Wednesday, 29 December 2021

FIFA Seminar for UEFA Referees on the road to 2022 WC - List of selected officials

The following UEFA officials will attend a FIFA Seminar in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as further stage on the road to WC 2022. 


17 - 21 January 2022

Referees

Georgi Kabakov (BUL) 
Michael Oliver (ENG)
Anthony Taylor (ENG) 
Benoît Bastien (FRA)
Clément Turpin (FRA) 
Daniel Siebert (GER)
Orel Grinfeeld (ISR)
Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Danny Makkelie (NED) 
Szymon Marciniak (POL) 
Artur Soares Dias (POR) 
Ovidiu Hațegan (ROU)
Istvan Kovacs (ROU) 
Sergei Karasyov (RUS) 
Srdan Jovanović (SRB) 
Slavko Vinčič (SVN) 
Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP) 
Jesus Gil Manzano (ESP)
Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
Cuneyt Çakır (TUR)

VAR

Stuart Attwell (ENG)
Willy Delajod (FRA)
Benoit Millot (FRA)
Bastian Dankert (GER)
Marco Fritz (GER)
Marco Di Bello (ITA)
Marco Guida (ITA)
Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Jochem Kamphuis (NED)
Pol van Boekel (NED)
Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro (POR)
Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (ESP)
Alejandro José Hernández Hernández (ESP)
Juan Martínez Munuera (ESP)

190 comments:

  1. We have for sure interesting choices! Finally some doubts are dispelled.
    First of all Cakir will be here as candidate for Qatar, and I'm really happy for him. Then, we can underline that the choice for Germany has been already made with Siebert the only name on the list. No chances at all for Zwayer, after a past in FIFA tournament, and if you ask me, that's very interesting to observe, because with his experience, and coming from a so big federation, this was not totally expected. Big focus so on Siebert without any doubts now.
    The affair in Spain seems to be still open to any outcome, with even three names, I wouldn't have guessed Gil Manzano. That's good for competition and I'm happy for Mateu, which I consider personally the best of the three referees.
    Bastien name, as said, is very surprising to read: I would say that this can give a bit of competition to Turpin, as somebody wrote, but basically the choice is clearly already made and we can hardly imagine Bastien at WC.
    Romania manage again to have at least on paper two referees, this basically shows the very good development by Kovacs, but at the same time I believe that it will be impossible to see him at WC, after having attended EURO. Hategan is first option and he has already to achieve this goal, before Kovacs.
    Kabakov seems to be the least experienced name there, he even failed the promotion to Elite, however maybe FIFA has different ideas about him. Jovanović as new UEFA elite referee can maybe fight for a reserve spot.
    Grinfeeld had a very disappointing 2021 and he should be back on a right path, I think however he could find motivations by having been included in this list.
    Competition seems indeed to be the key factor: FIFA doesn't want to show they have made already certain choices and I fully agree.
    The 2022 will be very important for all of them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Who else was removed from the original list, beside Zwayer?

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    2. Last known info about UEFA was before COVID times, and some big names hadn't been called.

      However, here the list (02/2020 seminar in Lisbon):

      Artur Manuel Ribeiro Soares Dias (POR)
      Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
      Andreas Ekberg (SWE)
      Jesús Gil Manzano (ESP)
      Ovidiu Alin Hațegan (ROU)
      Srđan Jovanović (SRB)
      Georgi Kabakov (BUL)
      Ivan Kružliak (SVK)
      Danny Makkelie (NED)
      Szymon Marciniak (POL)
      Michael Oliver (ENG)
      Daniele Orsato (ITA)
      Anthony Taylor (ENG)
      Andris Treimanis (LVA)
      Clément Turpin (FRA)
      Slavko Vinčić (SVN)
      Felix Zwayer (GER)

      Ekberg, Treimanis, Zwayer and Kružliak are the removed referees.

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    3. Those 4 were replaced by Mateu, Karasev, Kovacs and Siebert.

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  2. Does this mean that these referees are chosen for the WC or could be chosen for the WC?

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    Replies
    1. They are candidates. There is still a year before WC, this is th last shortlist, then next update will be the selected officials, I think a few months before the tournament.

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  3. So realistically if we are looking at 10 officials (either 9+1 or 10 referees, correct?), then it would seem like things would breakdown like this:

    LOCKS
    1. Taylor
    2. Turpin
    3. Siebert
    4. Orsato
    5. Makkelie
    6. Marciniak
    7. FEF Referee (Mateu/Cerro Grande?)

    That would leave Cakir, Karasev, Hategan and Vincic battling for 2 or 3 spots. Does that sound right? Can't see the others being seriously considered if we are at a limit of 10.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with your "locks", except for Marciniak. I mean, he didn't even attend Euro. And his last match at Arab cup was quite controversial, also. Why are you so sure about him?
      In my opinion, Cakir, Hategan, Karasev, Marciniak and Vincic will fight for 4 spots.

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    2. @Anonymous.. I don't think Vincic needs to fight. He will definitely be in the WC. We all know why.
      Play-Off matches will be decisive for other referees. But political reasons can also be decisive.

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    3. @keyNote

      How are you so certain that Vincic will be on the WC?

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    4. According to his 2021 performances and appoitments, Karasev should be a lock.

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    5. IMO Vincic and Karasev are very certain. Because of good performances.

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    6. I think that Karasev is in a better position than Vincic. Apart from the appointments and form, Karasev has already a WC on his palmares.

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    7. On second thought, to be extra careful I agree with others that a lock should be "FA Referee (Taylor/Oliver)." Given Oliver's work at the FIFA level, he has to have a chance. But Taylor is just so highly rated right now that I don't think he can be left at home. And two English referees seems implausible given the rest of the list. So I'd lean heavily to Taylor and say he's close to a lock, but a big mistake would open the door to Oliver.

      I would also agree that Vincic and Karasev are close to locks based on form and appointments. But I'd put them slightly outside that first group of seven. If you want to swap Marciniak and Karasev, I wouldn't quibble, but Collina's affinity for Marciniak must matter.

      So, ultimately, I think you have nearly 9 locks. The seven I write above plus Vincic and Karasev.

      If we are looking at 10 referees, it's really just a race between Cakir and Hategan. And that doesn't seem like a "race" in the traditional sense. If FIFA is treating Cakir differently than UEFA is, then Cakir would undoubtedly be a lock, too (and very high up the list). In that case, the 10 referees going is almomst already decided, with the Spanish race being the only big question.

      If FIFA views Cakir like UEFA does or if UEFA has enough influence... then, yeah, we have a race for the last spot, with Hategan in pole position. At least, that's how I see it.

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    8. On the paper yes, but, if you look at Hategan's appointments in his own confederation they are, unfortunately, more quantity rather than quality... no KO appointments (other than FO) at Euro and no top UCL (final or semis) in spite of getting many group stage matches... there must be a reason for that, after so many years in UCL... I like him as a ref, but something is missing in making that last step... what do you think?

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    9. Also, Kovacs is 4 years younger than Hategan. He went to Euro because Marciniak contracted Covid, but UEFA was pleased and followed-up with good appointments for him. Mazic was a big surprise at WC 2014, so you never know what is FIFA preparing :)

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    10. usaref, any news or rumours about the updated list of Concacaf?

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    11. My friend, the list of CONCACAF, CAF, AFC and OFC was already updated in November, with a seminar in Doha. A CONMEBOL seminar is expected to take place in late February, but the list has not yet been updated.

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    12. Yes, my friend, the lists were updated after the November seminar. For example, following the seminar, CAF list was reduced from 8 to 6, but who are the 2 referees removed? For AFC, CONCACAF and OFC there is no info available online. If you know more, please share.

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    13. I think anyone who thinks they know what the actual CONCACAF list is would be lying.

      FMF is clearly a mess. Maybe it reverts back to Ramos?

      USSF seems like it is Elfath with Marrufo either only as a VMO or not at all, but I still think both could go as referees.

      I think the Octagonal matches through March are going to play a big role in determining who goes. The Central American referees will be tested on some big matches. The Mexico race will, hopefully, become clearer. And we should pay close attention to Marrufo's assignments.

      Remember last cycle that Marrufo wasn't really even a candidate until just before U17s in India. And Lopez of Guatemala probably lost out on the last day of qualification. A lot can happen between now and the selection date.

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    14. I would make one other point about CONCACAF and particularly USSF.

      Note that with UEFA, FIFA has selected VAR specialists. With CONCACAF, it seems like FIFA is considering Marrufo or Elfath for VMO duty. That is a mistake. There are some excellent VAR specialists in PRO (Penso being the top one who is also a FIFA VMO). FIFA should take advantage of that specialization. Both Elfath and Marrufo are inexperienced and, in my opinion, subpar VMOS. They shouldn't go to the World Cup as a consolation prize if it comes to that.

      But I'm just a guy at a keyboard, so my opinion doesn't matter.

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    15. My understanding is that FIFA really wants VARs that are closer in refereeing level to the selected referees. In this context, the Concacaf VAR candidates are Fischer, Guerrero and Marrufo.

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    16. The list has not been shortened from 8 to 6, this is false information that has been linked together with the false information that N'Diaye would be suspended (which as it proved false), the list remains the same from the November seminar, it just will be modified if/when there is another seminar for those continents.

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    17. That's my understanding as well, based on the names considered. but I'm saying that it's a bad idea. It's also short-sighted.

      Is Fischer really a better referee than Penso? Just because he has a FIFA badge and Penso doesn't (anymore)? That doesn't make sense.

      But again, to the larger point, it's simply two different skillsets. Some who are good at refereeing are not good at sitting in front of a monitor. And vice versa. Whatever you think of Elfath's and Marrufo's abilities as referees, they are simply not that good as VARs. Indeed, until very recently they weren't even used in MLS as VARs. They've essentially got a crash course in it because of the possibility it could help them get to Qatar. That is bad personnel management. Fischer as a VMO in Qatar makes sense. But if there is an American, it should be Penso. And then there are like 20 other names before I'd consider Jair or Ish.

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  4. For me in Qatar will go these referees :
    1. Taylor
    2. Turpin
    3. Siebert
    4. Orsato
    5. Makkelie
    6. Cerro Grande
    7. Mateu
    8 Vincic
    9 Karasev
    10 Kovacs

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    1. 99% impossible both Del Cerro Grande and Mateu Lahoz.

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    2. What makes you think Kovacs has more chances than Hategan?

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    3. No Spanish referee attended more than one World Cup in the last 30+ years. According to this unwritten "rule", Mateu is out.

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    4. Kovacs may go as support referee. I would swap Mateu with Cakir in your list.

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  5. 1) Taylor
    2) Turpin
    3) Makkelie
    4) Marciniak
    5) Karasev
    6) Vincic
    7) Hategan
    8) Del Cerro Grande
    9) Siebert
    10) Orsato
    Reserve referee: Jovanovic

    ReplyDelete
  6. Agree that some referees are currently in pole position, but honestly… they can ALL still loose their spot if they don’t perform well in 2022?

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    Replies
    1. Yes on paper all can lose their spot, but in reality for some (most?) of them this is simply impossible.

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  7. Oliver?! Collina's pick is - Michael Oliver. Don't forget that Collina is the boss at the FIFA.

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  8. I am a little surprised to see only 2 Germans as VAR. There were 4 names at Euro and together with the Dutch VARs I think they were the most apreciated.

    I propose the same names as Quilava above.

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    Replies
    1. I don't think Dutch VARs have been in a very positive light recently, I think basically 2 is the norm. Unsure why Italy has 4 (political reasons?), but 3 Spanish VARs is probably due to the high number of Spanish-speaking nations / referees who will be present from Latin America. I would have liked to see an extra German VAR as well (why was Dingert at the Arab Cup and selected for the final if he's not a candidate for World Cup!?).

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    2. Indeed, four Italian VARs sounds like (I can admit that without problems) a compensation for Italy, given that it was just a miracle to see Orsato reach this tournament at the age of 47, basically there was the chance that Italy hadn't any main referee, the confirmation of Orsato in the international list is just basically for that, otherwise, with the many physical problems he had, he would have already retired, maybe after EURO.

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  9. My 10 names of referees for the 2022 World Cup:
    1. Cuneyt Çakır
    2. Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz
    3. Anthony Taylor
    4. Daniele Orsato
    5. Danny Makkelie
    6. Szymon Marciniak
    7. Clément Turpin
    8. Sergei Karasyov
    9. Daniel Siebert
    10. Ovidiu Hațegan

    Reserve Referee:
    1. Slavko Vinčič
    2. Carlos del Cerro Grande
    3. Michael Oliver
    4. Srdan Jovanović
    5. Istvan Kovacs

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  10. If there are 10 UEFA referees, I would say the following:
    Guaranteed – Makkelie, Turpin, Siebert, Vincic, Orsato
    Very likely – Hategan, Cakir, Karasev
    One or the other – Taylor/Oliver, del Cerro/Mateu Lahoz

    I think del Cerro has the edge over Mateu. The English spot could go either way. UEFA favours Taylor, who has officiated much higher-level matches in the UCL, but Collina loves Oliver – who is also significantly younger and is already basically guaranteed for 2026 and 2030 if he doesn't go below his current level.

    What are the chances England gets two spots? Perhaps it might placate the FA a little bit after not having any referees in 2018. The USA got two referees in Russia, so it's not totally out of the realm of possibility.

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  11. I wanted to say this, if Collina has a hand in the selection, I can tell you that Taylor won’t have it so easy, Collina has always favored Oliver and pushed him so much that Oliver has a Final in U17 World Cup and Semis in U20. If it’s purely UEFA then Taylor is on Lock!!!

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    Replies
    1. Collina also gave Cakir a WC semi-final in 2018, while UEFA treated him differently after 2016...

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  12. I think that Fifa will choose

    MAKKELIE
    SIEBERT
    ORSATO
    TAYLOR
    MARCINIAK
    DEL CERRO GRANDE
    TURPIN
    HATEGAN
    KARASEV
    VINCIC

    ReplyDelete
  13. Makkelie
    Siebert
    Oliver
    Marciniak
    Bastien
    Karasev
    Hategan
    Lahoz
    Orsato
    Grinfield

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  14. Marciniak at WC in Qatar after what happened recently with Qatar? The FIFA Ref Com deputy chairman is also from Qatar... Unfortunately, politically, very difficult for Marciniak...

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  15. Are the updated lists from other confederations known?

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  16. Also, Spanish referees traditionally don't repeat at World Cups.

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  17. So both Dingert and Blom were at the Arab Cup but not on this list. Are they out?

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  18. I think the situation in Spain is not as clear as some might think. Whilst it was clear that with Velasco the favourite was Del Cerro Grande, with Medina Cantalejo the situation might change. Also, Del Cerro has been performing below the expectances for a while now, IMO. The inclusion of Mateu Lahoz at this stage is not a good signal for either DCG or Gil Manzano, as it seems there is not full trust in them. Let's see, but I wouldn't bet on anything just yet, for me it is too open to say something.

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  19. A very interesting list with a few surprises.

    Germany has 4 Elite referees but only 1 name on the list, everything is already decided. I hope for Siebert that he will not make any crucial mistakes next year, because before you know it you will be gone again.

    Kabakov and Jovanovic were already liked by FIFA, based on the recent Olympic appointments. Also a surprise is the name of Bastien, anything but a serious candidate for me.

    For me the 10 names should be:

    1) Turpin
    2) Makkelie
    3) Taylor
    4) Siebert
    5) Marciniak
    6) Hategan
    7) Orsato
    8) Vincic
    9) Cakir
    10) Mateu Lahoz OR del Cerro Grande

    No place for Karasev if Hategan keeps giving good performances.

    VAR selection: Of course it's ridiculous that there are 4 Italian VARs again. Blom made too many mistakes in CL, Dingert is a mystery for me why he isn't there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you compare Karasev with Hategan, which one got better appointments in 2021, including Euro and Nations League?

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    2. Exactly, plus Euro R16.

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  20. I would really love it if FIFA would have the guts to leave out Orsato. I know that given the lack of really good refs at UEFA nowadays he might be a safe bet and among top 10, but for me at EURO 2021 he was absolutely one of the worst with CDCG Ekberg and Grinfeeld. Maybe he has improved and i hope so, otherwise id rather see 2 english refs instead of the italian one. Altough i know that most likely wont happen, because given the lack of real Elite Elite refs he Will most likely still be there unfortunately

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seems you are a bit harsh against Orsato. While I can agree, as I wrote above, that one couldn't have expected him at 2022 WC due to a possible previous end of career, I find wrong to judge him only based on EURO. I think his participation to WC is fully justified, he is among the current top UEFA referees, having also officiated the extremely crucial Portugal - Serbia.
      It is a bit different with Del Cerro, and here I agree more with you, disappointing by years, even before EURO, and I'm very curious to see how things will turn in Spain for this selection...

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    2. Orsato is a top referee. Even when he is not in top shape, he referees better than many other referees. He understand very well the art of refereeing. He was behind Rizzoli and Rocchi for years, but once they retired, he was recognized for his refereeing talent and skills.

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  21. My current prediction:
    del Cerro Grande
    Hategan
    Siebert
    Turpin
    Taylor
    Marciniak
    Orsato
    Makkelie
    1-2 out of (Jovanovic, Karasev, Vincic)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The race in Spain seems to be quite open.
      As they normally don't repeat WC referees, I don't expect Mateu, but his inclusion in the list shows, he has chances (at least as backup, if his compratiots fail).
      Del Cerro Grande hasn't been to a FIFA tournament yet, and had a weaker CL group stage, so I believe Gil Manzano could have come quite close to him and still has decent chances to overtake him.
      All three should be tested well in CL KO stage.
      In England, I generally prefer Oliver, but I think, the fact, that Oliver still has the chance for further WCs could actually be a good argument to use Taylor this time - given that there will be no mayor difference in performance next year.

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    2. You wrote names for 9 slots, don't you expect 10 slots?

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    3. Usually, it is 9+1, with the last spot being a support referee.

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    4. I wrote 9-10 names, I think both numbers are possible. And yes, one of them could be a support referee. If that's the case, probably someone with a chance for 2026.

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    5. It is indeed puzzling why Bastien and Kovacs were added to the list... do they really have WC chances? Another Mazic 2014 case?

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  22. I think I was telling some readers here, I think @zwayerbrasil that Seibert has been decided as clear number 1 in Germany and his appointment clearly stated that. Do you know what this even implies the more, for France we even have Bastien at least added to the list, we have Gil manzano from Spain, we even have some unrealistic names on the list but to not include Zwayer just shows how much Seibert has been put ahead of any German referee, the fear is that this is how it will be for a very long time because of his age!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zwayer was on the original list only because Germany did not have anyone else ready at that moment to replace Brych. Once Siebert emerged, it was clear. FIFA does not want a repeat of the SRB-SUI experience...

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    2. @Chiagozie
      This is only the first list, and we have still one year until the world cup many things can happen with both guys. That's not even my words, Siebert also thinks the same, we must wait until the final list.
      I know and fully understand that Siebert got many good matches and so on but also make me remember of Stieler which all was saying he would be the german ref for euro replacing Zwayer and look what happens...
      Wish all the best for Siebert on the first seminar.

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    3. True, all is about Zwayer work in SRB-SUI.

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    4. Isn't the wc 2018... after that he continued participating on seminars of fifa and so on. Also went to the Woman World Cup on 2019
      It's because for me he didn't whistle that many matches on the qualifying rounds, and the last one was the most important he missed due positive to covid.

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    5. You are still adamant, but I get your point, I will like to explain to you that if for some extra fall out of Favour by Seibert, this list means that the worst that will happen is that no referee from Germany will attend the World Cup, that is how the list is because this is where the UEFA referee for the World Cup.. if Seibert fails for some weird reason after this serminal, they are not adding to the list with Zwayer or Ayetkin or even Steiler.. that’s how bold and well Seibert is trusted and pushed by UEFA and FIFA… personally I prefer Zwayer..

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  23. My prediction:
    Referees from 5 big countries are sure regardless of their performance:
    Siebert
    Orsato
    Taylor/Oliver
    Mateu/dCG
    Turpin

    Based on last year's performance:
    Makkelie
    Karasev
    Vincic

    Last 2 slots between:
    Cakir, Marciniak, Hategan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Netherlands is a big country as well?

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    2. Yes, from refereeing point of view, you are right. I meant big countries = top 5 European football leagues.

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    3. Cakir and Marciniak are both appreciated by Collina, but UEFA (Cakir) and Collina's deputy chairman from Qatar (Marciniak) might see differently...

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    4. Well, 2018 didn't have any English referee (Clattenburg decided to go to Saudi Arabia, Atkinson was too old and Oliver/Taylor were still in First), and in 2014 Lannoy was discarded, so no French referees either.

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  24. CONMEBOL choice for 2021 Club World Cup:
    Fernando Rapallini - Diego Bonfa - Juan Belatti
    Mauro Vigliano VAR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It will be interesting to see whether the referees will have their own VAR? It might be a new trend to make the work referee-VAR more efficient and effective, same as the concept of referee-ARs.

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    2. I believe one of the Spanish referees will be selected from UEFA. So one of them will go to Club WC, the other one to Qatar next year.

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    3. CONCACAF:
      👤: Iván Arcides Barton Cisneros 🇸🇻
      🚩: David Jonathan Morán Santos 🇸🇻
      🚩: Zachari Jair Zeegelaar 🇸🇷
      🖥️: Drew Thomas Fischer 🇨🇦

      This also explains why no Fischer at AFCON...

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    4. Last year, FIFA published the CWC list on 31 December, so maybe tomorrow will have all names...

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    5. In fact, FIFA published it on January 4th

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    6. I should have said released, not published. Today it was released to the confederations. Let's see whether FIFA will publish it tomorrow or on their first working day of the new year.

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    7. My guess for UEFA is Orsato, who could need some experience at FIFA tournament.
      Del Cerro Grande would also make sense from that point of view.

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  25. Considering covid is there a chance of an increased amount of referees going to the world cup

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    Replies
    1. And that during the group stage there are 4 matches per day.

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    2. Still one year to go, definitely too early to think about that.

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  26. Who will choose referees? FIFA OR UEFA
    If FIFA there is one you should not discuss about him "CAKIR" is very respected by Collina and if he go to Qatar he will finish his GREAT CAREER with World Cup Final in 18-12-2022, It will be a gerat End for a great referee. I feel sad when I see a lot of comments under - estimate from CAKIR, ALL Referees made mistakes and if you can ignore this you will unfair.

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    Replies
    1. The referees are chosen by the fifa committee, and there are Collina and Rosetti, so from that point of view the selection will be made in mutual agreement between FIFA and UEFA. And the other members of the committee also have an opinion, which is why Marciniak selection may be in difficulties. And the same goes for all confederations.

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  27. The English "duel" will be very interesting, let me add something about that.
    I think that the most expected solution so far is the call of both Oliver and Taylor. I say that because I find really impossible to leave a so big name like Taylor at home, after everything he did at UEFA level. So, in my opinion 100% impossible to leave him out.
    At the same time, if we go back some years ago, we must admit that we could have thought about WC 2022 as tournament for Oliver. Let's add also the fact that Collina has a certain favour for him, but in my opinion this doesn't mean, absolutely, that he doesn't like Taylor.
    Would be very harsh to leave Oliver out as well, given that he is now surely mature for a WC and with a "perfect" age (not too young).
    So in my opinion one can only think that after the absence of English referees at previous WC, now PGMOL can dream of having two candidates in Qatar.
    Let's also analyze what would happen if....
    1) only Oliver is selected, that's would be astonishing for Taylor who could even retire, I find this as quite impossible to happen to be honest
    2) only Taylor is selected, in this case a big disappointment for Oliver in the central part of his career, he would be absolutely demotivated for the future.
    Therefore you have only one solution there...

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    Replies
    1. Not sure regarding the motivation of Oliver. He still knows, that he has two more WCs, where he has very good chances to participate (without any obvious competitor from England atm). Furthermore he still has a lot of things to achieve on UEFA level in this decade.
      So I would not see a problem in this regard, if Oliver is not selected.
      BTW, it seems quite possible, that there will again be not many options for the English referees in CL KO stage, so the options to test them on the highest level might be limited.
      I could also imagine that Oliver gets a big play-off as consolation (or final test) - that happened in the past as well.

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    2. I agree with Chefren most part but the motivation of Oliver is maybe not that serious, he might be left out but still have motivation, disappointed definitely because after the non English referee in Russia, Oliver has been pushed so much by Collina to make it to Qatar but Rossetti came with Taylor and there is definitely a conflict of interest if both cannot go, then it will be down to Collina to select with help from Rossetti, one thing I have come to know is that this ref com doesn’t look at age anymore with respect to attending further tournaments, so that may not count for Taylor.

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    3. How did Collina push Oliver to make it to Qatar, after the 2018 World Cup? Wasn't Taylor already getting big games in 2019-2020?

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  28. My prediction for the FIFA 2022 WC:

    1. Mateu Lahoz
    2. Cuneyt Cakir
    3. Anthony Taylor
    4. Daniele Orsato
    5. Danny Makkelie
    6. Szymon Marciniak
    7. Clément Turpin
    8. Sergei Karasyov
    9. Daniel Siebert
    10. Ovidiu Hațegan

    ReplyDelete
  29. Who is currently head of Fifa referees. Is it still Busacca

    ReplyDelete
  30. Being fully honest, i kinda think Artur Soares dias has a chance. Selected for EUROS and Olympic Games, Elite Group, and 44 years, i thinkg its is time tbh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sorry, i should know, i'm a referee of his District Association, but what do you think about him?

      Delete
    2. Artur Dias had a fair Euro but his European season was a little bit disappointing so far. He is a good referee., I like his style but simply there are not enough places for him. There are referees like Hategan, Vincic or Karasev who deserve more to be in Qatarand none of them has his place guaranteed yet.

      Delete
  31. 1. Taylor / Oliver
    2. Orsato
    3. Siebert
    4. Makkelie
    5. del Cerro Grande / Mateu
    6. Turpin

    If there are only “9(+1) slots”, the last 3 names are gonna be interesting:
    -Cakir, Vincic, Karasev, Marciniak, Hategan, a surprise name (Jovanovic) or maybe even a second English referee.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Kevin Friend is assistant referee on Arsenal - Man City?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, he replaces Constantine Hatzidakis. Long is AR1

      Delete
    2. Hatzidakis is on the line in the 2nd half

      Delete
    3. Hatzidakis wasn’t there but Neil Davies had to travel and got there in the middle of the game and then acted as forth official for the remainder of the first half then began the second half as AR2 while Kelvin friend resumed as forth official.. Any info on what happened to Hatzidakis???

      Delete
  33. Simon Long is AR1 so Constantine Hatzidakis is replaced

    ReplyDelete
  34. The only fair thing would be giving UEFA 11 places:
    Turpin
    1 from England
    1 from Spain
    Orsato
    Makkelie
    Siebert
    Vincic
    Karasev
    Cakir
    Hategan
    Marciniak

    ReplyDelete
  35. Very poor Attwell to start new year

    ReplyDelete
  36. Crystal Palace v West Ham United - Change to officials

    Darren England will replace Michael Oliver as referee.
    Jarred Gillett will be the fourth official. Jarred was on VAR duty for the Arsenal v Manchester City fixture this morning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Any reason why there is a change for Oliver??

      Delete
    2. So many changes that I think it had to do wIth Covid

      Delete
  37. OT:

    Each and every single one of your opinions are really appreciated, please tell me whether you see this as SPA or DOGSO:

    https://streamable.com/8x31ql

    It has been highly debated therefore as many opinions as possible is highly appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IMO, just about no DOGSO, because the attacker is not in control of the ball. It is not a controlled touch and even without the foul by the goalkeeper he wouldn't be able to change direction fast (momentum direction goal). But, as the goalkeeper is out of the equasion, the bad angle would not matter so much. I'm just not convinced he gets to the ball first.

      Delete
    2. I think it's a red card for SFP.

      For me, it's not DOGSO. Sometimes you just need to look at it as common sense. Would the attacker be likely to score if not fouled? I don't think so. Look where the ball goes. Look how many defenders are back. Look at the fact that he never even controlled the ball. DOGSO seems implausible.

      But... the goalkeeper kicked his opponent in the knee as if the knee was a ball and he was trying to clear it into touch. The force in that foul is excessive. The challenge could smash a knee to bits. Is it accidental? Sure. But it still needs to be punished.

      So I'm perfectly comfortable with a red card for SFP... perhaps even more so because, optically, some would argue for DOGSO.

      Delete
  38. My Predictions :

    Referees :
    Antonio Lahoz
    Artur Soares Dias
    Anthony Taylor
    Cüneit Çakir
    Clément Turpin
    Danny Makkelie
    Daniele Orsato
    Daniel Siebert
    Ovidiu Hategan
    Slavko Vincic

    AR :
    Pau Cebrián Devís
    Roberto del Palomar
    Rui Licínio
    Paulo Soares
    Gary Beswick
    Adam Nunn
    Bahattin Duran
    Tarik Ongun
    Nicolas Danos
    Cyril Gringore
    Hessel Steegstra
    Jan de Vries
    Alessandro Giallatini
    Fabiano Preti
    Rafael Foltyn
    Christian Gittelmann
    Radu Ghinguleac
    Sebastian Gheorghe
    Tomaž Klančnik
    Andraž Kovačič

    VAR :
    Stuart Attwell
    Bastian Dankert
    Marco Di Bello
    Massimiliano Irrati
    Pol Van Boekel
    João Pinheiro
    Alejandro Hernández
    Juan Martínez Munuera

    Reserve Referees :
    1. Sergei Karasev
    2. Michael Oliver
    3. Carlos Del Cerro Grande
    4. Srđan Jovanović
    5. Istvan Kovacs


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No bad prediction, but IMO Karasev will be selected, Soares Dias not.

      Delete
  39. Happy New year 2022,
    My ex refereeing chief in Yugoslavia, this year finished carrier as uefa observer due age limit
    He has parking ill but 2021 very braverly Fight and go on uefa appoitments, i hope bether health in future

    ReplyDelete
  40. Who are the regular assistant referees of Siebert?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In Bundesliga: Lasse Koslowski and Jan Seidel
      International: It used to be Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn (e.g. at the EURO), however due to some injury problems for Seidel, he had different ARs during this season. Especially at the Arab Cup he was joined by Foltyn and Christian Gittelmann.
      So I would say, it's not clear yet, whether his WC assistants will be Seidel/Foltyn or Foltyn/Gittelmann.
      There might even be a small chance that the experienced Borsch or Lupp join him now after the end of Brych's international career.

      Delete
    2. Why Kosslowski only in Bundesliga? How does he feel when Siebert goes to international competitions without him?

      Delete
    3. Lasse Koslowski no FIFA, it is not Siebert's fault.

      Delete
    4. Exactly. Koslowski even referees in 2.Bundesliga himself, so no chance to become a FIFA AR.
      However, he even accompanied Siebert in a CL match this season (Atletico-Liverpool).
      Probably at some point, Siebert will start to work with his international ARs also in Bundesliga.

      Delete
    5. If refereeing in 2. Bundesliga is more important for Koslowski than being AR at Euro or WC, then so be it. However, Siebert should eventually work with a stabile trio, as most top refs do, both internationally and domestically.

      Delete
  41. Rafael Foltyn, Christian Gittelmann

    ReplyDelete
  42. OUT OF CONTEXT
    Anyone knowing when the 2022 International List is coming out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At the beginning of the working week of the new year for FIFA employees.

      Delete
  43. Brazilian referee showed his 4official for repeatedly wearing his face mask wrongly!!! With my current knowledge of the game only players and more recently team officials are capable of committing red and yellow card offenses..

    The link: https://twitter.com/ReglaXVIII_/status/1475602882317668357

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. South American things. A behaviour that you will never see by an European official.

      Delete
    2. The referee has always had the authority to relieve an AR of his duties if he does not do follow the LOTG and competition rules.

      Delete
  44. My predictions:

    1. Mateu Lahoz
    2. Cuneyt Cakir
    3. Anthony Taylor
    4. Daniele Orsato
    5. Danny Makkelie
    6. Slavko Vincic
    7. Clément Turpin
    8. Sergei Karasev
    9. Daniel Siebert
    10. Ovidiu Hațegan

    ReplyDelete
  45. Mateu Lahoz with a very strange performance today. He didn't look overly focused to say it kindly. He was keeping the cards in his pocket by far too long and then started to give them with ease quite randomly. He didn't react in any way to Barcelona's blatant time wasting and instead he booked Mallorca players for dissenting behaviour. Well, I would say he based most of his decisions on his position in Spanish football and experience, not necessarily on focused approach and assessing each and single incident as it was.

    ReplyDelete
  46. A question? Is there any other top leagues that appoint the same referee for the same game in the same season? Taylor for example has done Liverpool v Chelsea and Chelsea v Liverpool this Premier League Season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's possible / sometimes happens in Bundesliga as well.

      Delete
    2. In serie A this can happen sometimes for "normal games", but never big matches. At least in the same season for the same big game there are always two different names.

      Delete
    3. RFU appointed Karasev twice for Dynamo - Zenit this season.

      Delete
  47. WC22 Referees Predictions

    Referees
    AFC :
    R1 - Mohammed Abdulla Hassan Mohamed (United Arab Emirates)
    R2 - Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
    R3 - Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (Catar)
    R4 - Alireza Faghnani (Iran)
    R5 - Ryuji Sato (Japan)

    CAF :
    R6 - Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
    R7 - Maguette N'Diaye (Senegal)
    R8 - Jean Jacques Ndala (RD Congo)
    R9 - Victor Gomes (South Africa)
    R10 - Sidi Alioum (Cameroon)
    R11 - Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia)

    CONCACAF
    R12 - Said Martínez (Honduras)
    R13 - Juan Calderón (Costa Rica)
    R14 - Daneon Parchment (Jamaica)
    R15 - Fernando Hernández Gómez (Mexico)
    R16 - Mario Escobar (Guatemala)
    R17 - Jair Marrufo (United States)

    CONMEBOL
    R18 - Esteban Ostojich (Uruguay)
    R19 - Raphael Claus (Brazil)
    R20 -Jesús Valenzuela (Venezuela)
    R21 - Roberto Tobar Vargas (Chile)
    R22 -Wilmar Roldán (Colombia)
    R23 - Fernando Rapallini (Argentina)

    OFC
    R24 - Chris Beath (Australia)
    R25 - Matthew Conger (New Zealand)

    UEFA
    R26 - Antonio Lahoz (Spain)
    R27 - Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
    R28 - Anthony Taylor (England)
    R29 -Cüneit Çakir (Turkey)
    R30 - Clément Turpin (France)
    R31 - Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
    R32 - Daniele Orsato (Italy)
    R33 - Daniel Siebert (Germany)
    R34 - Ovidiu Hategan (Romenia)
    R35 - Slavko Vincic (Slovenia)


    AR
    AFC
    Mohamed Al Hammadi (United Arab Emirates) - R1
    Hasan Al Mahri (United Arab Emirates) - R1
    Abdukhamidullo Rasulov (Uzbekistan) - R2
    Jakhongir Saidov (Uzbekistan) - R2
    Ramzan Al-Naemi (Catar) - R3
    Saud Al-Maqaleh (Catar) - R3
    Reza Sokhandan (Iran) - R4
    Mohammadreza Mansouri (Iran) - R4
    Toru Sagara (Japan) - R5
    Hiroshi Yamauchi (Japan) - R5

    CAF
    Herve Kakunze (Burundi) - R6
    Dick Okello (Uganda) - R6
    Djibril Camara (Senegal) - R7
    El Hadji Samba (Senegal) - R7
    Olivier Safari Kabene (RD Congo) - R8
    Gilbert Cheruiyot (Kenya) - R8
    Zakhele Siwela (South Africa) - R9
    Emmanuel De Sani (South Africa) - R9
    Elvis Guy Noupue (Cameroon) - R10
    Ernest Nkeniji Ekokobe (Cameroon) - R10
    Kindie Mussie (Ethiopia) - R11
    Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho) - R11

    CONCACAF
    Walter López (Honduras) - R12
    Christian Ramírez (Honduras) - R12
    William Arrieta (Costa Rica) - R13
    Juan Carlos Mora (Costa Rica) - R13
    Nicholas Anderson (Jamaica) - R14
    Ojay Duhaney (Jamaica) - R14
    Miguel Hernández (Mexico) - R15
    Michel Morales (Mexico) - R15
    Gerson López (Guatemala) - R16
    Caleb Wales (Trinidad and Tobago) - R16
    Frank Anderson (United States) - R17
    Kyle Atkins (United States) - R17

    CONMEBOL
    Carlos Barreiro (Uruguay) - R18
    Martín Soppi (Uruguay) - R18
    Danilo Manis (Brazil) - R19
    Bruno Pires (Brazil) - R19
    Carlos López (Venezuela) - R20
    Jorge Urrego (Venezuela) - R20
    Christian Schiemann (Chile) - R21
    Claudio Ríos (Chile) - R21
    Alexander Guzmán (Colombia) - R22
    Jhon Alexander León (Colombia) - R22
    Ezequiel Brailovsky (Argentina) - R23
    Gabriel Chade (Argentina) - R23

    OFC
    Anton Shechetinin (Australia) - R24
    George Lakrindis (Australia) - R24
    Mark Rule (New Zealand) - R25
    Isaac Trevis (New Zealand ) - R25

    UEFA
    Pau Cebrián Devís (Spain) - R26
    Roberto del Palomar (Spain) - R26
    Rui Licínio (Portugal) - R27
    Paulo Soares (Portugal) - R27
    Gary Beswick (England) - R28
    Adam Nunn (England) - R28
    Bahattin Duran (Turkey) - R29
    Tarik Ongun (Turkey) - R29
    Nicolas Danos (France) - R30
    Cyril Gringore (France) - R30
    Hessel Steegstra (Netherlands) - R31
    Jan de Vries (Netherlands) - R31
    Alessandro Giallatini (Italy) - R32
    Fabiano Preti (Italy) - R32
    Rafael Foltyn (Germany) - R33
    Christian Gittelmann (Germany) - R33
    Radu Ghinguleac (Romenia) - R34
    Sebastian Gheorghe (Romenia) - R34
    Tomaž Klančnik (Slovenia) - R35
    Andraž Kovačič (Slovenia) - R35

    VAR
    AFC
    Ammar Al-Jeneibi (United Arab Emirates)

    CAF
    Rédouane Jiyed (Morroco)

    CONCACAF
    Drew Fischer (Canada)

    CONMEBOL
    Andrés Cunha (Uruguay)
    Julio Bascuñan (Chile)

    UEFA
    Stuart Attwell (England)
    Benoît Millot (France)
    Bastian Dankert (Germany)
    Marco Di Bello (Italy)
    Massimiliano Irrati (Italy)
    Pol Van Boekel (Netherlands)
    João Pinheiro (Portugal)
    Alejandro Hernández (Spain)
    Juan Martínez Munuera (Spain)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AFC are also 6 referees, in 2018 Al-Mirdasi was not replaced, so there were 5, but originally 6 were selected.

      Delete
    2. As for the predictions, I just suggest you update yourself a little, there are retired referees on your list, and even referees in the wrong confederations.

      Delete
    3. Irmatov retired many years ago!
      Beath represents AFC.
      Some other refs are not on the prospective list.

      Delete
    4. I´m going to update this now. Made some mistakes, sorry!

      Delete
  48. Rocch starts the new year with a BOOM :)

    MILAN – ROMA h. 18.30
    CHIFFI
    VIVENZI – RANGHETTI
    IV: ABISSO
    VAR: AURELIANO
    AVAR: COSTANZO

    JUVENTUS – NAPOLI h. 20.45
    SOZZA
    GIALLATINI – PRETI
    IV: MARCENARO
    VAR: IRRATI
    AVAR: MELI

    We have had for years even FIFA referees who never officiated such games, Simone Sozza path so far is outstanding, he has already achieved more than many FIFA referees and very experienced no FIFA.
    Under a certain aspect, to be honest, it is a pity that he has still to wait a year before becoming FIFA, it is merely a waste of time.
    He has been always excellent. Quite similar speech for Ayroldi who is several years younger than Sozza and he has even more time.
    But... I can't deny that how they performed in such important matches when appointed, was a real success for Italian refereeing, finally.

    Glad to see a new name for Milan - Roma as well, with Chiffi new FIFA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great for Sozza, hopefuly he will have a good performance.

      About Chiffi.
      Eh, not a fan of his style, too much leniency and wanting to warn players, so I'm not a big fan of this appointment when we know that their 1st match was very controversial.

      Delete
    2. I watched Chiffi in some games last season and in general he let me a good impression, I think his presence on FIFA list is justified. Unfortunately, I had not enough free time this autumn to follow Serie A as I would have liked, only about 10 games. But I read some comments here on blog about Sozza a few weeks ago and he looks like a big talent.

      Delete
  49. Only in his third season in Serie A & Serie B refereeing panel and with less than 15 appearances in Serie A ever, the 34yo Simone Sozza will officiate the big match Juventus-Napoli. Unbelievable. To my memory, not even Collina had such appointments so quickly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes absolutely this never happened in recent times and it was even impossible to guess as mere concept... in reality Rocchi is making a revolution, what Italian refereeing would have needed many years ago to be in better situation now.

      Delete
    2. Collina went to the 1996 Olympics within only months of receiving his FIFA badge.

      Delete
    3. Collina was promoted FIFA referee 1st of January 1995, 18 months before Olympics games, where he officiated the final for the gold medal.

      Delete
  50. A love story from Netherlands...
    https://www.sportbible.com/football/dutch-fourth-official-announces-relationship-with-footballer-20220102
    In Italy this would be definitely impossible, because referees are not allowed to have relations with players they are about to officiate.
    Everybody would discuss this opportunity. There is a very big freedom for Dutch referees, thats something I admire, but at the same time, looking at it with "Italian glasses" I'm often astonished (in a positive way, of course).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, as long as she notified KNVB about the relationship and won't be appointed to matches of his team, I don't see a problem.
      And according to the article, they weren't dating before the mentioned match, where they met.

      Delete
    2. Chefren, before things are mis interpretated.

      Shukrulla is acting as FO and not as ref. That makes a big difference in the perception of a lot of people.

      Secondly as Philipp mentioned. As long as she isn’t involved in games of his team or direct competitors there isn’t a big problem.

      On the other hand a lot of countries keep their referees within a to strict protocol. And should consider more “freedom” for the referees. As an example you can’t say that Kuipers and Makkelie turned out in a negative way because of this freedom. There are more ways to Rome😉

      Delete
    3. Local newspaper De Gelderlander said this:

      KNVB sees no problem in the relationship between Shukrula and Hardeveld: 'We wish them all the luck'
      It is no problem for the KNVB that FC Emmen player Jeff Hardeveld and KNVB official Shona Shukrula go through life as a set. The football association does, however, take this into account with the match schedule. The lovebirds will therefore not encounter each other during competitions.

      The football association simply takes into account the brand new relationship between the two in love in the competition schedule, a spokesperson said.

      "Dick van Egmond (referee boss, ed.) is aware of the relationship," said the spokesman. ,,Shona Shukrula will not be assigned to matches in which Jeff Hardeveld participates. That's all. Their relationship is no problem for us. We wish them all the luck in the world.”

      Delete
  51. Seems like Makkelie will lead the Saudi Super Cup Final this thursday, but I can't find the official announcement aside from wikipedia page.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Full team all from NED? Van Boekel or Blom VAR?

      Delete
  52. Anyone knowing how to get the prospective list from all of the associations? I can´t find anywhere and i want to make my predictions

    ReplyDelete
  53. I guess that the perspctive referees for FIFA WC 2022 belonging to
    AFC, CAF, CONCACAF and OFC where the ones gathered in Qatar last November (from 1st to 5 th); here below the list

    AFC
    1. Christopher Beath (AUS, 1984)
    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. Jean Ndala (COD, 1987)
    3. Bamlak Tessema (ETH, 1980)
    4. Bakary Gassama (GAM, 1979)
    5. Redouane Jiyed (MAR, 1979)
    6. Victor Gomes (RSA, 1982)
    7. Maguette N’Diaye (SEN, 1986)
    8. Janny Sikazwe (ZAM, 1979)

    CONCACAF
    Referee: Ricardo Montero (CRC, 1986)
    Referee: Mario Escobar (GUA, 1986)
    Referee: Said Martinez (HON, 1991)
    Referee: Fernando Hernandez (MEX, 1983)
    Referee: Cesar Ramos (MEX, 1983)
    Referee: Ivan Barton (SLV, 1991)
    Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA, 1982)
    Referee: Jair Marrufo (USA, 1977)

    OFC
    1. Matthew Conger (NZL, 1978)
    2. David Yereboinen (PNG, 1991)

    The only missing confederation is COMNEBOL South America

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fully agree with your choice.
      Honestly I don't understand why so many referees will be selected; considering that there will be 48 group stage matches, I would prefer only 24 main referees so that each one can be tested in two matches. Otherwise It would be just an holiday to Qatar, on other hand I understand that only 24 referees will give political troubles because the slots for each confederation should be very limited and most of pre selected will stay home. On 24 referees pool, the balanced division would be: 1 for OFC, 3 for AFC, 4 for AFC, 4 for CONCACAF, 8 for Uefa and 4 for COMNEBOL. I'm talking just about main referees. In addition 9 fourth officials and 16 VARs could be invited; but I guess that nobody will accept only 4 from South America

      Delete
    2. Those lists are NOT completely correct.

      Delete
    3. If they are not, you should let us know what are the errors.

      Delete
  54. WC2022 Referee Predictions (Updated)

    Referees
    AFC
    R1. Christopher Beath (AUS)
    R2. Alireza Faghnani (IRN)
    R3. Abdulrahman Al-Jassim (QAT)
    R4. Mohammed Abdulla (UAE)
    R5. Ryuji Sato (JPN)
    R6. Nawaf Shukralla (BHR)

    For the AFC, the choice could be none other than Beath. Best Asian referee at the time, he had to be on my list. The man of the house, Al-Jassim is a safe choice not only for his quality, but also for being the most highly rated in his country, which is the organizer of the competition. Faghnani, Abdulla, Sato and Shukralla are the final choices. Experience, competence, and presence in major competitions make them firm referees, who in my opinion, should be included in the final list.

    CAF
    R7. Victor Gomes (RSA)
    R8. Rédouane Jiyed (MAR)
    R9. Maguette N'Diaye (SEN)
    R10. Jean Jacques Ndala (COD)
    R11. Bamlak Tessema (ETH)
    R12. Bakary Gassama (GAM)

    For the African continent, the number 1 at the moment is Victor Gomes, Best African referee of the year, he will undoubtedly be the firmest choice by FIFA for the CAF representation. Jiyed, N'Diaye, Ndala, Tessema and Gassama are for me, of the entire possible list of seminars, the other five safest choices for the final list.

    CONCACAF
    R13. Said Martínez (HON)
    R14. Jair Marrufo (USA)
    R15. Ismail Elfath (USA)
    R16. Fernando Hernández (MEX)
    R17. Mario Escobar (GUA)
    R18. Ricardo Montero (CRC)

    Here are (in my opinion) the best of CONCACAF today. There is no way to think otherwise, Said Martínez won the award and the other five referees have an incredible quality and have passed in major competitions (World Cups, for example).

    CONMEBOL
    R19. Esteban Ostojich (URU)
    R20. Jesús Valenzuela (VEN)
    R21. Gery Vargas (BOL)
    R22. Raphael Claus (BRA)
    R23. Roberto Tobar (CHI)
    R24. Guillermo Guerrero (ECU)

    Here begins what could be the biggest discussion on my list. First of all, I want to say that there is no list of pre-candidates, at least the one I have access to, referring to CONMEBOL, so the choices were more in terms of awards, presence in competitions and performances throughout the season. Firstly, Jesús Valenzuela, the best South American referee of the year, I think he will be a safe choice. Esteban Ostojich was in the Copa América final, so I think he will certainly have a presence at the World Cup as well. There were 4 places left: A choice by Brazil would be more than obvious, and mine fell on Raphael Claus. When it comes to Vargas, Tobar and Guerrero, the choices were more "blind". I chose them because they are FIFA ELITE and because they were present at the Copa America. Suggestions will be extremely accepted in this Confederation.

    OFC
    R25. Matthew Conger (NZL)
    R26. David Yereboinen (PNG)

    For the OFC there were two places and two people, so it was easy. Matthew Conger was the Confederation's best referee, so he would be present. As for Yereboinen, he was the other referee present at the seminars on behalf of the OFC. He would greatly prefer to have just one choice here and one more at CONMEBOL, but that's what it is...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UEFA
      R27. Antonio Lahoz (ESP)
      R28. Artur Soares Dias (POR)
      R29. Anthony Taylor (ENG)
      R30. Cüneit Çakir (TUR)
      R31. Clément Turpin (FRA)
      R32. Danny Makkelie (NET)
      R33. Daniele Orsato (ITA)
      R34. Daniel Siebert (GER)
      R35. Ovidiu Hategan (ROM)
      R36. Slavko Vincic (SVN)

      Starting with Antonio Lahoz : The best Spanish referee and had a Champions final recently, for me a safe choice; Artur Soares Dias has been surprising and last year he did the European and Olympic Games with good performances, he could be a wild card, but I think he will be present (and no, it's not because I'm Portuguese too eheheh); Taylor was one of the best of 2020 and 2021, Turpin the same thing, and Çakir has the usual quality. Siebert will replace Brych as Germany's top representative, and Makkelie and Orsato are two of the best in the world so they will be there. My most unsafe choices here are Hategan and Vincic. There was still a lot to choose from, maybe a Kovacs or a Jovanovic, but my choices fall here.

      Assistant Referees
      Partners for the main referees will be chosen here. My choices will be based on nationality or recent joint participation in high level competitions.

      AFC
      Nathan MacDonald (AUS) - R1
      Ashley Beecham (AUS) - R1
      Reza Sokhandan (IRN) - R2
      Mohammadreza Mansouri (IRN) - R2
      Juma Al-Burshaid (QAT) - R3
      Saoud Ahmed Al-Maqaleh (QAT) - R3
      Mohamed Al Hammadi (UAE) - R4
      Hasan Al Mahri (UAE) - R4
      Toru Sagara (JPN) - R5
      Hiroshi Yamauchi (JPN) - R5
      Yaser Tulefat (BHR) - R6
      Taleb Al Maari (QAT) - R6

      CAF
      Zakhele Siwela (RSA) - R7
      Emmanuel De Sani (RSA) - R7
      Hicham Ait Abbou (MAR) - R8
      Yahya Nouali (MAR) - R8
      Djibril Camara (SEN) - R9
      El Hadji Samba (SEN) - R9
      Olivier Safari (COD) - R10
      Daddy Diassiwa (COD) - R10
      Kindie Mussie (ETH) - R11
      Tigle Belachew (ETH) - R11
      Jean Claude Birumushahu (BUR) - R12
      Abdelhak Etchiali (ALG) - R12

      CONCACAF
      Walter López (HON) - R13
      Christian Ramírez (HON) - R13
      Frank Anderson (USA) - R14
      Kyle Atkins (USA) - R14
      Logan Brown (USA) - R15
      Corey Parker (USA) - R15
      Miguel Hernández (MEX) - R16
      Michel Morales (MEX) - R16
      Gerson López (GUA) - R17
      Michael Barwegen (CAN) - R17
      William Arrieta (CRC) - R18
      Juan Carlos Mora (CRC) - R18

      CONMEBOL
      Carlos Barreiro (URU) - R19
      Martín Soppi (URU) - R19
      Carlos López (VEN) - R20
      Jorge Urrego (VEN) - R20
      José Antelo (BOL) - R21
      Edwar Saavedra (BOL) - R21
      Danilo Manis (BRA) - R22
      Bruno Pires (BRA) - R22
      Christian Schiemann (CHI) - R23
      Claudio Ríos (CHI) - R23
      Christian Lescano (ECU) - R24
      Bryon Romero (ECU) - R24

      OFC
      Mark Rule (NZL) - R25
      Isaac Trevis (NZL) - R25
      Noah Kusunan (PNG) - R26
      Bertrand Brial (NCL) - R26

      UEFA
      Pau Cebrián Devís (ESP) - R27
      Roberto del Palomar (ESP) - R27
      Rui Licínio (POR) - R28
      Paulo Soares (POR) - R28
      Gary Beswick (ENG) - R29
      Adam Nunn (ENG) - R29
      Bahattin Duran (TUR) - R30
      Tarik Ongun (TUR) - R30
      Nicolas Danos (FRA) - R31
      Cyril Gringore (FRA) - R31
      Hessel Steegstra (NET) - R32
      Jan de Vries (NET) - R32
      Alessandro Giallatini (ITA) - R33
      Fabiano Preti (ITA) - R33
      Rafael Foltyn (GER) - R34
      Christian Gittelmann (GER) - R34
      Radu Ghinguleac (ROM) - R35
      Sebastian Gheorghe (ROM) - R35
      Tomaž Klančnik (SVN) - R36
      Andraž Kovačič (SVN) - R36

      VAR
      In 2018 we had 13 VARs present at the World Championship. Due to the fact that 2022 will have more teams, I assume that we will have an increase in the number of VARs, so I will define 18 that in my opinion will be present.

      AFC
      Adham Makhadmeh (JOR)

      CAF
      Musthapa Gorbal (ALG)
      Janny Sikazwe (ZAM)

      CONCACAF
      Drew Fischer (CAN)

      CONMEBOL
      Facundo Tello (ARG)
      Wilton Sampaio (BRA)
      Andres Rojas (COL)
      Kevin Ortega (PER)
      Leodan Gonzalez (URU)

      UEFA
      Stuart Attwell (ENG)
      Benoît Millot (FRA)
      Bastian Dankert (GER)
      Marco Di Bello (ITA)
      Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
      Pol Van Boekel (NET)
      João Pinheiro (POR)
      Alejandro Hernández (ESP)
      Juan Martínez Munuera (ESP)
      Orel Grinfeeld (ISR)
      Georgi Kabakov (BUL)

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    2. IMO, Gary Bargas and Guillermo Guerrero have no chances at all.

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    3. Soares Dias had UEL Semifinal, had 2 games at EURO, had Olympic Games inclusive was the 4° Referee in the Final.. 💁

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    4. CAF: Sikazwe and Ghorbal are top African referees, not VARs.
      CONCACAF: Barton is going next month to the Club World Cup, so he is a favourite for WC. From USA, Elfath is considered as ref and Marrufo as VAR.
      CONMEBOL: Ostojich, unfortunately, disapeared from appointments after the Copa America final.

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    5. I would be very surprised if Soares Dias will be appointed.

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  55. Still no news on the remaining Club World Cup appointments?

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  56. Or AFCON match appointments?

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  57. Or the 2022 FIFA Referees list?

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  58. Or new drugs for anxiety? Some here are in need.

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    Replies
    1. People are very eager and anxious about refereeing news, I can't blame them to be honest, this is the success of the blog and I'm really happy!
      To sum up: at moment we are indeed wait for new FIFA list for 2022, still not published, the referees for 2021 CWC and the first appointments of AFCON. About the latter argument, I'm not 100% sure we will find info before games, as we know CAF from previous editions :) Referees only known when a game starts.
      I would also like to add that today we are experiencing a very difficult day in Italian football. Many problems with COVID and most of the games have been annulled by Health Local Authorities. Here, differently from Spain and other country, and differently from UEFA protocol, some clubs are really intolerant and they don't want to accept to play.
      The serie A organization is now trying to update the protocol to a very strict version, similar indeed to Spain and UEFA, but in this country, differently from other nations, for what I can observe, we have many and many interventions by local health authorities and games are stoppped. Those games for Lega Serie A should be considered as played, so a 3-0 is given to the other team. Very difficult situation.

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  59. Why has FIFA still not published the list of judges for 2022? Did Collina fall asleep?

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  60. Very heated first half in Milan - Roma with two mass confrontations!

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    1. Chiffi is an excellent referee both technically and athletically, but he has no personality: unfortunately I do not think he can improve further, he has already made great progress, but more than that I think it is impossible for him. Until Sozza and Ayroldi arrive, Italy will be in a very bad situation: Fabbri, Pairetto, Chiffi, Maresca cannot aspire to anything in Europe.

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    2. I agree about Chiffi, it's all a matter of personality, a step that unluckily he will miss forever, because every game he has the same issues. Looking at him, I will have never the idea of a referee ready to take control on the players, he looks alwyas like a man with a lenient approach, add to that the fact that he very often doesn't book players, and you have the result.
      Technically very accurate, today no responsibilities on the missed penalty at the beginning (only VAR stuff), but he is missing in the key factor for taking control over players.
      Too many confrontations happen in his games.

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    3. How was Sozza in JUV-NAP?

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    4. A very good performance. He showed to be ready to handle such games, this is most important thing. He kept control all game long, the game had a very particular progress because at first glance one could have expected an easy win by Juventus, given the very difficult situation of away team, then things turned very different when match started. There were two penalty appeals, the first one for handball in first half, minute 41' or 42', in this case in my opinion penalty and I was surprised by NO VAR intervention, Irrati backed referee, but for me penalty should have been whistled. However, I don't give so many responsibilities to Sozza, difficult to see. Very good in the second penalty appeal, minute 84' - 85', not enough for a whistle. I invite you to watch a sequence in first half: from 42:40 to 43:00, counterattack, and then free kick whistled with YC. He looked outstanding there in the overall perception.
      At the end of the game Juventus players protested for a corner kick that they were about to execute, Sozza decided to end the game. There was mobbing against referee, and maybe this is the only point for improvement: he booked a player from Juventus, the minimum, but he didn't book another player who ran from the benches just to protest. In any case, he doesn't give the idea of suffering from protests, and that's most important thing.
      A solid basis for the future, remembering also that this was only his 15th game in serie A :)

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    5. I also think the penalty appeal at 42' should be a penalty. The defender has his arm outstretched touching the opponent and it hits the arm. Quite clear I think. Should be a YC for a shot at goal aswell IMO.
      Second PK shout (83')would not have been overturned by VAR if given IMO. But I definitely prefer noPK, as Dilo puts his leg across just to invite contact, he is not in a better position.

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    6. About the first incident, only thing I can say about Irrati choice to support, is that maybe he thought there wasn't a 100% clear evidence of touch by arm before other part of body, you can see the player is close to ball with head as well.
      If only arm and direct contact with it, should be 100% penalty, waiting for AIA official assessment... in case known, I will publish it here.

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  61. To be honest..... the Milan-Roma game was not heated till the 42min, referee was in full control for my feeling, only after shitty behavior of Theo Hernandez (wich is not Chiffi to blame),the game started to be annoying! This theather is very normal in southern european country's or latin-America, but don't blame the referee in this case, thats to easy! Any referee all over the world would have had problems, has nothing to do with Chiffi's personality

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    Replies
    1. agree with you Eric. And in second half he managed to get the game under control again. In my opinion his soft skills are also better than anonymous and chefren described it. He had a lot of talks with just one player that worked quite good in second half.

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    2. For sure, if Orsato was the ref, no unsporting behaviour like that would have happened because players fear him. And even if Theo Hernandez did it, Orsato would have ruined him in front of everyone, especially because he was the captain of Milan and cannot afford such stupid actions. Chiffi is a bit unexperienced and lacks a bit of charisma when he's called to manage heated situations.

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    3. I remember last year's Inter-Milan game with Ibrahimovic vs. Lukaku fight at the end of the first half. The referee was Valeri, and he was not to blame of course for that fight. But after that, he managed to calm everybody down and the game flew (almost) as if nothing happened. The problem with Chiffi is that after that fight, he gradually lost control of the game.

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  62. Buenas noches. Guys, I have one question? Mark Clattenburg again recently give interview about his final in Milano. My question is does anybody knows what whas his mark in final. Sorry if my English is bad. Thanks in advance!!!

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