Referee assignments for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Inter-confederation Play-Offs.
Path 1
Semifinal
Semifinal
Estadio Akron, Zapopan (MEX)
NEW - CALEDONIA - JAMAICA
Referee: Gustavo Tejera URU
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolás Taran URU
Assistant Referee 2: Carlos Barreiro URU
Fourth Official: Cristian Garay CHI
Video Assistant Referee: Juan Lara CHI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Antionio García URU
Path 2
Semifinal
Semifinal
Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe (MEX)
BOLIVIA - SURINAME
Referee: Alireza Faghani IRN/AUS
Assistant Referee 1: George Lakrindis AUS
Assistant Referee 2: James Lindsay AUS
Fourth Official: Mustapha Ghorbal ALG
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
Path 1
Final
Final
Estadio Akron, Zapopan (MEX)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - JAMAICA
Referee: Facundo Tello ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Pablo Belatti ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Chade ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Chade ARG
Fourth Official: Dario Herrera ARG
Video Assistant Referee:Hernan Mastrangelo ARG
Video Assistant Referee:Hernan Mastrangelo ARG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Soto VEN
Path 2
Final
Final
Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe (MEX)
IRAQ - BOLIVIA
Referee: Iván Barton SLV
Assistant Referee 1: David Morán SLV
Assistant Referee 2: Henri Pupiro NCA
Assistant Referee 2: Henri Pupiro NCA
Fourth Official: Saíd Martínez HON
Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzmán NCA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Pacheco MEX
Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzmán NCA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Pacheco MEX

Well, it doesn't seem to me that Collina is being that original. Too much predictable. Even before the start of the World Cup you can already notice an overuse of Faghani, and then Bebek as VAR. I think we will see many appointments for both at World Cup.
ReplyDeletePersonally I have nothing against them, but I didn't expect someone like Collina to be so stuck on his preferences… For now it almost seems pointless to comment… but we'll see what future tells us.
Faghani was quite predictable indeed.
DeleteHowever, Tejera is more surprising, I think. There would have been more established CONMEBOL referees like Sampaio and Tello.
Ghorbal's appointment could be seen as compensation, if the other four confederations get one game each. However, they can't really plan with a CONCACAF referee due to Jamaica and Suriname possibly playing in the finals.
So, two UEFA referees UEFA+CONMEBOL seem the options for the last two games.
On a side note, San's appointment makes a UEFA PO SF less likely (but not impossible) for Schärer.
I think it's VERY possible that the plan is for Ghorbal and Garay to work the finals. Ghorbal would go the Iraq match (if it happens) and Garay to the DR Congo one. Flying Ghorbal in just to do a fourth, given how FIFA treats fourths, is not really "compensation." I'd be surprised if he wasn't slated for the Iraq match.
DeleteIt would seem as if UEFA referees will stay on the UEFA playoffs. I personally thought one UEFA referee would go to the intercontinental path, but my guess is that seems unlikely now.
And yes, to your initial point it's so easy and lazy to say this is "too predictable." First, part of it was predictable while the other part wasn't. But more to the point... this are one-offs between desperate nations to get to the World Cup. Why risk anything? If Faghani is the best non-UEFA referee FIFA has (and, on reputation, he is) to do a CONMEBOL v CONCACAF, why wouldn't you use him? Why pick someone riskier? Just to be "original?" I don't get it.
Ok, that's also an option - although with some risks, if there are conflicts with the benches in the SF.
DeleteAlso the question would remain, why not a more established CONMEBOL referee instead of Garay.
And no UEFA referee in the interconfed play-offs would be something new and unexpected.
We will see.
Regarding "predictable": I meant it as logical and sensible, and therefore as a good thing. (But I realize, you were referring to Chefren's comment where it has a negative connotation).
A question for Australian readers: will Shchetinin-Beecham or Lakrindis-Lindsay be Faghani's linesmen at the World Cup? Unless I missed something, there didn't seem to be any cause to ditch the first duo, with whom Faghani worked the Club WC final?
ReplyDeleteMateo Busquets Ferrer in U20 Copa Libertadores, Estudiantes de Mérida vs. Club Bolívar
ReplyDeleteFull match:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAkA4LdR-hY
Match minutes:
0:25 free kick awarded after an attacker's handball; the never ending story with handballs being treated differently depending on whether being committed by defensive or attacking player
2:20, 3:10 management of two hard fouls of BOL players
2:45 rare instance of a throw-in being executed many metres from where it should've been but the executing team harming themselves :D
13:10 YC 10BOL for reckless step on foot
22:40 challenge by 2EST after the original foul - the opponent had to be substituted
29:30 YC 2EST for reckless tackle, really close to SFP but no studs contact makes the YC expected nowadays
59:40 (replay 61:55) YC 4BOL for reckless challenge after advantage
69:25 possible YC 14EST for SPA impeding
71:40 play-on - possible SPA but no replay
80:10 YC 17EST for reckless tackle, mandatory
You can read the report from Spaniard's first game at the tournament hereunder:
https://law5-theref.blogspot.com/2026/03/champions-league-202526-referee_9.html?showComment=1773122171857#c4991902679674554047
Thank you very much. What is your impression of Busquets Ferrer?
DeleteStrong and serious body language, immediate cards, maybe should work on having better rapport with players as he gives quite isolated impression.
DeleteThank you very much
DeleteClear yc missed by tejera 6 min into the match
ReplyDeleteInteresting point, both Tejera and Faghani are wearing the ‘´ref cam’’. FIFA is probably testing it on their own play-off maybe we will see it on the finals for UEFA play-off
ReplyDeleteThe New Caledonia - Jamaica match was much more tangible than initially predicted, finishing 1-0 and with the Oceanians having a few promising attacks near the end. Contrary to what Mikael wrote in a previous post, this was not an irrelevant, trivially-easy match to referee.
ReplyDeleteTo summarize the game, had I not been told the referee’s name or shown his face, I would have been quite sure that he was a local referee by the name Cesar Ramos. Tejera employed an ultra-lenient style in terms of foul selection and discipline, remarkably showing zero yellow cards in a match which had a not-insignificant number of de facto reckless and/or SPA challenges. There were several robust challenges, particularly by the underdogs, which seemed to be overly-physical for the sole purpose of being overly-physical as a tactic. I’m rather surprised that Tejera was able to maintain an image of match control, with few visible complaints from the players despite his non-existent disciplinary sanctions and low technical accuracy; in this respect, one could say Tejera fits perfectly into the mold of the “modern FIFA” referee.
There’s not much more to say about the match besides the aforementioned, but I will draw attention to two further happenings in additional time:
- The manner in which Tejera conducted the dropped ball restart at 90’+4’ was utterly bizarre, as the New Caledonian team receiving the dropped ball was clearly not ready to do so; it wasn’t even clear which player was receiving the ball. This rather nearly led to an almightily embarrassing disaster. It seems Tejera was in a rush to get the ball back into play, because…
- Like Faghani earlier today and Tantashev in October, Tejera seemed very reluctant to add any more time onto the original allotment of additional time signalled by the fourth official. This bizarre choice left some TV commentators, and myself, flummoxed: during two minor injury stoppages within the 6 minutes of additional time, a total of about one minute was lost. These developments are very sad to see: the integrity of the game is at stake. Teams must be allowed the fair amount of time. Every coach is taking notice: time wasting is not only allowed, but encouraged and rewarded. A far cry from the precise management of 2022, I’m afraid to say…
Yes, I was just about to say that my reading of this game was completely wrong! New Caledonia were 40/1 to advance before the match, in my defense :D.
DeleteI didn't like Tejera's performance either. It was identical to Rapallini in Qatar - trying to use his physical presence 'cleverly', awarding yellow cards as infrequently as possible (in yesterday's game, never) and only targeted at trying to reach fulltime 'alive' rather than refereeing the match properly. If I were FIFA, that Tejera started to actually lose the plot in added time (the dropped ball wasn't soooo bad for me but the clear holding at like +94' he just played on from was remarkably bad) would concern me, given that this N.Caledonia-Jamaica game is surely not the pinnacle of tension and pressure in world football.
Faghani rightly awarded the decisive penalty in Bolivia-Suriname, being perfectly positioned to spot the offence, and for this he should be praised. Overall the game went okay for the Iranian official, but the incident at 90' summed up his style perfectly - he didn't care about the reckless tackle by the Suriname player, but started acting very strict and severely towards the Bolivian bench who protested, spriting over to book them before then later cautioning a Bolivian for time-wasting. His lack of balancing or even disciplinary control at all mid-way through the 1half could have cost him on another occasion, but one must say that it all turned out fine in the end.
One question: is it still refereeing or something else like MODERN MANAGEMENT of the game as a SHOW
DeleteAt least ITAREF could be happy as he hates cards being given. :D
Delete@Euro Soccer Ref:
DeleteI sincerely appreciated your joke 😜
However, to be clear ed I don't hate disciplinary sanctions at all when they're correct in themselves: but being correct doesn't mean simply imposing them automatically, but evaluating their correctness case by case based on an intelligent reading of the key moments of the match and the weight the sanction has on its management by ref. Moreover, this criterion is not at all modern: I was refereeing at the AIA national level at the same time as Collina, and this was the criterion used then (and which, in my opinion, Collina is now trying to maintain uniformly throughout FIFA).
Is it difficult to apply for a ref? Yes, it is. But that’s what exactly separates a great referee from a good one only…
I'd add (for my experience) that if there were more than five YCs in a match, the referee probably had some issues with his reading and disciplinary management of it.
DeleteAnd if you read the FIFA (and UEFA) designations carefully, you might notice that they often rely on these kinds of ref assessments in matches, not just on Elite Refs.
ITAREF, i'm totally agree with you.
DeleteIt was asked to post the challenge in 27' from Faghani game:
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/d1ce37
FIFA Intercontinental playoffs
ReplyDeleteFinal
Iraq 🇮🇶 - Bolivia 🇧🇴
Ref: Ivan Barton 🇸🇻
A1: David Morán 🇸🇻
A2: Henri Pupiro 🇳🇮
4: Said Martinez 🇭🇳
VAR: Tatiana Guzmán 🇳🇮
AVAR: Guillermo Pacheco 🇲🇽
So FIFA must have had a plan B for Suriname in the final.
DeleteBesides that, Barton is a logical appointment. Notable though, that he has been chosen over Elfath and Ramos.
Perhaps Ghorbal was the “Plan B”, for use in the event of Iraq-Suriname, but Barton is preferred for Iraq-Bolivia?
DeleteWaiting for the next and last assignment, in the end we can say that Ghorbal appointment as fourth official was definitely the "weakest" one of all, sending a referee only for working as fourth official. It was different in the other semifinal, in which the fourth official shares the nationality with somebody inside the VAR. And different in the final just released with all SLV - NCA - HON and close countries referees.
ReplyDeleteThis should only mean that the reputation of CAF is very low, at least sending another WC candidate from AFC with Faghani in the middle would have had more sense.
Mr chefren Have you have any information for final list for European referees in world cup
Delete7 April the meeting by committee.
DeletePersonally I don't trust any info about the number of referees and all the rest. It's just because people can't or don't want to wait.
Just your opinion what do you expect or it is possible any surprises
Delete🇨🇩 RD Congo vs Jamaica 🇯🇲
ReplyDeleteA: Facundo Tello 🇦🇷
A1: Juan Pablo Belatti 🇦🇷
A2: Gabriel Chade 🇦🇷
4to: Dario Herrera 🇦🇷
VAR: Hernan Mastrangelo 🇦🇷
AVAR: Juan Soto 🇻🇪
Ugarte booked twice in the england game but not sent off. Urajo should have been sent off for a horrible tackle earlier. Not the best look for the german ref
ReplyDeleteJablonski trying to emulate Graham Poll!
ReplyDeleteA shockingly bad match for him, we won’t be seeing him for long time in Europe after the fiasco tonight.
You just do BASHING. Law 5 is getting DANGEROUS.
DeleteNormal match from the German TOP REFEREE.
Yep,in normal match missed potential RC for Araujo where VAR does not intervene.
DeleteMissed potential foul before goal where VAR stays silent again.
And then,missed reckles penalty where VAR had to say hold on.
So yes,normal match and some.big errors.
It says in stats that Gimenez was booked and then Ugarte,must have been some mistake.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, yes,if it wasn't friendly,we would talk lot more about Jablonsko.
Missed potential foul before ENG goal,missed reckless penalty and big leniency in this friendly match that was not so friendly.
Especially nasty challenge form Araujo on Foden,not even YC was shown.
Also,we had Munuera Montero who is big talking point in Spain these days handle Morocco-Ecuador.
Same,big leniency,allowed too much to both teams,especially on terms of protests and mobbing.
It was awful. Teamwork ???
ReplyDeletePls stop with nonsense that Jablonski is top referee. He has never been and will never be. He is insecure, super lenient ref that avoids big decisions at any cost.
ReplyDeleteWe should get away from this black and white comments. We are here to give serious critics, not to play fans VS. haters...
DeleteWithout doubt Jablonski is a big talent. Even great refs have and had their black days, where they showed the areas where they need to improve quite clearly. Not more happened here and this was the first weak performance of Jablonski since many months. In Bundesliga he is not any more on top of the pack, like he was in last season, that is still our "old friend" Aytekin in his last season, but heiß in the top 5 with some matches where Jablonski's foul detection was just average, but all in all he is still on his positive path, don't worry.
So, UEFA referees fully out from intercontinental play-offs, it's something new for FIFA. I think an argument can be they had to arrange different times the seminar and a trip to Mexico would have been another issue in that circumstance.
ReplyDeleteWe have now without assignment: Marciniak (but we know why), Sanchez Martinez, Hernandez Hernandez, Mariani, Vincic, Turpin, Schaerer, Oliver.
3 (if we exclude Marciniak) will stay without an assigment in all play offs, it would be easy to think about Hernandez Hernandez and Schaerer without a game (but paradoxically Trefoloni observer seems a signal for that). At least one expected name will be then excluded from all assignments (Sanchez Martinez?).
It's "something new" for UEFA because the UEFA playoffs are both simultaneous and include 12 matches. For WC22, the intercontinental was in the summer while UEFA was in March. Prior to WC22, you only needed 8 referees for the UEFA playoffs so you could spare (or prioritize) UEFA referees for the intercontinental.
DeleteIn past World Cups, you didn't need all top UEFA referees for UEFA playoffs, so you had referees to spare.
I wonder if perhaps Szymon Marciniak could have been intended for the intercontinental final Iraq - Bolivia: It is now being officiated by Ivan Barton, but in the semifinals, Suriname could also have advanced instead of Bolivia. The fact that it is still being officiated by a CONCACAF referee could indicate that it was only assigned at short notice with a 'local' referee.
DeleteGuys, I've never done this before today but I'd like to thank all of you (and especially Chefren, Mikael W, Anonymous and Euro Soccer Ref) for the content of this blog.
ReplyDeleteEven for me who am a bit older (or perhaps especially because of that!) as AIA Ref Observer, there's always more to learn from your posts, which demonstrate in-depth analysis, great professionalism, and balanced judgment.
And sometimes, there's even a touch of irony and sarcasm that makes it all more interesting.
+1
Delete+1 well said above and with you guys,we are enjoying spending time here, big up on yourselves Lads
Delete+1
Delete+1 of course
Delete45’+2’ is this a case of VAR overturning a wrongly awarded corner? It is intriguing to me that this policy seems to be in effect for the intercontinental playoff games, but not the UEFA playoffs. Is that right?
ReplyDelete60th minute, check for penalty for Jamaica, I suppose it must have been for a potential reckless arm to the face. I do not see the replay. However, I think it was notable that Tello chose not to stop the game despite an attacker holding his head on the ground in the middle of a crowded penalty area. It contrasts with the usual edict that referees must immediately stop play in the event of a potential head injury.
ReplyDeleteNow a good call by Chade to disallow another Congo goal.
ReplyDeleteWow terrible
ReplyDeleteTello injured!
ReplyDeleteOh no. Tello seems to have an injury, Herrera might be coming into the game.
ReplyDeleteRemind me a lot of the Brych injury
ReplyDeleteWe had Marciniak now Tello
ReplyDeleteI was going to ask earlier, specifically to Mikael given his analysis on the CONMEBOL selection, does Herrera’s appointment to this match indicate that he has the front foot over Tello? And perhaps today can help or hurt his case.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Tello's presence in the WC is in question, he's clearly the Argentine #1 and that's why he got this game.
DeleteThe competition should be between Herrera (who attended 2025 U20WC) and Falcón (who attended CWC) for the second Argentine slot.
We also must note that FIFA’s appointment of very big names as fourth officials in these matches is justified, because it is important to have a high quality referee who can take over in the event of injury.
DeleteThis is not the first time a referee has to be replaced in a critical World Cup Qualifier playoff match: in 2017, Ravshan Irmatov was replaced by Ilgiz Tantashev in extra time of the AFC playoff 2nd leg, the winner of which would qualify for the intercontinental playoff.
@Quilava that’s what I meant: does Herrera’s name in this appointment indicate he is ahead of Falcon*? I realize I wrote “Tello” above, sorry for the error!
Delete6 min added on?
ReplyDeleteI dare say it is the first good calculation of added time I have seen in quite some time. The injury stoppage for Tello lasted almost exactly 5 minutes, and there was a further injury / substitution stoppage by Congo in the 120th minute, which lasted a bit into the added time itself. The correct amount of time was played, finally.
DeleteBarton wasting no time bringing the intensity.
ReplyDeleteThe reckless elbow to the head in the 71st minute could have perhaps been considered SFP, but I suppose it is not a surprise that Barton “rounds it down” to just a yellow card.
ReplyDeleteI should copy and paste this sentiment with regard towards the 75th minute challenge as well.
Delete79th minute, I need not even write a new comment!
DeleteClear rc missed by barton and var
ReplyDelete79th minute: Mitigating factors: leg was very bent, not straight, and contact was fleeting, with the offender retracting his leg as the contact occurred. However, one must admit that in many matches, the VAR would recommend a clear and obvious red card. It seems to be the same theme as Bosnia-Italy: VARs in these play-off matches have a particularly high threshold for intervention, it appears.
DeleteThe best (and only credible) argument against deeming this as SFP as that the Iraq player was pushed into the tackle. Both this incident and 70' in Wales-Bosnia would have been textbook SFPs during the 2000s. Overall, while the orientation of Barton and Tello's performances was not that much different to Faghani and Tejera, the general impression was a lot better in the two finals than in the previous round.
DeleteAbout Herrera: yes, I thought the same thing; it would be very cruel to take him to Mexico for this playoff only to omit him in the final selections. The manner in which he fourth officialled in both the UAE Cup semifinal and yesterday (he managed the, understandable but still very unreasonable, DRC frustration at Tello's injury in a very humane and compassionate way toward his stricken teammate) underlined that he seems a fair player and a good man. I think the best argument for him is one of variety: one could describe Falcon Perez as 'the same format of referee as Tello but not quite as good', whereas Herrera offers something a bit different. It is a good thing for FIFA to have different kinds of options at their disposal during the WC.
However: Tello was very upset during his injury yesterday (while DRC players were shouting at him to hurry up and get off, until Herrera quite rightly told admonished them). Whether it was in pain, or in disappointment that he felt likely to miss the WC, neither scenario seems good. Perhaps fate will conjure up a very easy answer to the Argentine question after all?
81’ Clear RC missed SFP
ReplyDeleteAmazing that VAR stayed silent…
I believe you are referring to 79th minute. The replay was shown a few minutes later.
DeleteIvan Barton is truly a singular, unique referee in the modern game. The energy and presence he brings, while perhaps excessive at times, is unparalleled. He also showed very impressive fitness and movement / positioning in this game. And he showed a good range of personality, not only “loud angry Barton” but also “smiling friendly Barton” at times. It will be very interesting to see how FIFA chooses to use this referee at the summer tournament, because, for better or for worse, there is absolutely nobody else like him on FIFA’s “team sheet”.
ReplyDeleteOne can debate the potential SFP decisions, particular that which occurred in the 79th minute, but I find myself believing that FIFA will be pleased with the decisions taken by VAR Guzman, remembering how the 2022 World Cup was officiated from the Video Operation Room.
IRQBOL (incidents reported by DayStare9, I didn't watch the game)
ReplyDelete71' YC for reckless use of arm
https://streamff.link/v/29f6f3aa
76' YC for reckless step on foot
https://streamff.link/v/c2492845
79' YC for reckless studs-up tackle
https://streamff.link/v/845f0149
In my opinion should have been a red card for SFP, arguments for YC are the soft intensity and not a full contact, but how players enters the challenge and the point of contact are clearly SFP. Yes, we can draw conclusion that in these play offs all VARs seem to have been instructed for being 100% strict with VAR original protocol, and against the "modern" FIFA use of it we saw in some tournaments. A foul like this at WC will create discussion.
DeleteSaid that, I wanted to answer to DayStare9: the energy and presence by Barton are something you can't find in any UEFA referee nowadays, with all the standardized process we know.It's fresh air for refereeing lovers. Please compare him to Ramos, you can easily draw conclusions... I really hope he can turn at least into CONCACAF nr. 1 for sure, but it will be up to his performances.
Especially, it will be important, that FIFA gives clear instructions to the referees before the tournament, how such situations should be assessed to have uniform decisions.
DeleteOf course also regarding the level of clearness for VAR intervention, but more important are the decisions themselves, I think.
71’ is a clear red card for me, significant force to the head using a cocked elbow.
Delete76’ is glancing low force on the shin and then stepping on the foot. Yellow is good.
79’ I could support either red or yellow. I would like to see another angle that is closer than the game camera but not as tight as the replay they showed. The slow motion tight angle shows the point of contact but makes it look not as bad because you don’t see the speed. Also the tackle is not made directly in the direction he is running, he kind of reaches to the side with his foot and makes the contact, which reduces the force. I still don’t like the point of contact.
CODJAM (incidents reported by DayStare9, I didn't watch the game)
ReplyDelete05' Excellent offside call by AR1, goal disallowed
https://streamff.link/v/c3a2de32
45+2' Corner kick changed to goal kick after VAR advice
https://streamff.link/v/e41db3a6
60' PAI illegal use of arm; the offence happened BEFORE the corner kick execution, so nothing could've been done, otherwise I think many VARs would've intervened
https://streamff.link/v/6b27ff66
85' Goal disallowed for offside (AR2)
https://streamff.link/v/bbb80360
I feel sorry for Facundo Tello, his injury looks serious
ReplyDeleteAnd what's new in Italy? Rocchi sends Sozza to Inter - Roma, another big match in the poorest season of the referee, because the head of Italian referees doesn't have any alternative and he couldn't appoint Guida after the recent discussions involving him, Inter and Napoli.
ReplyDeleteIt's shocking that for a referee with such a disastrous season, the path is getting a big match after another just because there aren't alternatives, at this point I would have found more logical to appoint Colombo once again with the second game in a row for Inter, but not Sozza, he doesn't deserve anything. The situation of Italian football is dramatic, even more the one about refereeing, there isn't any technical autonomy anymore, all is made to find the best and not discussed name for a club or the other.
Situation about Italian Elite and CL next week's games:
DeleteMassa referee on Monday out from CL
Guida referee on Saturday (possible CL on both days)
Mariani VAR on Monday out from CL
So maybe Guida is also appointed in CL, this would even more explains why he didn't get Inter - Roma, Sunday evening, but believe me, the choice of Sozza is absolutely out of reality.
And my "favourite"Doveri gets Napoli and Milan.
DeleteCan this guy do something wrong in eyes of Rocchi?
Is that his father or some relative?
So let me get this straight.
He had Milan vs Inter, match that had plenty controversial decisions with him in charge.
What he gets as a reward ?
Another crucial and big match.
Wow.
Maybe an Italian in Sporting vs Arsenal? Though I could also see an Italian in the Iberian clash in the Europa League.
ReplyDeleteSpanish referees in particular are very limited because of the Spanish clubs. There are also some Spanish observers, and it is questionable whether they can officiate for example Sporting. At a quick glance the Spaniards can only really be assigned to 1) Paris vs Liverpool with Rosetti (who knows?) and Aston Villa vs Bologna. Otherwise Conference League. That is pretty slim.
Braga-Betis for Guida would be indeed my conclusion from the domestic appointments listed by Chefren.
DeleteMariani could easily get a CL 2nd leg next week, mabye the one in Liverpool.
Massa should get a EL QF as well, I think.
And I agree on the Spanish referees.
Hernandez and Gil Manzano had PSG/Liverpool in the last round though. And Sanchez' status is rather unclear at the moment.
I feel that joao pinheiro will officiate psg vs Liverpool
DeleteYou sounded just as confident last round about PSG vs Chelsea.
DeleteYes, but it is quite reasonable.
DeleteObviously Pinheiro was punished for the Red Card in Juve-Gala by not getting any game in the last round. But there still seems to be general trust as we could see by the play-off appointment. Furthermore in case of a WC selection, it would make sense to give him this kind of experience - he is the only candidate (besides Hernandez) without CL QF or SF.
And if Rosetti's observation means a referee, who is new to this level of games, Pinheiro seems the best guess for that.
Of course, Rosetti could also be there to check a final candidate. But the leading CL final candidates are all not available for that game (French or English or Makkelie/PSG problem). Unless you still count Zwayer for that...
EL final candidates like Eskas, Nyberg, Schärer might be a good option for the game in Paris though.
Not impossible: Pinheiro does seem heavily pushed. But would the RefCom more or less “punish” Pinheiro by skipping him for the Round of 16 (not even Conference League), and then assign him into a QF bonkers game PSG-Liverpool? That’s a bit weird. I’m leaning more toward Eskås or Nyberg (they should be ahead of Pinheiro in terms of experience), or again a Spanish referee as they barely have any options left. But I’m ready to read a surprise. They often show some guts in the 1st legs.
DeleteI'd say even broken clocks give the exact time twice a day
DeleteSome clips from Oliver game thank to your comments in the other discussion.
ReplyDelete19' PAI, inside / outside
https://streambug.org/cv/97b26a
33' PAI, Penalty if attacker hadn't continued to run, avoiding the contact?
https://streambug.org/cv/494e8f
56' "Strong" Play On decision
https://streambug.org/cv/7aa223
59' Possible YC for reckless
https://streambug.org/cv/5fe5fe
0-1 Goal, ONSIDE AR1
https://streambug.org/cv/8a6306
Also Mr Anonymous you said in play off games that joao pinheiro does not get any match without giving a valid reason for that
ReplyDeleteWhy do you keep talking about pine trees (Portuguese: pinheiros)? I suggest that for every time you use this word again, you donate one euro to the organization 'Guardiões do Pinheiro' for the protection of pine trees.
Delete@ Peter: lol.
DeleteJoão Pinheiro should count himself lucky he was born in Portugal. Because if fate had dropped him a bit further north, we’d be talking about some guy called Johann Kiefer instead.
Anthony Taylor should count himself lucky he was born in England. Because if fate had dropped him a bit further south, we’d be talking about some guy called Toni Schneider instead.
DeleteSounds like he would make the same calls, but with terrifying efficiency :)
DeleteMy favourites under this aspect are the Dutch Elite referees Mr Bigeyes and Mr Easypeasy :)
DeleteAh, so that’s why Danny makes it look effortless and Serdar sees everything 😉
DeleteMeanwhile, François Letexier (Franz Weber) is fortunate to be French, and István Kovács would’ve been Steven Smith with better PR.
Siebert apparently means ‘glorious victory’ - setting expectations quite high :)
Also featuring in this CL season: Simon Dirty, The Bearded Mary, Clown Igor and Little Wisdom. Sounds like a traveling troupe of odd performers. :D
DeleteWether we like it or not joao pinheiro is one of the best referees in Europe now
ReplyDeleteHow old are you?
Deleteonly if the top 10 retire
DeleteBoring...
DeleteIn your world, maybe…
DeleteI love the banter between Anonymous and Ahmed its great, sometimes they take it far but it looks it's in good spirit.
ReplyDeletePinheiro is ok and perhaps deserves go to the World cup finals
Letexier appointed on Saturday, Turpin on Sunday in France.
ReplyDeleteSiebert on Saturday in Germany.
Oliver in the FA Cup on Saturday in the clash City Liverpool.
Ot: https://inside.fifa.com/news/uefa-referees-seminar-italy-pierluigi-collina-massimo-busacca
ReplyDeleteThanks. Looks like Marciniak isn’t doing the physical test this week (he’s not in the group photo on the pitch, but he is visible in the video). I wonder why FIFA chose to film group 2 and not group 1 with the play-off final refs. Could be a simple practical reason, maybe I’m overthinking it.
DeleteIn this interview, Danny Makkelie stated the following:
Delete“The key aspects of this preparation, of course, are uniformity – that we are all on the same page – that the FIFA concept has to be clear, especially in the grey areas, that we all decide on the same decision – that’s very important. And also, we discussed different topics, so theoretical, practical but also physical. And then, we are in the best conditions when we arrive at the FIFA World Cup.”
Makkelie, who officiated at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, hopes he will make the final list for the tournament in North America when it is drawn up later this month.
“When I was a child, as a young referee, it was my dream to be at the FIFA World Cup,” he explained. “This is the highest level you can reach as a referee, so I’m very proud to be here at the seminar. And I look forward so much to being in America and part of all the referees, the best referees at the best tournament in the world. So, this is my dream and I am going for it.
Agree weird choice to only film group 2 but there is probably technical reason behind this, important point even if everyone knew it tje FIFA confirming the potential date for the list at the end of the interview ''the final list for the tournament in North America when it is drawn up later this month''.
Delete@ZwayerBrazil Very nice. Thanks for sharing the link here
Delete@refnewgen 🥰
Delete"16 referees from 15 different countries" can't be right, because there surely are two French and two English candidates.
DeleteAccording to our latest information, it should be 17 referees from 14 different countries. Maybe someone was missing, but difficult to get to 15 countries...
Symon marciniak doesn't the memory image also fifa said sixteen referees participate the seminar this means fifa doesn't add hernandez or there is other thing
ReplyDeleteAbout the number of 16 and not 17, very often the same FIFA is not updated with very recent events, so maybe they shared this information that was before the late call of Hernandez Hernandez. Indeed maybe it was more convenient to show "group 2" and not "group 1", the latter presenting still some issues for committee.
ReplyDeleteOverall, there isn't accuracy. The transparency of posting such a news must be admitted, but it is not the 100% real picture of the situation. However, for "normal people" and fans, that's already something big and we on this blog are just a very particular case, one can't deny that :)
By the way: am I the only one who finds it absurd that in every FIFA video with Collina and Busacca there are English subtitles that even correct grammatical mistakes when they don't correctly translate certain phrases, or fix words that aren't pronounced well?
Delete+1 a bit weird
DeletePeljto must be very disappointed, he is the only referee not smiling in the picture: https://ibb.co/Ndvfws5D
ReplyDeleteWe know it's also his character, but well.. really sorry for him.
How is the situation of marciniak
DeleteNyberg is standing on his toes :D
DeleteBecause he wants to seemed the tallest one
DeleteBecause he wants to seemed the tallest one
DeleteNyberg probably has some kind of issue with his self-esteem. Why else would someone act so strangely and stand on tiptoes in a group photo just to appear taller than everyone else? Bad behaviour.
DeleteChefren,full of big respect tou you,but I strongley belive that it is not based on decision on will he go on WC or not. On official photos,you will never see him smile due to his high ethical code, and serious understanding of the job.
Delete*to
DeleteRef Fot, I understand what you say, and indeed I know that Peljto has such character, very strict to protocol. But maybe, can we say that with things going differently for him, a small smile would have been possible? :)
DeleteLike Felix with 9 ofr still a little smile tho 😂
DeleteChefren, I will be honest with you, Its 50/50 situation about his smile:)
DeleteThis photo of Nyberg reminds me of a story a AR once told at work: "Make no mistake, all (top) referees have very big egos. One week, a top Dutch referee came to the meeting in his new SUV. The next week, another referee had also bought a new car. And coincidentally, this one was just a few centimeters bigger than his fellow referee's."
DeleteIn fairness to referee at the top level nationally and internationally you have to be self confident and this borders egotistical- but if you are in awe of the players, you have lost. There has to br a belief that "I belong "
DeleteSome referees are showmen and this manifests outside of football
True, many refs are showmen and also make money giving keynotes. In some countries they appear on camera to explain things. Honestly, I don’t read anything into the photo. To me, the joke is mainly that one of the shorter referees (Taylor) is standing between two of those lampposts, and Nyberg is trying to play it up a bit. Just a running gag. And the rest (including Taylor) seem to be enjoying it.
DeleteGood news:
ReplyDelete"Studies performed on Facundo Tello's knee revealed no injury. He only has a tear in his calf muscle, so his participation in the 2026 World Cup is not in doubt"
Árbitro internacional
A very interesting interview with former international referee Yuichi Nishimura (who officiated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups) has been published in the Japanese football media.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the article is in Japanese, I highly recommend reading it using a translation tool.
https://www.football-zone.net/archives/637559
I can still remember the 2014 World Cup well and that Yuichi Nishimura was completely sidelined after his controversial opening match, before being used as the fourth official in the third place match. Yuichi Nishimura sees this gesture positively, whereas I view it more critically: if FIFA had stood behind him, they could have at least used him as the fourth official in earlier stages. For me, the third place match is often a joke assignment anyway. Actually, one would rate this game as the second most important (after the final) or at least the fourth most important (after the final and the two semifinals). However, I would not have really seen Djamel Haimoudi among the top 2 or 4 in the world either.
DeleteI see the interview is in two parts, here is the first (talking about WC2010):
Deletehttps://www.football-zone.net/archives/637480
I missed it! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteThe 3rd/4th playoff in most competitions is the most meaningless game and is used to appease those who have not made the table of the final
ReplyDeleteSome EURO comps have uses the 3rd/4th to determine qualifying for a WC, so that would be important
However, not consistent either: For example, when I think of the World Cup before in 2010, Benito Archundia was indeed a worthy nomination for the third-place game with the potential to also be considered as a final referee.
DeleteThe same with Faghani in 2018, also a referee whorthy for the very last game.
ReplyDeleteI'm new on this Blog, but reading for a long time, it's always a pleasure to follow the discussions.
Agree. This is a grate blog. Thanks to the admins for their job
Delete*great
DeleteDear Chefren, if you have the time, I would appreciate it if you could put Mikael's in-depth analyses of the referees nominated for the World Cup from the various federations into a separate thread. They are now difficult to find in the individual threads. I searched for the AFC nominations. Perhaps it doesn't exist yet?
ReplyDeleteWill do that later today, thanks for having reminded
Delete