkmann]:
    Penalty (handball)? - PK given; no VAR intervention
    https://streamable.com/de8n0r
    + Information: Head of VAR project, Jochen Drees, announced that the non-intervention is considered as fully correct, as there is no camera angle, which can prove a clear error.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My opinions:
      1) correct decision (fair amount of physical play)
      2) Should not be a penalty. No VAR intervention is still OK (it is tripping somehow) regarding the strict German interpretation of "clear and obvious"
      3) Correct decision (natural position, moving away, short distance)
      4) Correct decision (ball seems only to touch right arm, which is not increasing the body surface)
      5) Looks like the wrong decision, but I agree, that it probably could not be proven. Even now, I am not 100% sure, which part of the body touched the ball.

      Thanks for the clips. If you want, you can also comment them here to start some German discussions on the situations:
      http://buli-schiri.blogspot.com/2021/01/14-spieltag-kurze-anreisen.html

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    2. Here are my opinions:

      1) Clearly correct decision, as there is a normal physical play and no clear movement of the ellbow towards the opponent.

      2) No penalty for me. Probably no clear error, but this little contact isn't enough to justify a penalty.
      And: There seems to be a stamp on the foot by the attacker, which could be punished as well: https://ibb.co/g4Rg4RD

      3) Rather correct decision, as the arm is moved away and the body surface isn't significantly increased. Point of contact: https://ibb.co/JCRZhGw

      4) Rather difficult to assess, whether the ball touches the left arm or not. The contact with the right arm isn't important, as it is in a natural position. No VAR material for me, as there isn't a clear evidence for a mistake by the referee. Point of contact: https://ibb.co/FKsqn9D

      5) Extremely difficult scene. I don't know if there is a contact with the arm, however, I agree with the aforementioned statement by Jochen Drees. Point of contact: https://ibb.co/0Vjq8sb

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  6. To me the most interesting development is Nicholas Anderson from Jamaica being at Escobar's side; that is a very good signal for the Guatemalan, in my view (increases the political value of appointing them for WC 2022).

    Anderson was at Adonai Escobedo's side for U17 WC 2019, so from that I would also take that it will be a real fight between Escobedo and Ramos to take Mexico's place in Qatar (what a shame for previously excellent Mexican refereeing...).

    It's a real shame that the poor Edina Alves Batista will handle a match (there are better female referees than her!) and not talented Kader Zitouni, but such is the trend nowadays!

    My guess for the final would be Mario Escobar - I think FIFA are very interested in this man and his style.

    The other option would be that they want to test Muhammed for big games; we will find out if Faghani has been removed by the Iranian association from the FIFA list in the next few days, if so, I would guess the Emirati would be pushed quite a lot from AFC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Concacaf trios at the U17WC 2019 were Escobar - Panjoj, Anderson and Escobedo - Arrieta, Barwegen, so no changes in Escobar's team.

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    2. Indeed, you are right; it would have been helpful to have checked that myself before writing my comment :)

      Though the point that it increases his chances for Qatar remains I think.

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    3. Escobar is currently rated No. 1 in Concacaf (2019 Gold Cup final and 2020 Concacaf CL final), so, unless something catastrophic happens, his WC22 spot is guaranteed by Hall/Concacaf.

      Delete
    4. IMO there really is no competition between Ramos and Escobedo. Ramos is the tried and tested referee while Escobedo is still an unknown. Also, within Liga MX, Ramos is rated higher than Escobedo. However, looking into past, I am left highly disappointed by these two. They are nowhere near the talent Mexico has produced previously. But this lack of talent is affecting CONCACAF as a whole.

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    5. Also, why does the FIFA Ref Comm insist on "wasting" Mr. Zitouni's time and talent? Why invite him to a competition they have zero interest in actually assigning him a match as a main referee? The FIFA Ref Comm is turning this man into nothing more than a bonafide 4th Official.

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    6. @anonymous, I think it's important to remember that Mexican and US referees usually can't work finals. Indeed, they were not included in the recent CCL tournament completion.

      So it's a stretch to say Escobar is "rated #1 by CONCACAF." You have two likely returning WC referees in Ramos and Marrufo. Escobar is likely rated #1 outside the US and Mexico, but when we start talking about WC slots and FIFA assignments, that matters quite a bit.

      Delete
    7. Good point by usaref.

      As for Zitouni, is he actually a good ref? I haven’t seen too much of him, but I get the sense that FIFA just invites him to this tournament every other year to make up the numbers, to give OFC representation... if this is the method, that’s not how FIFA should operate. There should not be quotas of referees to be from each confederation.

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    8. @usaref: I never said that Escobar is better than the top Mexican or US referees. However, the statistical reality is that Escobar got the top Concacaf appointments in the last two years (current WC selection cycle), which no Mexican or US refs did, regardless of the circumstances.

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    9. Let's be honest. The current crop of "top" CONCACAF referee's is one of the if not the weakest group of referee's in recent times. So to say that Escobar is as good if not better than current Mexican and USA referee's isn't as far fetched as some may want to make it seem. I personally despise Escobar's style. But in all honesty, he is exactly what those currently in power want in a referee. His style is the blueprint for the "modern way".

      Delete
    10. @anonymous, this is a delayed response because the thread got bumped, but...

      You literally said "Escobar is currently rated #1 by CONCACAF." You didn't say "he got the top CONCACAF appointments." Those are two totally different things because of the US-Mexico circumstances in the confederation. Someone from Central America ALWAYS gets the best appointments within CONCACAF. But when it comes down to FIFA events, a Mexican or American referee is almost always rated/ranked #1.

      You can't say "regardless of the circumstances" when talking about CONCACAF when the circumstances are almost always the same. It's a reality. I mean, no American has ever done the Gold Cup Final and a Mexican hasn't done it since 1991 (and it's a biannual event!).

      Delete
    11. Will have to agree to disagree. Besides their top appointments, Escobar and Barton are actually rated the first 2 in Concacaf by Concacaf.

      Delete
  7. I really can't understand the role of the OFC confederation within the world football, especially after Australia left it.
    OFC never has one regular place at FIFA world cup but every time they have to run a play off against a more quoted country. Same for the referees; they are never considered for (main) FIFA competitions. I agree on the fact that Zitouni deserves more than Batista or N'Dayie to officiate a match as main referee.
    I think his management is completely respectless; he can't be called every time just to act as 4th official.

    ReplyDelete
  8. For FIFA Olympic Games I would appoint the following officials:

    UEFA; C. DEL CERRO GRANDE, W. COLLUM (as farewell competition), A. EKBERG, S. JOVANOVIC, T. STIELER
    CONCACAF: ELFATH, BARTON
    COMNEBOL: BASCUNAN, DIAZ DE VIVAR, HARO, DARONCO
    CAF: VICTOR GOMES, GORBHAL,
    AFC: AL JASSIM, BIN JAHARI
    OFC: ZITOUNI (as main referee and not 4th official :-) ,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I rather expect the Olympic Games officials to (just) be selected from last year's list of prospective referees for the World Cup 2022:

      AFC
      1. Christopher Beath (AUS, 1984, photo)
      2. Nawaf Shukralla (BHR, 1976)
      3. Ma Ning (CHN, 1979)
      4. Alireza Faghani (IRN 1978)
      5. Ryuji Sato (JPN, 1977)
      6. Adham Makhadmeh (JOR, 1986)
      7. Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (QAT, 1987)
      8. Mohammed Abdulla (UAE, 1978)

      CAF
      1. Mustapha Ghorbal (ALG, 1985)
      2. Ndala Ngambo (COD, 1987)
      3. Amin Mohamed (EGY, 1985)
      4. Bamlak Tessema (ETH, 1980)
      5. Bakary Gassama (GAM, 1979)
      6. Redouane Jiyed (MAR, 1979)
      7. Victor Gomes (RSA, 1982)
      8. Maguette N’Diaye (SEN, 1986)

      CONCACAF
      1. Ricardo Montero (CRC, 1986)
      2. Mario Escobar (GUA, 1986)
      3. Said Martinez (HON, 1991)
      4. Adonai Escobedo (MEX, 1987)
      5. Cesar Ramos (MEX, 1983)
      6. Ivan Barton (SLV, 1991)
      7. Ismail Elfath (USA, 1982)
      8. Jair Marrufo (USA, 1977)

      CONMEBOL
      1. Fernando Rapallini (ARG, 1978)
      2. Facundo Tello (ARG, 1982)
      3. Gery Vargas (BOL, 1981)
      4. Raphael Claus (BRA, 1979)
      5. Wilton Sampaio (BRA, 1981)
      6. Roberto Tobar (CHI, 1978)
      7. Andres Rojas (COL, 1984)
      8. Guillermo Guerrero (ECU, 1985)
      9. Mario Diaz de Vivar (PAR, 1983)
      10. Jose Mendez (PAR, 1983)
      11. Kevin Ortega (PER, 1992)
      12. Leodan Gonzalez (URU, 1983)
      13. Alexis Herrera (VEN, 1989)

      OFC
      1. Matthew Conger (NZL, 1978)
      2. Nicholas Waldron (NZL, 1982)
      3. Abdelkader Zitouni (TAH, 1981)

      UEFA
      1. Georgi Kabakov (BUL, 1986)
      2. Michael Oliver (ENG, 1985)
      3. Anthony Taylor (ENG, 1978)
      4. Carlos Del Cerro Grande (ESP, 1976)
      5. Jesus Gil Manzano (ESP, 1984)
      6. Clement Turpin (FRA, 1982)
      7. Felix Zwayer (GER, 1981)
      8. Daniele Orsato (ITA, 1975)
      9. Andris Treimanis (LVA, 1985)
      10. Danny Makkelie (NED, 1983)
      11. Szymon Marciniak (POL, 1981)
      12. Artur Soares Dias (POR, 1979)
      13. Ovidiu Hațegan (ROU, 1980)
      14. Srdjan Jovanović (SRB, 1986)
      15. Ivan Kružliak (SVK, 1984)
      16. Slavko Vinčič (SVN, 1979)
      17. Andreas Ekberg (SWE, 1985)

      Delete
  9. About Irrati appointment for Milan - Juventus on Wednesday, maybe for most of the people unexpected appointment, but I had a feeling that he could have got it. He suffered an injury for a quite long time and his last game in serie A had been Sassuolo - Inter on last 28 November, then after that he mostly worked as VAR. He officiated some days ago Chievo - Venezia in serie B after this long break from the pitch. Technically he is a very good referee, but being always busy as VAR in both serie A and international competitions has blocked his career in the meaning that he can't get more than Category 2 at UEFA level, but some seasons ago he got some top clashes in serie A and he did very well. Then, there will be other big games on next matchdays and we will see the choices by Rizzoli, Mariani seems indeed reay to get something big as well...

    ReplyDelete
  10. OT

    Lamia-Aris (Ref Skoulas UEFA 3rd) (VAR Fotias UEFA 3rd)

    https://streamable.com/7ekb64

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Correct intervention by VAR (stamp) and for me the penalty execution is legal.

      Delete
    2. IMO clearly correct penalty + VAR intervention, no reason to disallow the goal.

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    3. Correct intervention on both incidents. However, in the second case I think that OFR is needed.

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    4. Agree, but once you open VAR protocol and VAR get involved in decision (due to wrongly disallowed goal from PK) the final decision has to be correct, which is retake for encroachment from both teams.

      Delete
  11. Bad news from Sweden: FIFA AR Joakim Amri Nilsson has been jailed on serious organized crime activity (fraud and money laundering), and has been banned from refereeing for betting on games in Allsvenskan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He had massive debts due to a betting addiction. Ended up abusing the trust of family, business contacts and women (even some fellow referees!) by asking for loans under false pretenses, claiming he'd repay them, which he didn't. The investigation also showed that he was having relationships with several women at the same time (including several referee colleagues), when he also married a woman. He was even messaging with his "girlfriends" on the day of the wedding!

      This winter he was convicted of theft in a supermarket, but it had no consequences for his refereeing. There are however, many referees who have been uneasy around him for a long while, several reports have been made to the federatiom but nothing happened until he was jailed this fall.

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    2. The public debt collector (Kronofogden) were making big deductions in his wage payments from the federation every month. But nobody at the federation cared about it...

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    3. Is it public info (source?) or just rumours?

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    4. From what I see, official Info is suspension for 15 months for betting with total stakes of 12000 kr

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    5. Here are 2 penalties that he called. Both were seen as suspicious. See for yourself if you think these are reasonable for an AR to intervene or not. One is obviously 100% wrong.

      http://highlights.allsvenskan.se/webview/playlist/anvm3cn3m0nlp?appShortName=undefined&fogisId=&esId=&binaryVersion=5.5.0-217&codePushVersion=5.11.41-423&packageName=com.sportomedia.allsvenskan2012

      http://highlights.allsvenskan.se/webview/playlist/a1009haqisxr9?appShortName=undefined&fogisId=&esId=&binaryVersion=5.5.0-217&codePushVersion=5.11.41-423&packageName=com.sportomedia.allsvenskan2012

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  12. Today's games from WC 2010:

    Cameroon - Denmark, Jorge Larrionda

    Slovakia - Paraguay, Eddy Maillet
    Italy - New Zealand, Carlos Batres (HL up, report tomorrow)
    (Brazil - Côte d'Ivoire, Stéphane Lannoy will be among the games uploaded tomorrow)

    https://wc10refs.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. England
    Carabao Cup Semifinals

    Tuesday 05th January

    20:45 Tottenham - Brentford
    Mike Dean - Ian Hussin - Dan Robathan - Lee Mason
    [Peter Bankes - Neil Davies]

    Wednesday 6th January

    20:45 Manchester United - Manchester City
    Martin Atkinson - Harry Lennard - Nick Hopton - David Coote
    [Jonathan Moss - Lee Betts]

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just a thought - do you think that DFB will be able to lobby Tobias Stieler onto the WC 2022 pre-list?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think DFB is able to lobby everything, their position is extremely strong. 4 referees in elite although the level of refereeing is very poor in Germany (only Brych really deserves it, tbf).

      Delete
    2. the german chairman lutz froehlich is from berlin, and so is felix zwayer...i don't see chances for stieler. maybe in ec2024 which is played in germany, as a host nation they will be allowed two. but for 2022 i dont even see any german going there at the moment. unfortunately, i must agree with anonymous that the performances on international level were surely below expectation. many var-interventions and sometimes unusual and unexplainable mistakes...in bundesliga so far, apart from some mistakes that can happen, it seems quite calm, which is normally a good sign that the referees dont take too much criticism

      Delete
  15. The appointments for the next 2 matchdays in the Netherlands are out. Among others, the two top games will be refereed by Kuipers (Ajax - PSV, VAR Van Boekel) and Gözübüyük (PSV - AZ, VAR Manschot). Based on those appointments, next week's Klassieker (Ajax - Feyenoord) will go to either Makkelie or Blom.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Still waiting for FIFA update about new international list.
    No info at all about Faghani?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, Faghani is out...

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  17. Why fifa hasn't published yet the referee list for 2021!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Big question!

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    2. 2 years ago it was published at 1 January. Last year at 3 January, this year let's wait until tomorrow ;)

      Delete
    3. Maybe FIFA needs time to remove the Swedish AR due to the latest news? :)

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  18. Shocked by Javier Alberola Rojas' management of the last minutes of 1H in Marbella - Real Valladolid...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why? What happened?

      Delete
    2. Late (probably reckless) foul, Alberola just blows for a 'normal' freekick (whistle language, presence), which inflames the players, and then referee cautions two players in quite a provocative manner with no prior warning.

      Correct no handling call at +92' for Marbella equaliser (at least it seems so on the stream :)) but no enlargement of additional time, so he blew at 93:01 despite there being a goal in +3 added time; how Spanish! :D

      Delete
    3. Interesting penalty call for Marbella which I missed for only having the game on in the background.

      https://streamja.com/Qpd0a

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    4. Question for Spanish readers - is Alberola Rojas always as passive like in this game (card or nothing, no reaction to the ball being kicked away for DtR / dissent) or was he simply disinterested in this cup match in freezing cold rain?

      Difference between he and Díaz de Mera is much in the latter's favour, IMO.

      Delete
    5. Alberola Rojas will be FIFA. In my opinion is the best referee in La Liga, young and calm. Players respect him.

      Delete
    6. I disagree, Alberola Rojas didn't show any special progress or development since his promotion in 2017 and (as for now) he doesn't deserve to become FIFA. He was the last young referee pushed by old CTA-RFEF, at least he's not in risk of demotion and becoming Vicandi Garrido 2.0 but he must improve because he has technical (and specially) physical conditions.

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    7. I think that the referee Alberola Rojas showed a lot of progress. He use calm, laught and serious faces depend of the situations. 1-2 years only serious. The control of the matches is spectacular. Is the referee that less YC show per match. Players love this kind of mannegement. But is only my opinion. Thanks

      Delete
    8. @Quilava,you are absolutely spot on with Arbelola's comparison to Inaki.

      Similar lenient and passive style, if he doesnt change something about that I dont think that he will go far in his refereeing career.

      Delete
    9. Evidently Velasco Carballo thinks differently from you, fortunately. Sevilla - Real Sociedad.

      Delete
  19. Today's game from World Cup 2010:

    Brazil - Côte d'Ivoire, Stéphane Lannoy

    wc10refs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Translated articles about the case of Swedish FIFA AR Joakim Amri Nilsson:

    https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.expressen.se/gt/sport/fotboll/allsvenskan/kvinnliga-domaren-han-ar-otroligt-manipulativ/

    https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/1BvQWe/aklagaren-yrkar-pa-45-ars-fangelse-for-elitdomaren

    https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/fotboll/a/9OB1rM/avslojar-elitdomaren-spelade-pa-allsvensk-match-han-sjalv-domde

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sweden... Strombergsson... Nilsson...

      Delete
  21. Appointments - Germany:

    2nd Bundesliga Matchday 12 (rescheduled match)

    6th January

    20:30 Würzburger Kickers - FC St. Pauli
    Michael Bacher - Tobias Fritsch, Johannes Huber - Tobias Endriß
    [Nicolas Winter, Patrick Kessel]

    ReplyDelete
  22. France - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

    Wednesday 6 January 2021

    FC Lorient - AS Monaco FC (19:00)
    Frank Schneider - Brice Parinet Le Tellier, Alexandre Viala - Ludovic Genest
    [Jérôme Miguelgorry, Frédéric Haquette]

    FC Metz - FC Girondins de Bordeaux (19:00)
    Antony Gautier - Michaël Annonier, Julien Aube - Aldric Chancioux
    [Bruno Coué, Romain Delpech]

    FC Nantes - Stade Rennais FC (19:00)
    Jérémie Pignard - Bastien Courbet, Julien Haulbert - Antoine Valnet
    [Bastien Dechepy, Hamid Guenaoui]

    RC Strasbourg Alsace - Nîmes Olympique (19:00)
    Benoît Millot - Stephan Luzi, Mathieu Grosbost - Mehdi Mokhtari
    [William Lavis, Stéphane Bré]

    Stade Brestois 29 - OGC Nice (19:00)
    Jérémy Stinat - Guillaume Debart, Huseyin Ocak - Cédric Dos Santos
    [Dominique Julien, Yohann Rouinsard]

    AS Saint-Étienne - Paris Saint-Germain (21:00)
    Clément Turpin - Nicolas Danos, Yannick Boutry - Alexandre Perreau Niel
    [Benoît Bastien, Johan Hamel]

    LOSC Lille - Angers SCO (21:00)
    Thomas Léonard - Gilles Lang, Christophe Mouysset - Pierre Legat
    [Alexandre Castro, Arnaud Baert]

    Olympique de Marseille - Montpellier HSC (21:00)
    Stéphanie Frappart - Mikaël Berchebru, Erwan Finjean - Bartolomeu Varela Teles
    [Wilfried Bien, Hicham Zakrani]

    Olympique Lyonnais - RC Lens (21:00)
    Éric Wattellier - Aurélien Berthomieu, Matthieu Lombard - Robin Chapapria
    [Mikaël Lesage, Benjamin Pagès]

    Stade de Reims - Dijon FCO (21:00)
    Amaury Delerue - Bertrand Jouannaud, Mehdi Rahmouni - Pierre Gaillouste
    [Hakim Ben El Hadj Salem, Cyril Mugnier]

    ReplyDelete
  23. Really really interesting start for Paolo valeri.... 3 penalties given, two after an OFR and one rescinded by VAR for a factual decision being the foul happened outside the box

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just saw on Twitter that Alberto Undiano Mallenco will be the new technical director of refereeing in Mexico, replacing Arturo Ángeles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Technical director or VAR Project Leader?

      Delete
    2. Arturo Angeles? The former FIFA referee from USA has a position within the Mexican Referee Commission?

      Delete
    3. Yes, Angeles has been the VAR coordinator for FMF since 2019 and his term ends now. The rumours are that Undiano will replace him.

      Delete
    4. Thanks, I was unaware of Angeles' involvement with Liga MX. But I now understand why VAR is a disaster in Mexico ;)

      Delete
    5. I don't watch much Mexican football (I started watching a league final handled by Ramos and preferred to stop watching before the end), but it does seem that Angeles has been a disaster there.

      Both Felipe Ramos Rizo (more polemicist) and Benito Archundia were staunch critics of Angeles' work, and Marco Rodríguez / Francisco Chácon also celebrated his removal.

      It's terrible that Angeles could get such an important role as FMR VAR director simply for being friends with Arturo Brizio Carter (among others, they attended WC 1994 together).

      I had the same question as Anonymous - what has happened, if anything, to Brizio Carter now? If he is indeed the new technical director, then surely that means he has been removed as well.

      I did smile at seeing it was Undiano going into that role - Mexican refereeing nowadays couldn't be more different from the style of this man whose aim on the pitch had nothing to do with 'game feeling' or 'event management', but by being ultra-consistent. But of course I doubt too much will change in the 'ideology' of FMF refereeing.

      Delete
    6. Mikael, I wouldn't be surprised if Angeles got the job for simply being "buddy buddy" with Brizio Carter. I

      n regards to Brizio Carter, I actually got my hopes up when he was hired and replaced Codezal. I figured that a referee who was so great in his time on the pitch. That he would be able to instill and expect his level of greatness into Mexican referee's. To include the Law and Order he became known for on the pitch. But as we see with multiple referee's throughout the world (Bussaca, Seneme, Collina, Hall, Rosetti, etc...) who were good on the pitch. But as administrators they have moved so far away from who and what they were on the pitched. They've allowed themselves and their positions in power to be manipulated by an erroneous approach to officiating football.

      So the question is, will Mallenco (if this hiring is true) stay true to who he was as a referee? Or will he simply be an unrecognizable shell of his former self and become yet another puppet for "the modern way"?

      Delete
  25. OT

    Apollon Smyrnis - Panathinaikos (Ref Koutsiaftis, VAR Kotsanis)

    3 VAR interventions

    29' https://streamable.com/0y6y9n

    48' https://streamable.com/qg45x5

    77' https://streamable.com/e4yisw

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 29' I thought that original PK call was a correct decision but I didn't notice the handball, correct intervention by VAR. Also, RIP to both players noses... >.<

      48' I don't understand this one. First of all it is a quite soft PK but contact seems to happen definitely INSIDE. Also, why a YC?

      77' Tight offside as the replay shows.

      Delete
    2. 1 - excellent decision, good VAR-intervention.

      2 - difficult scene. Rather correct penalty, however, I'm not sure würde the incident exactly happened. Regsridng this picture, rather correct call:
      https://ibb.co/NN94jDY

      3 - correct.

      Delete
    3. For me, VAR at 29' is wrong.
      29' The "handball" and the horrible misjudged challenge (and foul!) from the GK are at the same time for me. At the frame, where the ball hits the arm, the GK arm is already making contact with the attackers neck/cheek. Not the full collison with the body, but for me this is not what football expects (getting away with bad challenge, because it hit the attackers arm 10ms earlier.) I don't think anyone whould have complained (post match), if the PK stood, but I could be wrong^^
      48' Probably the right decision. As with offside, it's eather in or out, no margins. I also think a (S)YC was not correct, no SPA for me.

      Delete
  26. Very poor and I'm really sorry for him. I must agree.
    I think he can now continue as VAR, but regarding the field, time seems to be over. He had this last chance, but he failed.
    Too evident mistakes. Regarding the foul before 1-1, one can wonder whether Orsato could intervene or not, but it seems as Irrati assessed the incident so no room for OFR.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Strongly disagree with regard to the extra time penalty incident. This in no way is a clear and obvious error, so IMO correct non-intervention. Not every contact is a foul.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Today's games from World Cup 2010:

    Portugal - DPR Korea, Pablo Pozo
    Chile - Switzerland, Khalil Al-Ghamdi
    Spain - Honduras, Yūichi Nishimura

    Highlights and reports for each of the first thirty-two games can be found here:
    https://wc10refs.blogspot.com/


    (that initiates a short break from WC 2010 games for me; I should be back uploading within the next fortnight, hopefully sooner!)

    ReplyDelete
  29. IMO attacker notices the contact and uses that to organize his fall himself. The slight contact for me is not enough to make attacker fall.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Excellent straight RC issued by Leodan González last night in the Libertadores SF match River Plate - Palmeiras.

    https://youtu.be/OWolrZPEsmE?t=442

    ReplyDelete
  31. Here is the incident mentioned above from the AC Milan - Juventus game handled by Massimiliano Irrati [VAR: Daniele Orsato].

    => +93' Penalty to Milan?
    https://streamable.com/ybnuci

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not enough, no penalty

      Delete
    2. No penalty for me

      Delete
    3. IMO borderline, but absolutely acceptable decision. The attacker searches for the contact and increases its importance, however, a penalty decision shouldn't be wrong as well.

      Delete
    4. IMO, there is a significant contact on the knee, mainly caused by the defender and therefore it should be a penalty.
      But apparently not a clear one, given the different opinions here.

      Delete
  32. Maybe too much time spent behind the monitor and not on the pitch?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Terrible performance for Irrati in Milan- Juve. Sorry, but this game was too much for him.

    - in the start of the game he missed two clear fouls on Chiesa, made by Theo Hernandez. In both cases Hernandez could have been booked. During the hame he was very lenient with Milan's fouls on Chiesa and Dybala.
    https://twitter.com/mirkonicolino/status/1347090163772624896/photo/1

    - goal of Milan came after a clear foul made by Calhanoglu against Rabiot. Sorry, but such mistake is not acceptable at this level. Unbelievable, but VAR didn't intervene. Orsato, did you sleep well ?

    - 2nd yellow card for Bentancur. Crystal clear.

    - wrong yellow card for Danilo, when it was preety clear for everyone that Danilo played the ball

    - there were some other (minor) problems: advantage not given, some fouls not given and the impression that his fitness is not the best.

    Sorry for him, but I can't trust such a referee as VAR in important international games.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Juventus fan... please...
      why you didn't mention possible PK for Milan at the end?
      Typhus must be put aside while talking here..

      Delete
    2. @ref paul

      You're right. We don't need fans here. On the other hand, we need smart people, who are able to read and understand.

      I said that Irrati missed a crystal clear yellow card for Bentancur (which would have been the 2nd one). If you don't know, Bentancur plays for Juventus. So, I criticized Irrati for a mistake in favour of Juventus ...

      I didn't mention that possible penalty for Milan because it was not a clear mistake (even you say "possible PK"). All the situations that I mentioned were clear mistakes of Irrati. If you add that penalty, than the performance of Irrati is even worse.

      Delete
  34. Would seem that the rumours about Alireza Faghani not being on the Iranian association's list of FIFA referees were ultimately false.

    Faghani states that he was removed from a provisional list made by the association, but he was re-entered by the referees committee for the final list sent to FIFA, after a 'public outcry'. Association denies this, and says Faghani was always on their list.

    So, Faghani should be on the FIFA List for 2021. Let's wait for FIFA's official publication before reaching any definitive conclusions though.


    Source:
    https://www.isna.ir/news/99101712814/%D8%B9%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D9%81%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D9%82%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%BA-%D9%85%DB%8C-%DA%AF%D9%88%DB%8C%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AA-%D8%A2%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B4

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To be honest, Mikael, I start to think that FIFA is in trouble to publish this list just for this reason (and maybe also for other questions). Too much time has passed since 01/01 and there aren't explanations for no publication so far. Differently from the past, in which everything was planned and very clear, I feel that nowadays also FIFA is suffering by something, in the meaning that they try to be more "flexible".
      This is the direction where major bodies of refereeing are going nowadays. I hope I'm wrong.

      Delete
    2. I was told by someone who has seen the pdf sent to the confederations and the national FAs in December that Faghani was not on Iran's list. Maybe it was being updated at the beginning of this year causing a delay in publishing it?

      Delete
    3. Mikael, do you know whether the interview took place before 31 December 2020 or in the new year, once the 2021 FIFA lists were approved?

      Delete
    4. If my understanding of the Persian calendar is correct, then the interview was published on the 27/Dec 2020.

      I don't follow Iranian football closely, but my understanding of the situation is that it's a huge mess. Iranian association allegedly did not submit their list by the FIFA deadline, the new chairman of the referees committee also wanted to remove his regular AR1 Mohammadreza Mansouri from the list; I can't find out if Mansouri made that final list Faghani was talking about (Anon. 17:12 - do you know if Mansouri was on that list?).

      Apparently, the plan was to before remove Bijan Heidari, 1980-born who had made little international progress since entering the list in 2015, but that plan was abandoned.

      Faghani says that sources told him the association rejected him for "security (political) reasons", while it seems they reason that if he doesn't handle domestic games in Iran (he hasn't), FIFA will reject him for Qatar 2022, and therefore there would be no reason to keep him on the list.

      So it seems that there has been some upheaval in the association('s refereeing committee) with some traction to remove Faghani, but according to the ISNA interview - from what I can gather a trustworthy source - the top Iranian referee is IN for 2021, but only after this huge drama.

      Quite how this will play out on the road to WC 2022 I don't know, but in any case it seems the large patriotic consensus of Iranian (refereeing) people 'saved' him from sth of a coup by some people in the association.

      Delete
    5. Faghani was in charge of Adelaide United v Melbourne City game on January 3rd. If anyone has access to replay, please check if he is wearing his FIFA 2021 badge.

      Delete
    6. I didn't find a replay of the whole match, but a highlight collection.
      Here, it seems as he isn't wearing a FIFA badge:
      https://ibb.co/TwNNSJ3

      Delete
    7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiCygWECicE
      02:34 it seems no FIFA badge but domestic Australian one...
      ahi ahi

      Delete
    8. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/referee-alireza-faghani-gives-a-red-card-to-scott-jamieson-news-photo/1294255638?adppopup=true

      Faghani still wears the 2020 FIFA badge.

      Delete
    9. Sorry, I must correct myself, I found another video with the confirmation that he is wearing the badge.
      Very good!
      https://i.postimg.cc/przMNzZj/badge.jpg

      Delete
    10. Oooh Stake, but the 2020 one....

      Delete
    11. https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/referee-anthony-taylor-during-the-premier-league-match-news-photo/1230412476?adppopup=true

      As another example, Anthony Taylor wearing the 2020 badge on 3/Jan.

      Delete
    12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN5Y3KTPAeY

      And Jérémie Pignard from France wears his FFF badge, despite being FIFA-listed from 1st January on. I believe FIFA may not have send out the badges to the respective referees.

      Delete
    13. Will that imply that Faghani is on the list for 2021 and just waiting to receive the 2021 badge? (Like Taylor is waiting since we know that Taylor is FIFA 2021 for sure)

      Delete
    14. No list, no badges... is anyone working at FIFA? :)

      Delete
    15. Maybe COVID playing a role on this delay, not so many people working at FIFA.

      Delete
  35. Italy Serie A
    Matchweek 17

    Saturday 09th January

    15:00 Benevento - Atalanta
    Gianluca Manganiello - Tarcisio Villa - Gamal Mokhtar - Giacomo Camplone
    [Gianpaolo Calvarese - Salvatore Longo]

    18:00 Genoa - Bologna
    Daniele Doveri - Dario Cecconi - Luigi Lanotte - Alberto Santoro
    [Maurizio Mariani - Sergio Ranghetti]

    20:45 Milan - Torino
    Fabio Maresca - Mauro Galetto - Emanuele Prenna - Michael Fabbri
    [Marco Guida - Valentino Fiorito]

    Sunday 10th January

    12:30 Roma - Inter
    Marco Di Bello - Fabiano Preti - Daniele Bindoni - Daniele Orsato
    [Paolo Mazzoleni - Giacomo Paganessi]

    15:00 Parma - Lazio
    Luca Pairetto - Stefano Del Giovane - Christian Rossi - Simone Sozza
    [Aleandro Di Paolo - Rodolfo Di Vuolo]

    15:00 Udinese - Napoli
    Fabrizio Pasqua - Pasquale De Meo - Matteo Bottegoni - Livio Marinelli
    [Luigi Nasca - Alessio Tolfo]

    15:00 Hellas Verona - Crotone
    Luca Massimi - Luca Mondin - Fabio Schirru - Gianluca Aureliano
    [Paolo Valeri - Alessandro Giallatini]

    18:00 Fiorentina - Cagliari
    Piero Giacomelli - Filippo Valeriani - Michele Lombardi - Matteo Gariglio
    [Luca Banti - Filippo Meli]

    20:45 Juventus - Sassuolo
    Davide Massa - Davide Imperiale - Valerio Colarossi - Rosario Abisso
    [Daniele Chiffi - Damiano Di Iorio]

    Monday 11th January

    20:45 Spezia - Sampdoria
    Marco Piccinini - Edoardo Raspollini - Giuseppe Perrotti - Federico Dionisi
    [Federico La Penna - Stefano Liberti]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Irrati out from appointments after the very poor performance in Milan - Juventus. Di Bello in a very good form.

      Delete
    2. Some episode of Fabio Maresca performance in match Milan-Torino:
      1st half, penalty after VAR review: https://t.me/REF_EX/39
      2nd half, penalty cancelled after VAR:https://t.me/REF_EX/40 and https://t.me/REF_EX/41

      Delete
  36. Italy Serie B
    Matchweek 5 recovery game

    Saturday 9th January

    14:00 Reggiana - Cittadella
    Francesco Fourneau - Ciro Carbone - Gaetano Massara - Alessandro Prontera

    ReplyDelete
  37. Appointments - Germany:

    Bundesliga Matchday 15

    8th January

    20:30 Mönchengladbach - Bayern München
    Harm Osmers - Robert Kempter, Thomas Gorniak - Arne Aarnink
    [Christian Dingert, Mike Pickel]

    2nd Bundesliga Matchday 15

    8th January

    18:30 SV Sandhausen - FC Heidenheim
    Florian Badstübner - Markus Schüller, Patrick Hanslbauer - Lothar Ostheimer
    [Christof Günsch, Tobias Fritsch]

    18:30 Karlsruher SC - Greuther Fürth
    Timo Gerach - Patrick Kessel, Timo Klein - Justus Zorn
    [Sven Jablonski, Henry Müller]

    ReplyDelete
  38. FIFA 2021 Referees PDF is out!

    Could be seen here : https://resources.fifa.com/image/upload/2021-fifa-list-of-international-match-officials.pdf?cloudid=qy9ohgx0ugqacius6mc1

    ReplyDelete
  39. Predictions Second Round

    04/02/2021
    Tigres - Ulsan Hyundai
    Maguette N'Dyaie (SEN)

    Al-Duhail - Al-Ahly
    Edina Alves Batista (BRA)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mine is
      Tigres - Ulsan Hyundai: N'Dyaie, Camara, Samba, Batista - Jiyed, Al Marri, Back
      Al-Duhail - Al-Ahly: Escobar, Anderson, Panjoj, Ostojich - Fischer, Gallo, Taran

      Delete
    2. According to Brazilian sources, Alves will get Al Duhail - Al Ahly.

      Delete
    3. Al-Duhail vs Al-Ahly
      Two passionate Arab teams whose players over-indulge in "gamesmanship". It will be a handful for what ever referee is chosen. After seeing Alves Batista over the years. She would not be my choice. Her overly lenient anything goes style cause this match to boil over and explode. I'd prefer a "firmer" referee as Ostojich.

      For the more "technical" less treacherous match (Tigres vs Ulsan). I'd prefer to have Mohammed Abdulla Hassan Mohamed. As he is a tested, more proven, and simply better referee than Maguette N'Dyaie.

      N'Dyaie and Alves Batista are interchangeable for either of the dead rubber matches (3rd place or 5th place).

      Zitouni, much like like the FIFA Ref Comm. I won't consider him for a main referee role. He'll handle 1 or 2 4th official assignments and leave yet another FIFA tournament not having blown his whistle. On the bright side, an all inclusive trip to Qatar and making some cash for watching football. Not a bad deal for Zitouni.

      Delete
    4. Than again: Zitouni used to be the second referee of Tahiti. He referees in France at the 5th level. It's hard to say those things merit to referee a lot of games at FIFA level...

      Delete
    5. Of course @Ref545, Zitouni worked hard to get there. He should be respected. I remember he was fourth official in a very difficult match at the Confederations Cup of 2017.

      Delete
    6. Zitouni always refereed his games well at a FIFA level (U20 WC: PORKOR, USAQAT; Al Sadd - Espérance Tunis at the last CWC). OFC has no political weight in FIFA.

      Delete
    7. Respect? Like the "respect" the FIFA Ref Comm has shown Zitouni by selecting him for competitions and then not allowing him to act as a main referee? Is that the "respect" you're talking about? Like Mikael said, Zitouni has performed well previously when he's been given the opportunity. But to not even be given an opportunity. That my friend, is disrespectful.

      What level of play is higher? The 5th Division in country like France or the 1st Division in Senegal?

      We all know that while extremely rare. A 4th Official can in case of injury become the main referee. It's part of the role. No surprise there.

      Delete
  40. Sebastian Coltescu, who was fourth official in PSG - Istanbul BFK, will referee this week, on 03/02/2021, Romanian Derby between Dinamo - FCSB.

    Romanian committee seems that they have full trust on him now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hopefully with a more stable performance than Catalin Popa in Dinamo's last match ;)
      https://streamable.com/61f9ie

      Delete
    2. Has UEFA released the results of their investigation?

      Delete
    3. Actually, he also slipped in his previous match FC Botosani - FC Hermannstadt :))
      I don't have the video, but I saw it on TV.

      Delete
    4. Was he and the other referees involved cleared by UEFA after PSG-Istanbul match?

      Delete
  41. HNL NEWS FROM CROATIA ( all comments just in one week)

    Expert comment national TV HTV: Marijo Strahonja
    https://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/strahonja-dinamu-protiv-sibenika-nisu-dosudjena-dva-penala/2251204.aspx

    Comitte conclusion on football TV HNTV: Members of committee

    Dinamo - Sibenik (Ref Bel UEFA Cat.3, VAR Bebek UEFA Cat.1)
    Penalty (folul)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/2e88zu
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention
    Penalty (folul)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/gv21uy
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention
    Penalty (folul)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/2j0e5n
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Rijeka - Gorica (Ref Jovic UEFA Cat.1, VAR Gabrilo)
    Penalty (handball)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : PK, VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/bbaiz8
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Osijek – Istra 1961 (Ref Strukan UEFA Cat.2, VAR Gabrilo)
    Penalty (foul)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/b4ppdb
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention
    Penalty (handball)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/kriay6
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Dinamo – Hajduk (Ref Zebec UEFA Cat.3, VAR Bebek UEFA Cat.1)
    Penalty (folul)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: NO PK given (PLAY ON AFTER OFR); VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : PENALTY, VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/7w38ci
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PENALTY, VAR intervention
    Penalty (folul)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: NO PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/t2mw6v
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention

    Istra – Slaven Belupo (Ref Pajac UEFA Cat.3 – UEFA , VAR Matoc)
    Penalty (folul)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given (PK AFTER OFR); VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/fnlbe5
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention
    Penalty (folul)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: PK given; NO VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, VAR intervention (to cancle PK) - https://streamable.com/q7jv4s
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention

    ReplyDelete
  42. HNL NEWS FROM CROATIA ( just in one week)

    Expert comment national TV HTV: Marijo Strahonja
    https://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/strahonja-dinamu-protiv-sibenika-nisu-dosudjena-dva-penala/2251204.aspx

    Comitte conclusion on football TV HNTV: Members of committee

    Dinamo - Sibenik (Ref Bel UEFA Cat.3, VAR Bebek UEFA Cat.1)
    Penalty (folul)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention

    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/2e88zu
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Penalty (folul)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/gv21uy
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Penalty (folul)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/2j0e5n
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Rijeka - Gorica (Ref Jovic UEFA Cat.1, VAR Gabrilo)
    Penalty (handball)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention

    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : PK, VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/bbaiz8
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Osijek – Istra 1961 (Ref Strukan UEFA Cat.2, VAR Gabrilo)
    Penalty (foul)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: PK given; no VAR intervention

    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/b4ppdb
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Penalty (handball)? - – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given; no VAR intervention

    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/kriay6
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PK, NO VAR intervention

    Dinamo – Hajduk (Ref Zebec UEFA Cat.3, VAR Bebek UEFA Cat.1)
    Penalty (folul)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: NO PK given (PLAY ON AFTER OFR); VAR intervention

    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : PENALTY, VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/7w38ci
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: PENALTY, VAR intervention

    Penalty (folul)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: NO PK given; no VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/t2mw6v
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention

    Istra – Slaven Belupo (Ref Pajac UEFA Cat.3 – UEFA , VAR Matoc)
    Penalty (folul)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: no PK given (PK AFTER OFR); VAR intervention

    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention - https://streamable.com/fnlbe5
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention

    Penalty (folul)? – Referee decision – VAR decision: PK given; NO VAR intervention
    Comitte conclusion on TV HNTV : NO PENALTY, VAR intervention (to cancle PK) - https://streamable.com/q7jv4s
    Expert (Strahonja) conclusion on TV HTV: NO PENALTY, NO VAR intervention

    ReplyDelete
  43. My predictions for the opening round, with VAR in parentheses:

    TIG-ULS: N'Diaye (SEN) (Jiyed (MAR))
    DUH-ALY: Escobar (GUA) (Bascuñán (CHI))

    ReplyDelete
  44. https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/protecting-the-game/news/0266-117ac5bccf35-72816baa13ca-1000--referees-urged-to-aim-high/
    There have been some online meetings also for assistant referees on the road to EURO 2020.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The EURO 2020 referee team will be chosen closer to the tournament, and Rosetti emphasised that places in the team were still up for grabs. “All of the elite referees are candidates for the EURO,” Rosetti said, “and we’ll also be looking at the performances of our first-category referees in view of the various duties required at the finals. Experience will obviously count as a criterion for our choices, but we’ll be closely monitoring everybody in the coming matches before taking our final decision.”

      This shows, that the decision regarding EURO referees (and further officials) has not been made and the upcoming performances will be quite important in that regard.

      Delete
    2. The final list will be released at the end of March.

      Delete
    3. The final selection will say more about this statement by Rosetti (if true or not), however, given all the roles (VARs, fourth officials...) it is quite sure that we will see some Category 1 as well. But the point is: will they be selected without mentioning the exact role they will have?
      There are too many questions for answering now.
      However, given that there will be games for every occasion, I think that it is indeed possible to see some less ranked Elite referees who will be able to get those games.

      Delete
    4. I believe there will be separate list for officials on the field (referee trios + fourth officials) vs officials in VOR (VARs and AVARs).

      Delete
  45. Appointments - Germany:

    DFB-Pokal (German Cup) Round of 16

    2nd February

    18:30 Rot-Weiss Essen - Leverkusen
    Daniel Schlager - Marcel Unger, Robert Wessel - Arne Aarnink
    [Tobias Reichel, Benedikt Kempkes]

    18:30 Holstein Kiel - SV Darmstadt 98
    Sören Storks - Dominik Schaal, Marcel Pelgrim - Sven Jablonski
    [Johann Pfeifer, Henrik Bramlage]

    20:45 Werder Bremen - Greuther Fürth
    Guido Winkmann - Christian Bandurski, Arno Blos - Florian Heft
    [Sven Waschitzki, Markus Sinn]

    20:45 Borussia Dortmund - SC Paderborn
    Tobias Stieler - Christian Gittelmann, Eduard Beitinger - Thorben Siewer
    [Matthias Jöllenbeck, Frederick Assmuth]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is this an indication that Beitinger is replacing retired Pickel in Stieler's team?

      Delete
    2. Yes, I think so. They also worked together in Stieler's last two Bundesliga matches, so I assume this will be the team for the next CL and EL matches at least - and maybe even for a long time.

      Delete
    3. Stieler totally destroyed his performance by allowing the 3:2 of Haaland which was offside - and Stieler for what reason ever refused to review his wrong decision on the field cause he did not want to check it on the screen after the VAR intervening. So he ignored the VAR, did not control his own wrong decision and decided the game that way. Disgusting...

      Delete
    4. Are you sure that Stieler refused VAR or was there something else?

      Delete
    5. According to DFB Stieler told the VAR that he saw a touch by a defender after the pass and therefore No offside is his decision. VAR then didn‘t find a clear evidence if the ball was touched or not at Stieler’s first decision was upheld. However many fans (including me) think that no defender touched the ball and therefore offside had to be given.

      Delete
    6. And by the way: Stieler did not „refuse“ to go to the screen and he did not „decide the game this way“

      Delete
    7. https://streamable.com/hqi09f (Thanks, Marvin)
      Decide yourself:
      Did the player touch the ball?
      If yes, is it deliberate play (in the sense of the offside rule)?
      If no, could you be sure enough as VAR to intervene, if the referee spotted a contact?

      Delete
    8. In my opinion there wasn't any touch of the ball and VAR could be sure about that. Mistake to support referee in this case.

      Delete
    9. This is a still from the former video.
      https://i.ibb.co/7nsH578/1.jpg
      And in this video you can hear the touch.
      https://streamja.com/21eow

      Delete
    10. Well, after this video and based on the sound of the touch, then it should be correct decision.

      Delete
    11. The touch is still a "save" and not a "deliberate play" though, no?

      Delete
    12. In that part of the field, it can be never a save, touch must be considered as deliberate play in all cases.

      Delete
    13. I also believe, it was a very good decision and it's a shame that Stieler and Jöllenbeck get so much criticism for it.

      I think, there are three major misunderstandings in the broader public, which culminate here:
      1) Many think that there cannot have been deliberate play here because the defender did not want to play that way / did not catch the ball properly / it seems unfair that offside is thereby nullified.
      However, it should be clear among referees that every touch that is not a deflection and not a "save" (an action to prevent a goal) is considered deliberate in the sense of the offside rule.
      2) Many think that the VAR would have to prove that there was contact in order to award the goal.
      However, under VAR principles, he would instead have to be able to prove that there was no contact in order to recommend that the referee changes his decision. This is an important difference here.
      3) Many think that the referee should look at such a scene on the screen himself.
      However, an on-field review only makes sense if the VAR can show the referee something that could lead to a change in his decision. This was obviously not the case here.

      Delete
    14. Terrific decision by the ref there. Great to spot the touch and it is 100% deliberate play = no offside.

      Sad to hear that they get criticism for such a good call.

      Delete
  46. All Club WC match officials will be COVID-tested this evening (with a view to confirming Thursday's appointments tomorrow?).

    ReplyDelete
  47. A couple of interesting clips from last weekend in Spain.

    1) 2nd division, Tenerife-Fuenlabrada, referee Óliver de la Fuente Ramos (1992)

    2YC for a TEN3, according to the match report: Restart play with a free-kick without my consent and having been previously adverted not to do so. Is it correct?

    https://streamable.com/016563

    2) 3rd division, Calahorra-Mutilvera, referee Alonso de Ena Wolf (1992)

    2YC for a player for fouling the GK while he was about to start a counter-attack. Correct?

    https://streamable.com/lkdxw4

    ReplyDelete
  48. Today's games from World Cup 2010:

    Netherlands - Slovakia, Alberto Undiano Mallenco
    Brazil - Chile, Howard Webb

    wc10refs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. AR2 is Peretti and I have a different idea about Calvarese first half. For me not so much convincing and unsure in most of the take decisions. I admit that it is a very difficult game, but referee is not doing well. Also, Irrati called that penalty but another VAR wouldn't have done that, there is no consistency this season in serie A regarding interventions for penalties. Irrati applies very often the "missed incident" criterion, and he calls a referee even though the incident itself is not 100% worthy of an OFR. Unluckily this is not made by other VARs, and Rizzoli couldn't find any line in that.
    This has created big confusion. You know that on paper holdings are a very grey area most of the times and VAR must be sure before calling that. Other VARs wouldn't have called referee.
    This is in my opinion very difficult to accept.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I absolutely agree with Chefren and also want to add that on the perception level Calvarese leaves you with the impression that he shows the cards only because he is attacked by the players. Very poor and unconvincing body language in combination with yelling at the players.

    ReplyDelete
  51. 2020 Scotiabank CONCACAF League Final
    Wednesday, February 3, 2021
    Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium
    Alajuela, Costa Rica

    LD Alajuelense (CRC) vs Deportivo Saprissa (CRC)
    REF: Ivan BARTON (El Salvador)
    AR1: David MORAN (El Salvador)
    AR2: Kathryn NESBITT (USA)
    4th: Rubiel VAZQUEZ (USA)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Any reasoning for Craig Pawsons straight Red Card for David luiz in Wolves v Arsenal?

    On Bt sport "if he attempted to foul him and went straight threw him would have been a yellow, but he pulled out of the foul so got a red"

    Is it even a penalty when the wolves player goes into the arsenal defender?



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DOGSO with no attempt to play the ball... by EPL rules.

      Delete
  53. Referee designations FCWC 2020 Match 2:
    @TigresOficial VS encadré @ulsanFC
    (4 February 2021)

    Referee: Esteban OSTOJICH - l'Uruguay
    ASR 1: Nicolas TARAN - l'Uruguay
    ASR 2: Richard TRINIDAD - l'Uruguay
    4th Off. Edina ALVES BATISTA - Brésil
    Res ASR: Neuza BACK - Brésil
    VAR: Nicolas GALLO - Colombie
    AVAR: Julio BASCUNAN - Chili

    ReplyDelete
  54. Referee designations FCWC 2020 Match 3:
    @ DuhailSC VS encadré @AlAhly
    (4 February 2021)

    Referee: Mario ESCOBAR - Guatemala
    ASR 1: Humberto PANJOJ - Guatemala
    ASR 2: Nicholas ANDERSON - Jamaïque
    4th Off. Abdelkader ZITOUNI - Polynésie Française
    Res ASR: Mariana DE ALMEIDA - l'Argentine
    VAR: Drew FISCHER - Canada
    AVAR: Kevin BLOM - Luxembourg

    ReplyDelete
  55. According to KNVB : Dennis Higler was nominated by UEFA for the U21 Euro group stage in Hungary and Slovenia. His assistant referees are Johan Balder and Joost van Zuilen. Netherlands Referee Team will been appointed in the Group B and D.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here: https://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/scheidsrechters/scheidsrechters/62497/dennis-higler-naar-ek-onder-21

      Delete
    2. So far, one Dutch (Higler) and one Belgian (Visser) announced. Anyone else?

      Delete
  56. FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020
    Round 2
    Tigres UANL - Mexico vs Ulsan Hyundai - Korea Republic
    Referee: Esteban Ostojich (URU)
    Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Taran (URU)
    Assistant Referee 2: Richard Trinidad (URU)
    Fourth Official: Edina Alves Batista (BRA)
    Reserve Assistant Referee: Neuza Back (BRA)
    Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Julio Bascuñán (CHI)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:
    Al Duhail SC - Qatar vs Al Ahly - Egypt
    Referee: Mario Escobar (GUA)
    Assistant Referee 1: Humberto Panjoj (GUA)
    Assistant Referee 2: Nicholas Anderson (JAM)
    Fourth Official: Abdelkader Zitouni (TAH)
    Reserve Assistant Referee: Mariana de Almeida (ARG)
    Video Assistant Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1: Kevin Blom (NED)
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No match facts/previews on fifa.com?

      Delete
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