Thursday 6 May 2021

Europa League 2020/21 - Referee Appointments for Semifinals Second Legs

UEFA Referees Committee has chosen the following officials to handle 2020-21 Europa League's Semifinals Second Legs. 


06 May 2021

21:00 CET - Rome (Stadio Olimpico) 
AS Roma (ITA) - Manchester United FC (ENG) 
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Mark Borsch (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Stefan Lupp (GER)
Fourth Official: Felix Zwayer (GER)
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Fritz (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sascha Stegemann (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Jaap Uilenberg (NED)
UEFA Delegate: Claude Runavot (FRA)

21:00 CET - London (Arsenal Stadium) 
Arsenal FC (ENG)  - Villarreal CF (ESP) 
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (SVN)
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič (SVN)
Fourth Official: Matej Jug (SVN) 
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pawel Gil (POL)
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas (SCO)
UEFA Delegate: Danilo Filacchione (ITA) 

176 comments:

  1. Wow; Brych again: Do you think it is a replacement ? Anyway such management seems not so fair toward some elite referees. We can say that Elite category is composed ONLY by Kuipers, Makkelie, Orsato, Brych, Taylor and now Vincic :-)

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  2. Happy for Vincic, well deserved! But Brych doesn‘t make sense.. For sure they made appointments before the first leg.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah but even before 1st leg it doesn't make sense to assign two matches to Brych

      Delete
  3. Really surprised by Brych but I think explanation is always the same, Rosetti doesn't want to take any risk with Italian teams, they have always a special focus by committee with very strong names, indeed before CL appointments for semifinals, I would have even predicted Brych and Kuipers for Manchester United - Roma. Now second leg seems less important, after first leg score, but still, in my opinion committee wants to be sure. This is made only in games with Italian teams, or at least this is what I can point out as external observer of the appointments. In the other game, that is by far more open and with a very interesting first leg score, we will have Vincic. Expected appointment, he can conclude an excellent season.

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  4. It's clear to me what final appointments will be.

    CL final will be for Mateu Lahoz, if Real Madrid doesn't reach the final. Otherwise it will be Turpin (if Man City wins) or Taylor (if PSG wins).

    Turpin will get EL final, unless CL final is MCI - RMA. Cakir is kept as reserve in that case.

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    Replies
    1. Taylor cannot be in final.

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    2. Taylor is too bad for one Final.

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    3. I agree that Taylor is too bad for CL final, but it's just a prediction. Rosetti seems to be a fan of Taylor

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    4. I do not think Lahoz will get Champions League final with Man City after 2018. Equally, I do not think Cakir will get Europa League final with Man united after 2013.
      I think Turpin for CL final. Not sure about EL - Orsato perhaps?

      Delete
  5. Wow... this Brych appointment does not make any sense at all. This, seemingly already decided tie would have been a brilliant opportunity to give a chance to a less experienced referee like for example Grinfeld. If you do want to a appoint an experienced referee, why not appoint Cakir, since he didn´t get a match last week, while Brych did.

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  6. Now I can honestly understand, that some cakir fans are a bit angry. yesterday I did not really see the problem in the appointment of orsato, because in my opinion orsato deserved it the same as cakir. But now it is difficult to understand why Brych get's a second qf appointment and cakir no qf appointment. He is still one of the best referees and comitee should trust him to handle a game, which is nearly decided before it starts. Did I miss any crucial mistakes of him this season and that could be an explanation?

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  7. Well... I’m honestly very disappointed for Cüneyt. UEFA don’t even trust him for a second leg with 6-2 in the first leg. How disrespectful.

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    Replies
    1. So UEFA didn't like his performance in UCL DOR-SEV and UEL SLV-ARS or political reasons inside UEFA surrounding Çeferin?

      Delete
    2. Or simply Cakir is preserved for UEL final

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    3. Or simply Cakir is now a poor referee. You should start thinking that.

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    4. Cakir is poor? What a joke it is......

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  8. Im sorry to say that after today I really lost all confidence and respect in Rosetti as a Ref chef. How on earth cant there be another option for such a "simple" 2nd leg EL SF than the usual suspects Brych/Kuipers/Makkelie and Orsato. The latter isnt even in top 5 elite performance wise IMO. What a disrespect to the many other good Elites UEFA has. (Cakir, Turpin, Mateu, Stieler and the New Kids on the block like Grinfeeld f.e.)Instead of using everyone equally and treating everyone fairly it is now clear that you can screw over really important games and still get CL SF because your Italian.... and when you are not you are in case of a bad performance dependant on the goodwill of Rosetti and Ceferin. How pathetic.

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    Replies
    1. Rosetti is one true calamity...........

      Delete
    2. Stop thinking that Mr. Rosetti is the one deciding. The committee is based on observation reports in European and domestic matches before appointing. It is normal that the best referees lead matches of the highest level: Brych and Orsato have been part of them for many years for UEFA and FIFA (Orsato has led an intercontinental play-off in the past); throughout their careers, their level is excellent (as are Cakir, Kuipers, Mateu Lahoz). The others are good referees at the elite level who have yet to gain experience ...

      Delete
  9. I think Del Cerro's crucial mistake in the first leg was decisive for Brych to referee the second leg. Rosetti does not want risks.
    On the other hand, they may have wanted to reserve Çakir as a possible option for one of the finals, who knows. We cannot think so lightly, we are missing a lot of things. I'm happy for Vincic

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    Replies
    1. Even if... then Mateu would have been a solution (he still might miss out on everything now if RM and Villareal both go through...

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    2. Which crucial mistake? The crucial decisions were at least supportable.

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    3. I am Del Cerro's big fan, but IMO the second penalty was an awful decision

      Delete
  10. What exactly recommend Vincic for a semifinal? Is Damir Skomina`s injury the best thing happened to Vincic? 3 UCL in 2019/2020, 2 in 2018-2019, 2 in 2017-2018, 1 in 2016-2017 all only in group stage and maximum 1/8 in Europa League in last years. So he was just an average referee. Plus law problems. Now he became an UEFA`s favourite? There are a lot of referees that would deserve this game instead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IMO Vincic is completely deserved this appointment. I do not know what you mean by "there are a lot of referees". If you mean those top names like Kuipers/Makkelie, yes but they are already appointed in CL semi-final. If you mean other names like Kovacs/Siebert, I disagree because IMO Vincic's performance is more convincing than these two. My ideal appointment for EL semi-final would be Vincic and Cakir, and the final would be Turpin. Now at least Cakir or Turpin may get the EL final, but I feel sorry to one of them who will not get anything.

      Delete
    2. Short answer on the first question: He had a CL R16 and CL QF this season and did not disappoint there.

      Delete
  11. Well, this years performances (except weak Bulgaria-Italy)! Of course, this would have never happened without Skominas injury, but now he is in the focus and shows good performances.

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  12. First, congratulations on Vincic, wonderful appointment for him!

    Brych's appointment is "crazy" for me. Like many others, I am also disappointed with the Brych's appointment this time, and more importantly, I really can't understand this. Brych is completely deserved to get CL semifinal or EL semifinal, but two together in the same season? I do not think so. This is simply unfair to other referees, especially there are many other names can be appointed for this game.

    If the appointment is made before the 1st leg, why not appoint Turpin or Cakir for 2nd leg? If the appointment is made after the 1st leg, why not appoint Grinfeld or Siebert or Kovacs? Appointments like EL semi-final would be a very good opportunity for them, especially for the last two who are chosen for EURO.

    If Cakir is reserved for final, I would feel sorry for Turpin who IMO completely deserved to get EL semi-final. If Turpin will get the final, I also feel very sorry for Cakir, who IMO is still the top 5 referees in UEFA, based on performance and consistency.

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  13. What happened to felix zwayer no more uefa appointments? He had taken a center stage in huge games

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He will be fourth official here. This is actually the most interesting part: he will work again with Brych for the first time after the big WC2018 incident.

      Delete
    2. Is he a replacement?
      I don't know why Stieler didn't get further games after Atalanta Real Madrid?

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    3. Because UEFA would have preferred a practical yellow card instead of the by the book red card DOGSO. If there is a smallest doubt, they want yellow.

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    4. And that's the reason to crucify a referee you just promoted? Come on. Awful leadership.

      Delete
  14. Stieler ia one disaster as referee.

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  15. Rosetti appointments are all over the place.

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  16. Being an arsenal fan, and watching a lot of Vinčić this season in Europe, doesnt give me the greatest of confidence. Especially after the first leg last week with Dias, who I think is a better referee. Surely Vinčić can gain expirence in a "easier game" which looks to be done, and Felix can handle the "difficult" game.
    Best of luck to Vinčić and his crew.

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  17. Fun fact: In all of Brych's 5 KO matches this season, the away team came from England.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So he should be prepared for the possible ENG-SCO :)

      Delete
  18. Here I see many stating Roma-Manchester is an easy match. First of all, appointments were already decided before the first match. Second, don’t forget what happened with Skomina and Roma-Liverpool three years ago. It had to be an easy match and ended to be extremely challenging with a lot of wrong decision against Roma which could’ve decided the “easy” match on the way round

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  19. Surprised to see Brych in a tie that is already pretty much decided, especially when Cakir hasn’t had a semifinal yet. Only thing I can think: if Madrid makes the CL final, Turpin will replace Mateu Lahoz in that game, and Cakir is kept as a reserve for the EL final if needed.

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  20. No Cakir in Champions League and Europa League semi finals. That is a snub!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Referees who make bigger mistakes than cakir can easily get new matches. But Çakir has been mobbing for two years because slo-aus match by Ceferin. In other words the problem is personal

      Delete
  21. Nigeria - Bulgaria (Mario Sánchez Yantén) and Spain - Paraguay (Ian McLeod) are today's games from FIFA World Cup 1998.

    wc98refs.blogspot.com

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  22. OT:Tough match for Soares Dias,he is in charge of Portuguese Classico Benfica-Porto.
    So far 10 bookings, not enough consistency in them.,especially missed 2nd YC for Pepe.

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  23. Nothing to report from Vincic. The match is very fair and calm, no problems for the Slovenian, who had the control over the match throughout the whole half.
    He issued no YC so far - and rightly so.

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  24. Sensational athletic performance by Vincic in a very well controlled match.

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  25. I like the performance of Vincic. Deserved YC for Pino after making gestures and complaining about cards for Arsenal players.

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  26. Few comments today. This is usually a good sign. Seems like both referees did well or had a calm match.

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  27. As usual, a good performance for Brych.
    As for Vincic, I'm all the more surprised. Nothing to say. Good distribution of YCs, a calm match, well managed, contact with the players correct. High level athletic performance. A masterful performance. Deserved designation. He proved he was up to it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. UCL Manchester City - Chelsea FC
    Antonio Mateu Lahoz
    Pau Cebrian Devís
    Roberto Días Peréz Del Palomar
    Danny Makkelie
    VAR Alejandro José Hernández Hernández
    Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea
    Íñigo Prieto López de Ceraín
    Reserve Hessel Steegstra

    UEL Villarreal - Clement Turpin
    Clement Turpin
    Nicolas Danos
    Cyrile Gringore
    Slavko Vincic
    François Letexier
    Jérôme Brisard
    Benjamin Pages
    Reserve Tomaz Klancnik

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope the UEL final won’t be Villarreal playing Clément Turpin. In that case the Spaniards will experience a hard evening ;p

      Delete
    2. We can see again a surprise name by Rosettti :)

      Delete
  29. Brych is a fantastic referee. And Vincic is the biggest surprise this season for me. Well done!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agree with you Xabi, with ISTVAN KOVACS.
      Vincic/Kovacs.

      Delete
  30. OT: Anthony Taylor whistle the CL Final in the Premier League on Saturday.

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    Replies
    1. Anthony Taylor is one thousand worse that Oliver.
      And I am anti Rosetti.

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    2. It's the other way around, Anonymous.

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    3. Oliver is poor, see Real Madrid Juventus.

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    4. You are so boring with this Taylor vs. Oliver nonsense ...

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    5. Rumours say that both Taylor and Oliver excel themselves by an above-average command of English.

      Delete
  31. I think we saw a slightly below average-performance by Brych. The missed red card to Wan-Bissaka is a mistake imho, that foul was more than reckless. About Roma's PK request on Maguire, the arm is quite large honestly, but he kicks the ball on his own hand

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IMO a straight 8.4 performance for Felix Brych. I disagree on the Wan-Bissaka tackle, YC for a reckless tackle is still sufficient for me. Concerning the handball, a very clear case of a not-punishable handball as Maguire (deliberately) heels the ball which then hits the own arm. This is a situation which is literally described in the LotG.

      Delete
  32. Videos ARSENAL-VILLARREAL

    https://we.tl/t-52SgpxDXl2

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  33. OT: Cüneyt Çakir is in charge for top game between Galatasaray Istanbul (3) and Besiktas Istanbul (1) at Saturday, 08 May at 19:30.
    This game can be decisive for the title and the CL Qualification.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a normal designation.
      Cakir is the best referee in Turkey!

      Delete
  34. OT: This week there was a media workshop about refereeing in Germany with for example Lutz Michael Fröhlich, Jochen Drees and Peter Sippel with some interesting informations.
    I will sum up it shortly now.

    1.Bundesliga
    88×VAR interventions
    from that
    80×right intervention and right final decision
    3×right intervention, but wrong final decision
    5×wrong intervention, but right final decision
    8×missing intervention

    The Interventions concerned:
    42×goal (especially offsides)
    37×penalty
    9×red Card

    2.Bundesliga
    65×VAR
    from that
    61×right intervention and right final decision
    2×right intervention, but wrong final decision
    1×wrong intervention, but right final decision
    1×wrong intervention and wrong final decision
    7×missing intervention

    Duration of the Reviews (factual decisions, e.g. offside)
    International Leagues: 88 sec
    UEFA-Competitions: 77 sec
    Bundesliga: 75 sec

    Duration of the Reviews (subjective decisions, e.g. foul, handball)
    International Leagues: 133 sec
    UEFA-Competitions: 117 sec
    Bundesliga: 91 sec

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  35. https://t.me/REF_EX/312

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  36. ISTVAN KOVACS is the referee of today's AL-SHABAB RIYADH - AL-HILAL RIYADH clash in SAUDI ARABIA. It's 1st against 2nd, both teams on the same amount of points. KEVIN BLOM is the video assistant referee.

    ReplyDelete
  37. OT: Daniel Siebert and Tobias Stieler got the two top games in Germany today.
    Daniel Siebert whistles Dortmund (5) - Leipzig (2).
    And Tobias Stieler whistles Bayern München (1) - Mönchengladbach (7).
    Both games are decisive for CL, EL and Conference League Qualification.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stieler is one bad referee.

      Delete
  38. Japan - Croatia (Ramesh Ramdhan) and Belgium - Mexico (Hugh Dallas) from FIFA World Cup 1998.

    wc98refs.blogspot.com

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  39. Important news for Italian refereeing, Maria Marotta, serie C referee, has been appointed to handle her first Serie B game, Reggina - Frosinone, on next Monday. The game is without any importance for both teams, but surely this is a historic signal. She will become the first female referee in serie B in Italy ever, and very likely she is going to be promoted as serie A and B referee this summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Finally, Italy is changing, turning around, deciding to open up to the future and to modernity. From a dead association it is waking up and going in the right direction. Soon the italian referee association will return to where it deserves to be.

      Delete
  40. Debut in Ukraine in Premier League! The second female after Monzul. Anastasiia Romaniuk.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's right! Anastasiia - 2nd woman (main referee) in Ukrainian Premier League!

      Delete
  41. Has anyone watched Lahoz today in a big derby?

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  42. Excellent Mateu Lahoz. When he takes it seriously, he is the best referee in Spain. Great job

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When did he ever not take it seriously?

      Delete
  43. Netherlands - Korea Republic (Ryszard Wójcik) and Germany - Yugoslavia (Kim Milton Nielsen) are today's games from FIFA World Cup 1998.

    wc98refs.blogspot.com
    (thanks Peter :))

    ReplyDelete
  44. OT: can someone explain why Taylor can referee Man City if he was born in Manchester?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He lives literally 5 miles away from Old Trafford 😂 he is allowed to because apparently he had declared he supports neither team

      Delete
  45. OT

    No comment

    https://streamable.com/6dp34o

    ReplyDelete
  46. Reckless vs. SFP incident from Premier League yesterday:

    https://streamable.com/owza9h

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Contact above the angle with rather high intensity and no prior contact with the ball.
      Therefore it should be SFP in my opinion.

      Delete
    2. This one is rather difficult in my view.
      He hazards the consequences of his tackling with open studs.
      Nonetheless, the ball is near and his intention only seems to be to play the ball.
      I prefer a RC here, but nothing the VAR should intervene for.

      Delete
    3. Studs in extend, medium intensity, no real consideration for the opponent's welfare. IMO this should be a RC.

      But not a clear mistake so correct no VAR intervention.

      Delete
  47. Videos ROMA-MANCHESTER UNITED

    https://we.tl/t-ua1LHL4NGL

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  48. Yesterday in Fc Twente-Heracles a wrong intervention by VAR, even wrong interpretaion off how to use.....after a penalty given to Twente referee Lindhoud was informed by his VAR the ball was moving when the twente goalie moved the ball out of his box with a goalkick, 10 seconds later Heracles made a foul and Lindhout awarded a penalty, the Heracles coach made the 4th official aware off the moving ball with the keeper, then the 4th official talked with var, and var suggested the referee what happened.... referee Lindhoud admitted after the game the procedure was wrong....and Var should never talked with him, and he followed Var, cancelled the penalty also wrongly..... Referee said only if i asked the var iff the bal was moving during the goalkick i can cancel the penalty, not iff the VAR informs me... and this happened, so i cancelled the penalty wrongly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Referee said only if i asked the var iff the bal was moving during the goalkick i can cancel the penalty"

      I don't believe that is true. In situations, where VAR can't intervene, it doesn't make a difference who initiates the correction.
      Or what do others think?

      Delete
    2. You are completely right Philipp! Not important who initiates the review, it’s simply not allowed to intervene for a ball which is not stationary at a restart. Literally stated in the protocol.
      So even after the match the referee lacked sufficient knowledge of the VAR protocol?

      Delete
    3. That argument of Lindhout (I can ask VAR to look at it) was used by Dick van Egmond (Head of Referee Committee) earlier in the season as well. In a cup game (Excelsior - Vitesse), Higler asked VAR to look if the ball was stationary prior to a goal, as he wasn't sure himself, VAR informed him that that was not the case and Higler disallowed the goal thereafter. Van Egmond argued that that was a proper procedure.

      Delete
    4. Yeah during the game of course Lindhout was wrong. What he said after the game is how the KNVB likes it, even if it is against protocol, so in that case KNVB is wrong, not Lindhout (who just follows rules that KNVB tells him).

      Delete
  49. https://www.npostart.nl/nos-studio-sport-eredivisie/08-05-2021/POW_04970793
    The scene starts around 20:30

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  50. Argentina - Jamaica (Rune Pedersen) and United States - Iran (Urs Meier) are today's games from FIFA World Cup 1998.

    wc98refs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. There are some rumors that UEFA could move the CL final from Turkey to England due to COVID issues, this would be the second time after last season's change and one could easily guess that Turkey, in case, wont be so happy...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If I am not wrong Turkey is in lockdown until 19 May?? And final should be inly 10 days later and UEFA wants spectators on the stadium therefore I am not surprised if they move CL final to obe of the countries that will alow spectators on the stadium.

      Delete
  52. Poll about opening game at EURO 2020.

    Results so far: 268 Votes in 2 days.

    who will officiate the opening game Turkey - Italy?

    Felix Brych (Germany)
    78

    Carlos Del Cerro Grande (Spain)
    17

    Andreas Ekberg (Sweden)
    1

    Orel Grinfeeld (Israel)
    6

    Ovidiu Alin Hategan (Romania)
    7

    Sergei Karasev (Russia)
    0

    Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
    3

    Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)
    30

    Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
    41

    Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (Spain)
    14

    Michael Oliver (England)
    4

    Artur Manuel Ribeiro Soares Dias (Portugal)
    2

    Daniel Siebert (Germany)
    1

    Anthony Taylor (England)
    22

    Clément Turpin (France)
    21

    Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
    5

    Fernando Rapallini (Argentina)
    16

    Felix Brych is the right man, according to readers.
    To follow, Makkelie and Kuipers respectively.
    Interesting that there is only one referee without any single vote, Karasev.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Well... I think Medié Jiménez in Villarreal-Celta just had the poorest performance I remember in a LaLiga match since... Vicandi Garrido in Villarreal-Málaga (2016-17) or Hernández Hernández in 17-18 Clásico, maybe?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very poor performance, unacceptable. IMO Medié is with Melero López, the worst referee in La Liga

      Delete
    2. What about Figueroa Vasquez? Is he good?

      Delete
    3. @Anonymous: It's his first season in the league, I'm not very convinced, but you have to give him time.

      Delete
    4. In my opinion Medie Jimenez and Cordero vega will be relegates to 2 division. or Melero.

      Delete
    5. I disagree on cordero vega. But the other three names are also from my point of view candidates to be relegated to segunda division. I would like to add pizarro gomes as one candidate regarding many poor performances, problems with foul detection and taht he needs too often help of var. I also don't like the style of gonzales fuertes because he doesn't allow a fluent game too often. But that is just my opinion

      Delete
  54. https://twitter.com/i/status/1391449958755229703
    This happened immediately before a goal (by the red team) today in Bundesliga.
    Handball or allow the goal?

    More abstract question: Do we consider a "point of contact" or an "area of contact" for the decision where on the arm a possible handball occurs?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Referee Marco Fritz (FIFA 2nd) disallowed the goal, VAR Sören Storks (no-FIFA) did not intervene.
      In my view, based on the pictures, it's rather impossible to come to a final conclusion, whether the ball hit the punishable area of the arm or not.
      I think, the VAR couldn't find a clear evidence that the referee's perception was unequivocally wrong.
      I personally tend towards allowing the goal, but I also think that the VAR was right here in not intervening.

      In Germany however, the decision is discussed heatedly, as the general consent seems to be that the ball hit the shoulder.

      Delete
    2. In my opinion shoulder and not handball.

      Delete
    3. In German TV (sky) they said that Fritz had a contact to VAR and was told, NOT to check the decision again regarding the video, because it would have been a clear handball...!!!???
      For me a goal.

      Delete
  55. Very good VAR intervention in Madrid - Sevila. Penalty whistled for Madrid after DOGSO by GK.BUT VAR called Martinez Munuera for a OFR for a very clear handball of Madrid. So PK Sevilla and PK madrid cancelled.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed a good decision. But what a drama, considering the stakes!

      Delete
    2. Very deciding in the title race in Spain

      Delete
  56. Will you publish something about the UEFA course running this week as preparation for Euro 2020 ? Venue, Agenda, Program, Attendees ? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  57. UEFA published article about new Macron referee kit for EURO 2020. Together with Orsato and Frappart, models are Lahoz and Turpin. This could be a signal...

    https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/about-uefa/news/0269-123dd2242720-8b725c5505a0-1000--macron-releases-uefa-euro-2020-match-officials-kits/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Would probably mean even more, if they announced that it is already worn in the CL and EL final (which still could be the case)...

      No big change compared to the previous year. Adidas mostly did deviate more between tournaments. But according to the article those are four "traditional" refereeing colours...
      And obviously they focus more on the chest area now, so Werner Helsen has a task there ;)

      Delete
    2. We could even see all of them in the following club finals: Mateu Lahoz/Orsato in the UCL and Turpin/Frappart in the EL final.

      Delete
    3. They look very similar. What is actually new in these Euro kits?

      Delete
    4. The patch :D

      Delete
    5. Its so strange to see Turpin in short sleeves! It would be cool if he was wraring long sleeves like always.

      Delete
  58. I don't have detailed info about the officials attending the EURO course this week, but it seems as, differently from what it had been announced, only main referees and VAR have been called. Indeed Massa and Alassio are appointed today and on Wednesday in serie A. Out only main referees (Orsato) and selected VAR (Irrati, Bello, Valeri, Meli). I think that committee changed idea, after having originally informed that all officials selected would have attended this course.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In addition I Heard that course has been moved form Instanbul to Nyon for Covid reason. Is it true ?

      Delete
    2. true
      https://www.nzs.si/novica/Vincic_na_seminarju_UEFA_v_luci_priprave_na_EURO?id=52347&id_objekta=40

      Delete
  59. Colombia - Tunisia (Bernd Heynemann) and Romania - England (Marc Batta) are today's games from FIFA World Cup 1998.

    wc98refs.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fourth official at COL-TUN was Laszlo Vagner, as far as I remember.

      Delete
    2. Vágner was originally appointed but replaced by Günter Benkö when the Hungarian got selected to referee the Chile - Cameroon tie which was taking place the next day.

      You can see Benkö at the start of the highlights video here:
      https://doodstream.com/d/wclfddurd82b

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    3. Interesting: I didn't even realize this appointment although I am from Austria. 😳

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    4. I'd say you were doing well to remember the twenty-three years old original appointment at all!

      Hope you (and everyone else!) is enjoying / reading the WC 1998 blog so far :)

      Delete
    5. Hello Mikael
      It is fantastic to see such great work. Thank you so much, I can remind these games when I was a kid - WC 1998 pushed me into football and later into refereeing (but rugby)

      The way you cover it is really a pleasure to read, as much as your other WC blogs

      Delete
  60. OT: Former FIFA referee (category 3) Jovan Kaluđerovic is runing for president of Football association of Montenegro against incumbent president, two time champions league winner, Dejan Savicevic

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  61. OT:anyone see the diabolical refereeing in the fulham v Burnley game? Ref coote(fifa) VAR bankes(fifa)

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    Replies
    1. Yep, clear RC missed, handball gy Fulham's GK outside the box.

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    2. To me he looked afraid to make decisions and relied on VAR for assistance

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  62. On Twitter about Turpin :
    https://twitter.com/ActuFoot_/status/1391870093315952648?s=20

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  63. Opening game EURO can only be Brych or Makkelie. Rosetti first and foremost cares how Italian media receives the appointment. Sad, but true. From his position totally understandable. And I can't reckon any other UEFA referee with a clean history in Italy (Kuipers spoilt it in Juventus).

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    Replies
    1. I would say the top 3 for me is Brych, Mateu, Makkelie. I dont see why Kuipers should do both the opener and the final (which he IMO clearly will get if he just performs at normal/good level. He is the clear favourite to get it as long as NL is not in it.)

      Delete
    2. If Kuipers is "planned" for the final, he could be one of the referees with just one match in the group stage and then go directly to the round of sixteen and the final. In this case he might rather get a game on matchday 2 like England - Scotland or Portugal - Germany.

      Delete
  64. Did anything happen to Federico la penna? I did not see him whistling a game for at least three or four weeks I think

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    Replies
    1. Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to ask, he whistled the last Serie A game on 20.02., then 2 more Serie B games (the last one on 16.03.), after that he was only used sparingly as VAR! Maybe for personal or health reasons, but I don't know what's going on.

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    2. chefren or Mikael. do you mybe know anything about that?

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    3. He was out for about a month for COVID then he returned on 12 April and he got two consecutive appointments as VAR, last one on 19 April. Then after that he was again out, no official news, but I guess he has still some health problems. I hope nothing serious. Given that season is now almost over, no need to be hurry, he can take his time. The same is for referees like Di Bello and Pasqua, totally out since a very long time.

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    4. Thank you for the information. So I wish all the best for all of them. Three very good refs from my point of view

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  65. UEFA selected official that are in Switzerland for the training camp, were all vaccinated in these days. Source: Kevin Blom's instagram profile.

    https://www.instagram.com/stories/kevin.blom.official/2571187938284194100/

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    Replies
    1. Does it say which vaccine they got?

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  66. I don’t see why Kuipers, Brych or Cakir should get the final in advance? Past returns are no guarantee for the future!

    At every tournament it’s all about the best performing referee and not because of his status. Thinking in this way will eliminate chances for other referees. A final should not be a gift for what he did in the past, but a reward only for his performances during the tournament.

    If for example Brych gets the final as a favor, this means that in the next Euro’s another German referee is excluded. This isn’t fair, especially because they deserve the same chances! Equality is important for UEFA.

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    Replies
    1. Would mean that you would appoint for example Daniel Siebert for the final after two group stage matches and maybe another one in the knockout stage where he stays without serious mistakes in not demanding games without any special incidents where all players behave exemplarily?

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    2. "oh shut it" is not how we address people on this blog, thanks. The rest of the comment is below -

      "We all know that Kuipers wasnt asked to stay by Rosetti if he isnt planned for it (and rightly so!) At least you cant say that there is eauality at UEFA. There is a select Group of elite elite(Kuipers, Brych, Mskkelie Mateu) than we have the famous italian protege Orsato who this year is showing very good performances indeed (compatible to the fout mentioned before), but who would never have grotten where he is if he wasnt Italian.. Then there is the group of Cakir/Turpin/Cerro and after that the "filter elites" maybe it is harsh but thats how I see it. The final for now has the name of Kuipers written all over it, and if not it goes to one of the three other Elite Elites IMO."

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    3. For what it is worth, I agree with the points raised by Mike (especially) and Peter. I found the comments guessing who would referee the EURO final even before one match played(!) personally a bit inane.

      As Mike says, the final designation should be orientated chiefly in a referee's performances IN THAT TOURNAMENT. Maybe I'm biased because of my WC project work but that seems pretty obvious to me.

      I don't think that's incompatible with what Peter says, either. Nothing against Daniel Siebert, but if he displayed managerial skills at the level of eg. Daniele Orsato at the EURO, then I would be surprised.

      There is more to appointments than marks (I tried to make 'my' scale a signal in that direction), as Peter suggests himself.

      So the previous appointments of eg. Brych and Kuipers are more testament to their competencies as refs, which make them amongst the 'bookies favourites' for the final sure.

      But, we should see them as just pointers for likely EURO performances / appointments, as opposed to signals in themselves.

      However - soon we will have actual performances at the EURO to analyse, and I look forward to doing that as the days count down!

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    4. I don't think that (for example) Daniel Siebert's managerial skills are not sufficient to handle the EURO final. But it seems obvious that a referee with no experience in a Champions League match in the KO stage so far won't be appointed for the final even when he gets the highest marks at this tournament. For the same reason we may exclude him from top clashes like the British derby England - Scotland.

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    5. On the one hand I agree that appointments for the final should be merit-based but I also do think that in reality UEFA/FIFA ref committees have a pre-existing list before the tournament starts with (also politically) viable candidates. From within this list the candidate might be chosen based on performance and also logistics (own nation's team already home etc.)

      Your standing as a (and ultimately your position) as Ref Committee chair heavily depends on the perceived level of refereeing at the big-stage events, with the EURO final as its showpiece. In today's climate this means the less attention/controversy about the referee before and after the match the better. So it boils down to who the Ref committee trusts enough to deliver this. This is not say that referees who are not in this trust circle do not have the theoretical ability to officiate at such a match - it is just that they would constitute a risk for the committee - deservedly or not.

      The political component should also not be neglected. If we take for instance Irmatov: No referee has more World Cup matches than him (so definitely trusted by committee), nonetheless him refereeing a final was maybe never a realistic option. Sadly, I do not believe that the big nations would have accepted a referee from Uzbekistan, because they don't trust him enough with these stakes.

      So in a nutshell, if I'd had to bet money for the final I would also go with a name from the circle of Brych, Kuipers, Orsato, Lahoz(?) with some outside chances for Taylor, Makkelie, del Cerro Grande and Vincic. Not because the other referees would not deserve it or don't have the skills but because they pose too big of a risk for the committee.

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    6. IMO for EURO final, I would consider Kuipers/Brych/Cakir/Orsato/Lahoz. These are all referees with wide experience, and they are all >44 yo. Makkelie and Turpin will have the chance to get their finals in the future, while Del Cerro Grande is of course behind Lahoz when considering a Spanish referee for the final.

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    7. @Anonymous: I don't realize Orsato's "wide experience" if we talk about World Cups, Olympic Tournaments, European Championships, Confederations Cups or Club World Cups.

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    8. Basically, the goal has to be to maximize the probability of a good referee performance in the final.
      It would actually be an interesting research to check the correlation of a referee performance in a match with
      a) his previous match
      b) his last 3 matches
      c) his last 10 matches
      d) his last 50 matches

      To sum it up: Is the current form more relevant or his long-term performance?
      Also interesting: Is making a crucial mistake increasing the likelihood to make a crucial mistake in the next match or not?

      As we don't know those connections yet (if we do, please let me know), I would do roughly the following strategy:
      Take the approx. best 5 referees in the tournament and compare with the approx. best 5 referees by their evaluation before the tournament.
      Only referees, who are on both lists (and otherwise eligible) should be considered for the final.
      If there is none, one has to increase the number on both sides.

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    9. Also an interesting point by Peter. Should the previous tournament experience be considered. There might be some sense to give the "newcomers" easier matches in the beginning than the others.
      Referees with previous big tournaments are: Brych, Kuipers, Cakir, Mateu, Turpin, Rapallini, Hategan, Karasev.
      So maybe they are the favourites for the top clashes in group stage?
      Further in the tournament this should become less relevant, I think.

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    10. Concerning Rapallini: UEFA already practiced such an exchange programme in 2020 when Gamal Al-Ghandour was invited. Although a world-class referee during that time, he "just" got the two group stage matches Spain - Norway (the parallel game between the two Balkan nations Yugoslavia and Slovenia would have been politically more interesting) and the absolutely meaningless match Denmark - Czech Republic on the last group stage day (both teams lost their first two games and therefore were definitely out). Rapallini's palmares hardly contains any major appointments. I wonder which role he shall play during the EURO.

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    11. in 2000, not 2020. :-O

      Delete
  67. OT... do you know when we can expect new referees categories?

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  68. OT : François Letexier will be in charge of the Coupe de France final, to be held on the 19th May.
    Absolutely deserved after a good season, good luck to him !

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  69. Chefren or someone please help me out here. So I was watching some Serie A highlights and I saw a penalty which was initially given to Benevento Vs Cagliary by Doveri and he was invited to watch it by VAR and afterwards the penalty was annulled, I am really troubled because I can’t seem to know why it was annulled. Anyone with a clip or reason why it was annulled please help me out.

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    Replies
    1. Video:
      https://streamja.com/oPgJO

      Indeed this decision by Doveri (VAR Mazzoleni) led to many controversial discussions. It seems as the 'un'official (but official due to indirect sources) assessment by committee is that VAR shouldn't have intervened. The reason for which Mazzoleni intervened is that he thought it was a simulation, with attacker looking for the opponent and then finding a penalty whistled by referee. Doveri and Mazzoleni have been both suspended for this round, we will see when they will return. This decision was very crucial for the outcome of the game, and very likely for relegation as well.
      VAR shouldn't have intervened because, although one can assume that attacker used the situation to get a penalty, defender put leg, taking a risk, and a soft contact existed, this should be absolutely enough for supporting referee. If we make such analysis for every penalty called, VAR would be over. In UEFA, this intervention would have never happened.
      More generally, if you have read my words about VAR and Rizzoli some days ago on the blog, this is another signal of the very poor management this season. Never a clear line, depending on who is VAR, you have different decisions in front of similar situations. I admit that it is difficult because almost all penalty situations are always grey areas in presence of soft contacts, but this is definitely too much...
      Referee should have refused the change of decision after having watched the monitor, that's why Rizzoli suspended Doveri as well.
      Last but not least, player was not even booked for simulation: the decision was only to remove penalty, you can understand that in this context, this is something like a "middle way".
      With a strong simulation decision, after having checked monitor, at least Doveri would have shown by far more and more credibility in changing idea.
      Also, Rizzoli was reported as very angry because Mazzoleni worked as VAR wearing jeans and not official AIA uniform.

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    2. The game was crucial for the relegation of Benevento to Serie B. IMO the decision of both the VAR and the referee was very brave and correct. The incident occurred in the last minutes of the match when Benevento had to score a goal to stay in Serie A and avoid relegation. The attacker Viola did not protest at all after ref Doveri cancelled the penalty.

      However, this decision led to huge controversies. Mazzoleni received serious verbal attacks by Benevento's managers when leaving the stadium by car. Also, politicians brought the debate to the Italian Parliament, where VAR Mazzoleni was accused to be biased to Cagliari (actually no reason for this) and politicians asked to ban him. Benevento's President and local politicans made interviews to many Italian media accusing Mazzoleni (who is from North Italy) to damage teams from South Italy. In general, these controversies have seriously affected Mazzoleni's reputation as VAR, while he was one of the most reliable VARs before this match. No reaction of AIA has followed after all this controversy. Let's see how Rizzoli will plan to manage Mazzoleni for the next season...

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  70. Don’t forget that political matters are also counting at tournaments. A German, Dutch or Spanish referee in the final 2021 will mean no countryman in the final of the next couple of Euro’s. Because it’s not possible to have two German or two Dutch referees in the Euro final within 2 or 3 editions.

    ——————-

    IMO for EURO final, I would consider Kuipers/Brych/Cakir/Orsato/Lahoz. These are all referees with wide experience, and they are all >44 yo. Makkelie and Turpin will have the chance to get their finals in the future, while Del Cerro Grande is of course behind Lahoz when considering a Spanish referee for the final.

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    Replies
    1. You are right: Dr. Felix Brych can't be appointed for the current EURO final because Roberto Rosetti has an eye on a specific referee from Germany's third league whom he anticipates to become Europe's leading referee in 11 years and who therefore should handle the EURO 2032 final where his national team won't reach the semi-final.

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    2. Which referee do you mean?

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