Referee appointment for Semifinals Second Legs of 2022-23 UEFA Women's Champions League.
18:45 CET – Barcelona (Camp Nou)
FC Barcelona Femení (ESP) - Chelsea FC Women (ENG)
Referee: Esther Staubli (SUI)
Assistant Referee 1: Susann Küng (SUI)
Assistant Referee 2: Katrin Rafalski (GER)
Fourth Official: Riem Hussein (GER)
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San (SUI)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Franziska Wildfeuer (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Dagmar Damková (CZE)
UEFA Delegate: Myrsini Psarropoulou (GRE)
1 May 2023
18:45 CET – London (Arsenal Stadium)
Arsenal Women FC (ENG) - VfL Wolfsburg (GER)
Referee: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)
Assistant Referee 1: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)
Assistant Referee 2: Francesca Di Monte (ITA)
Fourth Official: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (ITA)
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jelena Cvetković (SRB)
UEFA Referee Observer: Paloma Quintero Siles (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: Patricia González García (ESP)
Arsenal Women FC (ENG) - VfL Wolfsburg (GER)
Referee: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)
Assistant Referee 1: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)
Assistant Referee 2: Francesca Di Monte (ITA)
Fourth Official: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (ITA)
Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jelena Cvetković (SRB)
UEFA Referee Observer: Paloma Quintero Siles (ESP)
UEFA Delegate: Patricia González García (ESP)
This is the penalty whistled by Massa in Olympiacos - AEK, confirmed by VAR: https://streamable.com/l8c0pe
ReplyDeleteAnd a short clip of the scene at final whistle, a very short walk to enter the tunnel of dressing room became a nightmare as you can see, with their lives in danger... https://streamable.com/nt5039
We can only imagine what happened later without cameras.
BTW something should be done as I said, at first whoever at the head of Greek refereeing must resign immediately, UEFA and FIFA must intervene and the football stopped as long as there are such incidents.
DO you also have a video of when the Olympiacos President came on the pitch and complained?
DeleteEither way is horrendous, if I was Massa I would never be refereeing and offering my services in Greece ever again, I think the actions of the Police was very Strange too, in Argentina they regular hold up there shields in the air as ecorting off the match officials.
DeleteRegarding the penalty itself, there is definitely contact between knees of both players, therefore I cannot deem this a "clear simulation". Whether it was enough to cause the subsequent fall is an issue on its own, however I think the penalty call cannot be interpreted as a clear and obvious mistake and I actually support the non-intervention by the VAR.
DeleteAs for the assault on Massa and his crew, I can only agree with everything Chefren wrote in his comment. Absolutely unacceptable situation, from any point of view. And yes, the actions undertaken by the police here were dubious to say the least (speaking as a police officer).
I don't comment the penalty. It could be award for sure. It's a big shame what happened after the final whistle. Uefa and Fifa must intervene and no other european referees should be send to attende in Greece. I'm sure this is the last italian referee for a long time.
DeleteTotally agree. Somebody will be badly hurt or even worse.
DeleteI will only comment on the penalty situation. Clear simulation, don't understand how VAR supported the penalty. Massa too relaxed and static, not anticipating the situation at all. He's then consequently too far away, gets covered by another player and cannot see well.
ReplyDeleteNo penalty, clear simulation.
ReplyDeleteNot really. See the contact between knees.
DeleteOT
ReplyDeleteWho are the main candidates for UEL-, UECL- and Nations League finals?
The Italian component in all competitions is interesting.
DeleteMy ideas in random order:
- Champions league: Taylor, Makkelie, Marciniak
- Europa League: Taylor and Marciniak (if no UCL), Kovacs, or Oliver (if no Juve)
- Conference league: Gil Manzano, Zwayer
- Nations league: Marciniak, Kovacs, Vincic
I would add Schärer and Dias as possibilities for the Conference League as well (I would have included Jovanovic, but he is probably out of the running after his last performance)
DeleteSchärer will not make any final, he will participate in the U20 World Cup
DeleteYes, Schärer at FIFA U20. Letexier and Meler as well. They all can be back for a semi-final nations league (14 June) though. The final will be a very experienced ref; especially with the presence of Italy…!
DeleteOne other option is a farewell final to Carlos DCG, I think we will see a Spanish team in one of the finals, but my gut feeling says they’ll focus on the development of next Spanish #1, Gil Manzano.
Oliver maybe will refreeing 3 finals in 2026, FA Cup final 2026(3rd time after 1st 2018 and 2nd 2021), UCL final 2026(if no English team or the final is English club derby), and World Cup final 2026(if no England national team)
DeleteHe will NEVER referee FA Cup Final again, rules in England is FA Cup 1 time only, only reason he did x2 was special case because of COVID, and 0 spectators allowed, the FA decided to give the occasion of no atmosphere to someone who previous done the final, it was a one off.
DeleteNo way. The WC final 2026 will be a non-European. Unless Argentina is in it again, lol 😅
DeleteSome doubt about Kovacs after the not good performance in last UCL match.
DeleteMy opinion is that the Olympiacos player (Reabciuk) makes contact with his knee on the knee to thigh of the AEK player (Vida) and from this contact the left knee of the AEK player finds his right knee and from this contact his fall is caused. If I could excuse the VAR referee the Italian Piccinini I could say that he did not call Massa to do in field review because he did not think it was an obvious mistake.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, it is an extremely controversial penalty at an extremely crucial point in time for this game and for the development of the league which is competitive this year.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the incidents are concerned, they are deplored by all of us. Because I happen to come from Greece I really believe that if we burn the paper and the elite foreign referees and there is for them the classic Greek environment of suspicion and suspicion of doubt and flattening there will be no hope to ever fix the part of refereeing in Greek football. Sadness only!
Archilleas, do you think now though it is time for trust from Greek FA to their officials, and stop using them ??
DeleteI think that because the Greek referees receive enormous influence from the presidents of the Greek teams and from the media, it is not a realistic scenario to cope with all this pressure and influence. However, my opinion is that because referees are human and will make mistakes, whether Greek or foreign, the toxicity that dominates is mainly emitted by Olympiacos, which if it decides to change its communication policy one day, I believe there will be some improvement in the refereeing part.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, the fact that there is contact between the Olympiacos defender and the attacking player of AEK Athens is confirmed by the fact that neither the Olympiacos defender (Reabciuk) nor his goalkeeper (Paschalakis) complained to the referee about the penalty award. They don't even raise their hands for the classic protest. They just remain silent because they both know there is contact. Whether this contact now causes the fall is decided in the first instance by the referee in the flow of play and in the second instance by the VAR keeper.
Deletehttps://youtu.be/3LaB2fJV4Nc
ReplyDeleteA video with some doubtful cases from the game in Greece
Villanueva with very mixed performance so far in 1st half of Girona-Real.
ReplyDeleteHe is trying his best to control Vini vs everybidy,but that's very tough job for him I dont know how he will cope with that in 2nd half.
The fact that Vinicius is still on the pitch is simply unbelievable.
DeleteAfter being cautioned in 36', he has been guilty of a illegal use of arms in 40', a borderline stamp in 41', a late challenge in 51' and an obvious UB pushing in 78'.....
I like Iglesias Villanueva generally, but he cannot simply close his eyes on such situation, any other player would've been sent off.
Fabbri in Juventus - Napoli
ReplyDelete22' Possible YC for reckless challenge, maybe the optimal incident to start with cards, he didn't book player.
https://streamable.com/m4fqby
23' YC for SPA. I think very harsh, referee could have whistled (if foul) without booking.
https://streamable.com/4crrim
31' Possible VC, no VAR intervention, the most discussed incident.
https://streamable.com/y6lffa
41' Possible YC for SPA, for me by far clearer YC than the previous issued one.
https://streamable.com/mkrunh
82' Disallowed goal for a previous foul, another very discussed incident. VAR was very quick and sure about the call.
https://streamable.com/p7roya
90'+1 Disallowed goal for ball out, VAR confirmed
https://streamable.com/ymiap9
90'+2 In my opinion a simulation, not punished by referee (only play on)
Live: https://streamable.com/ikd92i
Replay (after the decisive goal scored by Napoli in the middle): https://streamable.com/cnt54u
You can assess the two main incidents with different views, but one thing is sure, again a very weak appearance by Fabbri, who in my opinion will final leave the FIFA scene at the end of 2023, having already been confirmed for years and years in which he has been always an extremely poor referee. Really sorry to say that, but sometimes, looking at him, you have the idea he deliberately avoids to take certain decisions, despite of being aware of what happened. Unacceptable...
I just want to say about 31' the followings: I consider it more as an accidental arm move than a deliberate slap. Huuuge exaggeration by Napoli's player, I agree with no VAR intervention here.
DeleteAnd an important detail, the initial contact is on Napoli player shoulder, because of the dynamics, Juventus player hand goes higher than that, unintentionally.
DeleteThese 2 YC's not given are very surprising to me.
DeleteMost of the times these 2 fouls are crystal clear bookings in Italy,but looks like sometimes when you have mixed criterium is otherwise.
31' Is an interesting scene. I think it was on purpose. I'm quite sure because of the facial expression (intensity) of the juventus player when it happens. He seems to brace himself for an aggressive action. So for me not accidental and RC.
Delete41' Not a YC for me. The main contact on the foot happens late and unintentional. At this point, the striker is not getting to the ball before the defender. But I agree 23' is a harsh booking.
Delete@David exactly what you said about the facial expression was an argument used by refereeing experts to assess it as deliberate act, in addition the hand was clenched into a fist, typical of a person who wants to commit an act like this. You can say that force is not excessive and I agree, but you have all criteria for violent conduct. Waiting for knowing more about the official assessment by AIA, in case I will report here.
DeleteWe are waiting for next matchday's appointments with two big games like Inter - Lazio and Milan - Roma and there is a delay, today we have Inter - Juventus in Coppa Italia and that's the reason, AIA is afraid to publish before (I think we are the only country doing this...). The expected referees are Orsato in Roma - Milan and Maresca or Guida in Inter - Lazio.
And ofc Doveri had to get one big match and he got today's Derby d'Italia. 😀
DeleteUnder 3 cards in 90 minutes.
Maresca and Orsato for sure are candidates.
Massa cant be cause he had too many big matches this year(Juve-Inter,Lazio-Roma,Milan-Roma,Inter-Milan,Inter -Roma and so on....)and also Greek controversies.
Hopefully he recivers froma that,phisically and emotionaly.
Mariani also cant cause he is from Rome,that's a big handicap in Serie A and Italian football in general.
Di Bello had his controversies last time he got big match,Lazio vs Juve.
And Guida..
I dont know if he is phisicaly ready for that type of matches,that have big teams and that have CL at stake.
He was alright in Fiorentina-Atalanta but this type of matches are another animal.
Chiffi would be another solution but again,problematic last big match where he allowed Juve goal in Derby d'Italia and had plenty complaints from Inter.
So I have to agree with Chefren,only these 3 names are posibilities for these 2 big matches.
I'm a little bit regretted that Valeri has completely disappeared from refereeing duty. he is only acting as VAR
Delete@f: for Valeri long injures and mistake after mistake when he tried to officiate games.. at this point I think he should retire, dedicating his time to become VAR PRO.
DeleteI'm little bit late for the initial discussion, but here is my view on the situations posted by Chefren:
Delete22': I'm not sure it was a mandatory YC, but certainly a possible and, IMO, preferable one.
23': Wrong YC for me, no criteria seem to be fulfilled.
31': I agree with David and Chefren here, everything about this slap "speaks" to me in favour of it being a deliberate action: facial expression and body language, clenched hand, a general feeling of aggression by the player. For me, it was a deliberate strike and a RC.
41': SPA and a missed YC for my taste, but definitely so if compared to the one given in 23'. Inconsistency in disciplinary management.
82': I agree with the VAR intervention in this instance, there seems to be a clear contact on the leg of Napoli player just before the contact with the ball. IMO, it was enough to deem it a clear foul. The main question is: how did Fabbri manage to see a clear contact on the ball from the position he had? (Probably he lost concentration for a moment due to the previous possible contact he had to assess, but still...)
90+1': Seems like a correct decision, the ball was out completely IMO.
90+2': I agree with Chefren on this one, a simulation IMO: Cuadrado was actively looking for a contact and caused one himself, this seems to be a deliberate move. YC for simulation missed for my taste (I am not in favour of the opinion that any contact immediately cancels any potential simulation).
Generally speaking, a bad performance by Fabbri, judging by the incidents provided by Chefren. I did not watch the game and my opinion could be wrong, but what I see from these incidents is a referee who seems to be pretty unsure in his decisions, with weak body language in key situations. Unfortunately, that seems to be a pattern over the years, not a singular bad performance.
Harsh on Fabbri. I thought he got major calls right yesterday. Thoyhe should have seen the foul on Lobotka for the cancelled goal in real time
ReplyDeleteI know have retired Antonio mateu lahoz and Carlos cerro Grande Spain and not wait for Daniele orasto 47 year old not wait retired
ReplyDeleteOliver with hot game today
ReplyDeleteWish him the best
Missed penalty already minute 3
DeleteNo, no penalty. Striker Foul was the correct decision by Oliver
Delete“Ghost foul” by Oliver in 12’
DeleteThe ball is in active area not in goalie range, how u can deemed that was a foul? It’s better to play on.
DeleteClear penalty. Defender literally trips the attacker by putting his foot into the path.
DeleteI predict that the ref will be appointed to officiate the greek derby of play offs between Panathinaikos and AEK Athens is Orel Grinfeeld. Do we know if has already been appointed at Israel?
ReplyDeleteToday UEFA has made the appointment for Milan - Inter, first leg.
ReplyDeleteObserver: Frank De Bleeckere (BEL).
That's interesting. Basically he can be a name for all Elite, but very often he gets rather referees in development (even if already Elite). I think in this case it will be the first option... committee will not take any risk there.
Taylor or Vincic
DeleteHard to see Vincic in Inter match this season after match Inter Barca controversies.
Delete@M: Yes, forgot about that.
DeleteI presumed, Taylor can only do the 1st leg. If he is not appointed to MILINT, we can conclude that he is saved for a final (CL / EL).
Return leg of the Milan derby is even more interesting. Very few referees are trusted enough. Maybe Turpin?
Makkelie or Marciniak for me for the return Milan derby. The other one for the CL final
DeleteThis year in Champions League, it is not an insult to get a semi-final instead of the final.
DeleteYou may need the best referees for these semi-finals pairings.
Now missed VC by MCI player
ReplyDeleteI thought so,only YC was shown to Dias.
DeleteBut again,English style.
The lack of any strong force means in England a yellow is probably preferred. In a different match, a possible handball around 85' not given in West Ham Liverpool, I think that was one that different countries would have different expectations
DeletePersonally, it's a RC for VC, however I have to agree with Daniel Bailey that YC was the expected choice in that particular situation, in England. I'm certain a RC decision would have caused a major uproar in the general public, therefore I didn't even expect anything other than a YC.
DeleteAn expected level performance by Oliver in general, IMO: nothing special, but no major issues as well (I back him up regarding the potential penalty for Man City in 3'). Two complaints I do have refer to 2 missed YCs for my personal taste (one for a foul on De Bruyne in the 1H (SPA?) and one for Partey near the end of the 2H (LoR), but I didn't remember to write down the exact minutes unfortunately). However, both are probably "manageable" from an English point of view. Of course, we can debate whether he could/should have done more to prevent some of the altercations between players, however he dealt with those accordingly IMO and nothing major happened in the end.
Are there any particular news about Doveri's performance in Inter - Juventus?
According some news, Javier Alberola Rojas will be a new international referee - from 2024.
ReplyDeleteOh boy.
Deletehttps://cadenaser.com/nacional/2023/04/26/alberola-rojas-sera-internacional-a-partir-del-1-de-enero-de-2024-cadena-ser/
DeleteIf both Mateu and Del Cerro will be out, who is the other new Spanish FIFA referee in 2024?
DeleteI think that three elite Referees will be enough (hh will be the only nee one i think). Otherwise de burgos is really strong in spain but I don't think his Performances in europe were good enough for that
DeleteAnd probably I am alone with this opinion but I think alberola Rojas promotion is absolutely deserved. For years he convinced me with His soft skills and great authority. He is relatively lenient but does never lose the control of his games. And his card Management is very consistent in my eyes
DeleteRosetti observing at Real-City.
ReplyDeleteAny ideas?
No clue at all. All Elite are possible with a committee member in a top game. We can only say that it wont be Orsato. Kovacs already excluded after his performance in Milan - Napoli.
DeleteI’d expect a surprise name. Elite development (comparable to Kovacs); someone new at the semi final-stage, and maybe in the race for one of the ‘smaller’ finals this year.
DeleteThe game is too big for this idea, but I agree that at first glance Rosetti name could indeed suggest exactly that. In case, I think not a less experienced referee than a name like Schaerer, but this would be already a big surprise. I exclude Jovanovic because it looks clear that committee didn't appoint him after Italy - England.
DeleteMaybe Zwayer..
DeleteIndeed Zwayer would suit for some reasons.
DeletePossible options (excluding all referees clearly out):
Clément Turpin (FRA) but unlikely due his previous game
Felix Zwayer (GER) would follow a certain path
Serdar Gozubuyuk (NED) a very big surprise, but in my opinion not a referee for such a game
Danny Makkelie (NED) possible and expected in a game after being out in quarterfinal, but this appointment could say "no CL final" for him
Szymon Marciniak (POL) possible despite of the situations in Napoli - Milan, but I wouldn't see Rosetti appointed in that case
Srdan Jovanovic (SRB) unlikely to get directly this game
Sandro Schaerer (SUI) would be the very big suprise, but few chances, I don't think it will be him
Vincic, just to mention him as well, for me out due to previous performance.
Why not Artur Soares Dias in Madrid? He had sunday a game in Greece and then he could be wednesday in Madrid.
DeleteSoares Dias is never used in such ‘clean’ high profile games with a high pace, where a referee is expected to cover 8-9 miles (14 kms), is he?
DeleteImo Soares Dias is used as a firefighter, like Bastien or Sanchez: heated or ugly games. He’s a strong authority and a good man-manager. For this reason, I don’t see him in Real - City.
When RR is observing, it always serves a purpose (e.g. a promotion or potential final referee). Here is my view:
Delete- Clément Turpin (FRA) indeed unlikely. No purpose and he had City not too long ago.
- Felix Zwayer (GER): observing him would serve a clear purpose, which is to identify the German #1 for EURO2024, and potentially one of the smaller finals (UECL / Supercup). What speaks against Zwayer is that he never refereed a semi final and he barely officiated such a sonorous game in group stage, let alone a semi-final. His R16 game (RMA-LIV) appointment was justified because of the standings. But he did very well in 2023, so who knows…!
- Serdar Gözübüyük (NED): he is also following a path, but same arguments here: he never refereed a clash like this in group. It’s way too early for him.
- Danny Makkelie (NED): not impossible and also expected in a semi-final, however after missing the QF, I’d rather expect him in Europa league. Rosetti with him doesn’t serve a purpose. As Chefren stated, a SF already rules him out for the UCL final.
- Szymon Marciniak (POL): not impossible, however I agree with Chefren that we don’t see him with Rosetti in that case. And UEFA tends to use him in very challenging and heated (volcano) games, not sth high-paced like this. If he has a semi final, it will be the Milan derby return, but I think he will have one of the finals (in Istanbul or Budapest). *Side note: the UEL final is potentially a very challenging one too, with probably Italian side(s) and/or a Spanish - I think UEFA will take no risk and appoint either Taylor or Marciniak in that case.
- Srdan Jovanovic (SRB): honestly I found him mediocre in 2023, but after missing the QF I don’t exclude him for a SF. Rosetti loves him for some reason. The Refcom keeps appointing him to high profile games and he is following a clear path, too. This game fits his background-minded style and could be his ticket to the Conference league final (like Kovacs last year). But is it deserved..? Not for my taste.
- Sandro Schärer (SUI): not impossible, but after returning from injury a big game like this isn’t very likely. He is at FIFA U20 hence not in the race for a final. I do think we will see him in a SF Nations league in June.
- Vincic: same arguments as Jovanovic - he has been weak in 2023, but we can’t rule him out for a semi-final. Strong political background and would follow the same path as Makkelie: final UEL > SF UCL. Rosetti with him makes no sense though, although Vincic could be a name for the nations league (SF - F).
My Real-City prediction: 1) Jovanovic, 2) Vincic, 3) Zwayer
How about Kruzliak? I think recently he got many good games and had excellent performance too. It seems also happened to Grinfeeld but I don’t think the later was show by Grinfeeld.
DeleteJuventus - Sevilla: Dejan Filipović (SRB)
ReplyDeleteRoma - Bayer Leverkusen Juan Antonio Fernández Marín (ESP)
Both classic observers for experienced Elite referees. No Spanish referee in Rome, no Jovanovic in Turin.
Fiorentina - Basel Rune Pedersen (NOR)
Greece
ReplyDelete30/04
Panathinaikos - AEK Athens
Artur Soares Dias, P.Ribeiro, P.Soares,
VAR: T.Martins
Very big game for him.
DeleteBy the way, Kyros Vassaras, the head of Romania referees hold a press conference where he told about VAR situation in our Nations League. And he backed Fesnic and the VAR for their decisions in the hot game Rapid vs FCSB. https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-1/arbitraj-kyros-vassaras-conferinta-695806.html. In the article, there are two pictures from that game.
ReplyDeleteMilan x Inter
ReplyDeleteArtur Soares Dias
It's imposibble. you didn't observed that Soares Dias had a game Sunday in Greece, and the italian derby is Tuesday. Why not in Madrid?
DeleteGreece game 30 April, Milan derby 10 May.
DeleteSorry, it's my mistake. I think the games will be this week, in the 2 and 3 may, but it's over a week.
DeleteMilan vs Inter : Mateu Lahoz
ReplyDeleteReal Madrid vs Man City : Daniel Seibert
Siebert and Lahoz
DeleteNo chance
OT: For EPL experts, is there any info about the last man standing Andre Marriner (52) and Graham Scott (55), will they retire at the end of the season? Especially Graham who is more often only in duty as FO. I don't know more about Graham performance but for Andre Marriner I hope he will continue as the man in the middle, he still show a good performance in his age.
ReplyDeleteGood to read that referees are allowed to continue if their level of performances are good enough (apart of fitness, athletic image, knowledge of LotG, etc,).
DeleteAge is just a figure!!!!
It’s hard to me to accept that both refereeing references in Spain will be out at the end of the season just because of their age.
Both are TOP managers, physically are good (CdCG is outstanding at his 47), and they can referee any difficult match in La Liga or UEFA. Why don’t they allow them to continue??. Non reasons, just the age.
Really disappointing ;(
as far as I know, among Europe's top leagues, only England and Russia, which still have active very trusted referees over 49 years old. Bezborodov and Marriner, whom I know, are still doing very well at their respective ages, let alone referees like DCG and Lahoz. I mean if the case it's like Brych or Cakir cases I can understand, but especially Lahoz some time ago there were those who discussed that he didn't want to retire, I don't know the reason why the internal of Spanish FA wanted Lahoz to retire, in the sense whether with Lahoz continuing it would bring disadvantage to them?
DeleteTo allow new referees to advance their careers rather than blocking the spots at the top level
DeleteFor me it’s just classic excuse, I mean if you are good manager you can easily manage and negotiate all about that with the senior referees, ofc they are not close minded.
DeleteWhat about Daniel siberet in uefa competitions ?
ReplyDeleteAfter about a year at the top, UEFA realized something different about him...
DeleteHas the selection for Arsenal v Wolsburg been confirmed?
ReplyDeleteTwo days before the game, expect the appointment tomorrow in the morning.
DeleteWho will referee tomorrow the AFC Champions League final?
ReplyDeleteSeveral media reports point to Ahmad Al-Kaf from Oman.
DeleteHe already did the 2018 final... is he getting another one?
DeleteHis third final. 2016, 2018 and 2023.
DeleteThree Champions League finals? AFC does not have other top referees?
DeleteI remember Beath never gets a final. Maybe he will get the return leg.
DeleteAl-Kaf 3 finals in 7 years and never selected for WC... does that make sense?
DeleteProbably in 2026
DeleteI found a new interview with Felix Brych. Philipp, maybe you can help us with a summary?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.sportschau.de/fussball/brych-schiedsrichter-talk-100.html
Yes, let me take the opportunity to provide two pieces of news regarding Felix Brych (which were also discussed in the interview).
Delete1) He will continue one more year in Bundesliga in spite of reaching the unofficial age limit of 47. Therefore he will be the first to referee in Bundesliga at the age of 48 for a long time.
A further extension of his career remains to be decided, but he said, he wants to go into coaching at some point.
2) Yesterday he published a book called "Aus kurzer Distanz: Meine Erfolgsprinzipien als Weltschiedsrichter | Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen des Profi-Fußballs und die Kraft der Psychologie" (= "From a short distance: My principles of success as a world referee | A look behind the scenes of professional football and the power of psychology"
The translated table of content :
In the stands - World Cup 2018
The right one must win - justice and self-confidence
Not a nice guy - closeness and distance
Invisible in the limelight - media and the public sphere
I need all of you! - Team leadership
Across the pitch at 28 km/h - Physical preparation
Focused like a kingfisher - mental preparation
The way you talk to me is also unfair! - Communication
Over 150 Red Cards - Perceive and Decide
You can't lie to yourself - processing setbacks
Hey, stay! - Dealing with the end of a career
On the pitch - European Championship 2021
So it promises a very interesting read for referee enthusiasts like us here - unfortunately only available in German for now.
But I could sum up some of the main points regarding WC18 and EURO21 in a follow-up comment soon.
Other topics in the Sportschau interview:
DeleteHandball interpretation: The decision on this is now so "thankless" that he hopes for help. "I would like the discretion to be taken away from us". The handball rule is clear, but the assessment can be "very, very difficult". "It's so thankless that I don't even want to decide this anymore". Therefore, he wanted a clearer definition of when a handball was punishable. This is now "a matter for football" and not for the referees.
VAR: "It wasn't easy at the beginning, it was like open-heart surgery". "The most far-reaching intervention in refereeing". "It's a very important tool, I wouldn't even whistle anymore without VAR." Being VAR is also fun for him, but he prefers the grass to the so-called Cologne basement [location of German VAR centre]: "The contact with the people and the players, the atmosphere in the stadium - that's extraordinary."
Thanks! Big news! And his new book sounds like a must! I'm very interested, maybe an English version will be released someday.
DeleteVielen Dank! Very interesting
DeleteI mentioned Jovanovic and Zwayer as a potential surprise referee in Real-City, but I just realised that both never passed the R16 of the UEFA Champions League. That makes them very unlikely in a big semi-final UCL like RMA-MCI?
ReplyDeleteKovacs was a surprise name last season, but at least he followed a path and showed his quality in a QF.
Based on this rationale, you are left with Vincic, Marciniak or Makkelie in Madrid?
Is Makkelie still a final candidate, after he unexpectedly missed the QF’s?
DeleteI mean, in 2023 he almost hasn’t been tested on champions league level (with a higher pace, etc).
RMA-MCI under the eyes of RR could be a last minute form-check if they still have him in consideration. However, you can argue it is also possible to test a referee in the Europa League...
If Makkelie is not longer a final candidate, RR may wants to motivate him for the near future. But this is pure speculation of course.
Point 1. Why should makkelie not be considered as a candidate for the final. With marciniak he is the best UEFA has to offer (and he is clearly treated the worst)
DeletePoint 2: Why should you want to be motivated ty Roberto Rosetti? The one who has shown time after time that he only cares about italy (clubs or refs) and about PSG. It doesnt matter if an italian ref has a bad match as an italian ref. You will get another big match even without merits. However when a ref has a bad match involving PSG or italian teams you get a "Siebert/Stieler" treatment.
Regarding this years CL I think that the Milan derby is a bigger game than this years CL final . So my hope is that Rosetti doesnt make a fool of himself by sending Orsato, and instead sends makkelie to the Milan derby.
Agree. Both semi-finals are in my eyes bigger games than the final. It is not an offense to be appointed to City-Real or the Milan derby instead of the final. Similar to 2011 when de Bleeckere was assigned to the Barcelona-Real Madrid SF return instead of the final.
DeleteAs Chefren mentioned before, Orsato is not in consideration for the Milan derby. His reputation with Inter is not so great. Orsato is probably assigned to Man City-Real return, but whether that is sensible? He could (in)directly influence the next opponent of the Italian team in the final. But there aren’t any (other) games available e.g. in the UEL, so…
I watched Makkelie in his Saudi game last week and tbf he looked decent. When he is good, he makes refereeing look very easy.
It’s a mystery why he hasn’t been assigned to more UEFA games. I think Letexier replaced him in the QF UCL.
thoughts about the two PAIs in yesterdays Bochum-Dortmund match, Ref Stegemann/VAR Hartmann?...probably a championship deciding match...with IMO one clear missing intervention with the foul on Adyemi (64')...handball in 90' is rather difficult, I would say play on is okay...
ReplyDeleteAdeyemi is an easy play on before 'replay obsessed' era began (of course for self-preservation Hartmann could/'should' have intervened but still!); agree on the handball being difficult, my idea, also apropos Marciniak/Naples, is that 'supporting arm clause cannot allow defenders to block shots like goalkeepers' but I'm not sure that really happens here, the 'strike' isn't really going far, the defender falls rather uncoordinatedly... ≈70/30 play on. Again, you can debate what is the 'cleverer' call after 65' incident...
Deletehttps://files.catbox.moe/lle7vm.mp4
https://files.catbox.moe/baqah6.mp4
thanks mikael, for your considerate opinion. i like your idea on the handball and your comparison with a "goalkeeper-esque" jumping to block the ball. on the other side, the law only punishes "unnatural" positioning...when I jump in like this, IMO it is as you write, a support arm and therefore a natural position...the law is self-contradicting here, I guess...
Deleteabout Adyemi: I wonder how Stegemann can not just go the "easy" way. The expectation in football is, that this is a clear foul. IMO it is a kamikaze tackling, imagine this to be a full contact, then we talk about serious foulplay. Now, luckily, it is not a full contact...I hear people arguing that Adyemi would "seek" the contact...but personally I dont quite think it is the attacker to blame for an almost brutal challenge. Adyemi wants to protect the ball, thats all...clear foul...how does fifa always say: dont find excuses, do what football expects...
It would seem that DFB don’t agree with me! Of course they are within their rights to say it should have been given, but blaming Stegemann for not seeing it live is absolutely unfair - putting leg across incidents are extremely hard to detect (because they aren’t fouls ;)) and very often you will see few players appeal (spontaneously) too. To be honest I’m a bit angry that they throw Stegemann under the bus to cover their own asses now.
DeleteI usually agree with you Mikael, especially in these types of situations (putting leg across incidents) but I have to disagree here. Yes ,Adeyemi clearly puts his leg across but imo more to shield the ball and he has every right to do so. The defender on the other hand tackles in such an uncontrolled manner and has no chance to play the ball. It's a very clear penalty for me, we don't need to overcomplicate things.
DeleteStegemann also spoke to Sky Germany an hour ago and confirmed it should have been a penalty.
In Poland, Zbigniew Przesmycki, former head of referees and a man with OUTSTANDING refereeing understanding, gave the referees clear instructions with regard to such putting-a-leg-across incidents:
Delete- the ball is moving towards the involved players: you can shield it and it's a kicking offence if the other player is late with his movement
- the ball is moving away from the involved players: putting your leg across causing a contact is a tripping offence
I may ensure you all - just implement Przesmycki's instructions from his era in Poland (assessing duels, handball, etc.) and the refereeing will be much more understandable for everyone!
It's hard to believe how so many (big) people in IFAB, FIFA, UEFA, etc. could have caused the current mess with interpretations (handball, offside, reckless vs SFP)
Well, of course it ends like that when your only target is to please every single big club / national federation...
thank you euro soccer ref, i think in these situations you can see, which ref has played football and wich ref has no understanding of the game...to distinguish between a player shielding a ball (like adyemi) and initiating contact on purpose by solely putting his body/leg in the defenders way to the ball...
DeleteFollowing this guidelines from ESR it was a correct decision by Siebert to play on after the famous Cavani incident during WC2022 against Ghana. Moreover he should give freekick against Cavani?
Deletefree-kick or play on, doesnt really matter...most importantly is: no shameful penalty, as only attacker initiates the contact and wants to draw a foul/penalty...if the defender has clear and free path to the ball and wants to reach it, but the attacker is moving in the way with the only intention of seeking a contact/foul, then i would prefer play on...
DeleteAbout Valeri appointment in Women's CL semifinal as VAR, interesting to point out that he was originally appointed as VAR yesterday in a serie A game, but then replaced without any official communication by Fabbri. It is possible the appointment for CL semifinal was notified very late, but still he could have worked yesterday in serie A and then on Monday for UEFA, I think.
ReplyDeleteSo Frappart without games in the KO stage (QF,SF). Not even as 4th official. Will she have the final?
ReplyDeleteFrappart hasn't officiated any single WCL match this season, so it would be quite a strange to nominate her straight to the final.
DeleteReally? That's strange. I am not really following the competition and I didn't check further in the GS. But the question is why?
DeleteAC-INT: Turpin
ReplyDeleteINT-AC: Taylor
RMA-MCI: Zwayer
MCI-RMA: Marciniak
JUV-SEV: Vincic
SEV-JUV: Oliver
ROM-LEV: Makkelie
LEV-ROM: Dias
FIO-BAS: Schärer
BAS-FIO: Kruzliak
WH-AZ: Umut Meler
AZ-WH: Jovanovic
what do you think?
Unless Schaerer officiating a team from his own country and Oliver with Juventus, all the rest is possible! In some cases, I would say good predictions.
DeleteGod yes, I completely missed the Schärer thing with Basel, I'm a bit of a fool :)
Delete2022 AFC Champions League, Final (first leg)
ReplyDelete29 April 2023, 19:30 CET - Riyadh (King Fahd International Stadium)
Al-Hilal Riyadh (KSA) - Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)
Referee: Ahmad Abu Bakr Said Al-Kaf OMA
Assistant Referee 1: Abu Bakr Salim Mahad Al-Amri OMA
Assistant Referee 2: Rashid Hamad Ali Al-Ghaithi OMA
Fourth Official: Adil Ali Ahmad Khamis An-Naqbi UAE
VAR: Omar Muhammad Ahmad Hassan Al-Ali UAE
AVAR: Ahmad Issa Muhammad Darwish UAE
Ahmed Al Kaf, Kulbakov of Asia.
DeleteVery ugly match, including the 2 goals, maybe because the pitch condition was not so optimal (many players slipped)
He was very very lenient and always in the background. Not clear foul line that cause his inconsistent foul selection and had many dissent from the players. Many times time-wasting happened and he is do nothing (neither verbal warning/body language/nor YC), maybe because his presence was nothing, always in the background.
Missed YC for simulation by Marega around 70’
At some point I think I understand this is what AFC want or in negative this is why AFC referees except Faghani can’t achieve more outside AFC.
The level of leniency and passivity in AFC refereeing is out of this world, indeed. The referees in the AFC simply 'are on the field' but nothing more. It's not only Al-Kaf, who anyway is one of the most proactive referees in the AFC! Japanese, Chinese referees are much, much worse in this aspect (or better, from the AFC's point of view ;)).
DeleteIt looks like the AFC don't care about referees at all (no appointments published, the way they instruct their referees to handle the games, etc.).
Even CONCACAF refereeing under Hall was better. The referees were taught to be 'blind' but at least the powers that be paid attention to their soft skills (actors)...
Btw, it was so funny to watch the last Arab Gulf Cup with ultra-lenient Ma Ning, Ilgiz Tantashev, Adil An-Naqbi and others just to see a very strict guest referee, Istvan Kovacs (literally the only referee there who was able to read tactics, choose an optimal approach, etc.) getting the final. :D
DeleteIndeed, no transparency at all, I don’t know who are the real elite referees because it seems almost mentioned referees have the elite status, e.g. in some media from Indonesia and India said that they have “elite” referees in AFC but in fact many of them even never lead ACL group stage or they have only lead low profile game, the management of appointment it’s look like just follow the money, very very poor management, despite I think Asia is the biggest market of football.
DeleteYes, it’s true ESF, without any intention to underestimate them, only by watching their games, I think majority of AFC referees can only blow their whistle without thinking of tactics, card management, etc. It’s look like they didn’t have any preparation/analyzing the characteristics of the teams or maybe they didn’t get enough knowledge from the confederation, very old school refereeing, they lived in the past.
DeleteAnd to think that in 2000-2010 era the referees from AFC were really strong, not even far away from UEFA. Nishimura, Ermatov... The WC2014 philosophy of refereeing destroyed everything there. And while most (con)federations rather found out that the leniency there was one step too far, it's still present in the AFC...
DeleteHow about the red card against Al Hilal? Was it a clear elbow with excessive force or rather an exagerated reaction of Urawa player?
Deleteto be honest I can't imagine what will happen in 2026 when the AFC quota will increase (?) after the disastrous performance in 2022. I hope Faghani will still appear for redemption. It’s very difficult to find replacement for Faghani only in less than 4 years. Maybe some names to follow are Al Hoish and personally Mooud Bonyadifard.
DeleteFaghani will be 48 in 2026, so almost impossible to attend the World Cup.
DeleteThe difficult matches are derby Milan in ucl semi finals
ReplyDeleteFellas wdyt about Mr Kovacs Punishment?
ReplyDeleteQuick question, might sound silly: When there is a substitution in amateur games without 4th official, only AR1 has to raise the flag horizontally above the head, or both ARs?
ReplyDeleteBoth should do that. Mainly also, to give the referee the signal twice.
DeleteThank you
DeleteThis is not strictly correct. It depends both on the situation (and, I presume, what your national association instructs).
DeleteI have always been instructed that AR2 only signals to MIRROR the AR1 signal IF NECESSARY. In other words, if the referee is already looking at AR1 and catches the signal, there is no need for AR2 to signal. It's unnecessary and just draws attention. However, if the referee has not looked toward AR1 or if AR1's signal comes after the referee has looked, then AR2 can catch the referee's attention.
Also, I'm not sure what having or not having a fourth official has to do with this. Either it's good practice or it's not. With comms and/or electronic flags, there really should never be a need for AR2 to signal substitutions. Without comms/e-flags, the proper procedure (at least for all instructions I've received) is what I write above. A fourth really has nothing to do with it (except for the fact that if you have a fourth official you are probably also more likely to have comms/e-flags).
Scottish cup semi final. Rangers v Celtic. Willie collum injured in the warm up and replaced hy Don Robertson
ReplyDeleteHad an excellent game considering he had 10 mins notice and not been in the middle of an old firm before
DeleteRelatively early (20') 2YC by Brisard for Hakimi in PSG-Lorient (reckless stamp), good decision.
ReplyDeletehttps://dubz.co/c/6d8908
Dennis Higler extremely poor in the first 25 minutes of the Dutch Cup Final. Already 2 missed penalties in my opinion (supported by VAR), lots of dissent, he seems to completely lack authority over the players and his approach is way too lenient for a final.
ReplyDeleteI disagree. Never a penalty.
DeleteTop refs like Marciniak, Orsato, Turpin and Makkelie would all have their hands full in this game. This is an extremely difficult game - much more difficult than a regular UCL game tbf - and it has nothing to do with referee decisions.
I disagree. Maybe supportable decision on the push on Klaasen, but clear penalty on Luuk De Jong:
Deletehttps://streamja.com/27GKL
Higler has zero disciplinary control, players feel this on the pitch, that's why they behave this way with so many fouls off the ball, mass confrontations and unsportsmanlike gestures. I doubt any of the above refs would have been this tolerant.
Let’s start with the captains. They are supposed to be a role model, however their behaviour is the worst of all 22 players.
DeleteVery weak performance from Dias in Greek almost title decider.
ReplyDeleteOn purpose did not give 2 YC's,play ons on blatant fouls and as I'm writing this 1st YC is shown for SPA.
Even worsebin 2nd half,clear 2nd YC noz given on purpose and missed clear foul on the egge of penalty area.
DeleteAnd what about Tierney?
ReplyDeleteVery problematic 2nd half,no clear line and 2 very questionable decisions.
YC given to Jota,imo clear RC and potentialy missed penalty on Richarlison in last minutes.
Also missed foul around 34' which was UB/SFP borderline for a stamp around ankle. I would suggest the first half wasn't much better. And I would expect in other countries both managers may have been cautioned. The no penalty you mention I think isn't VAR stuff compared with similar incidents in England recently, but it was again borderline
DeleteChefren, what's going on in Bologna-Juventus? I don't watch the game but I see on social media that a big scandal is about to start, or maybe already started...
ReplyDeleteI watched only last 15 minutes and 2nd awarded penalty.
DeleteSozza missed that for few centimeters and awarded it on the edge of area.
Then VAR corrected him and he pointed to the spot.
Out of all that,I dobt understand why YC was remoced to Lucumi,I mean whats few centimeters have to do with fouling?
I documented and the problem was at the first penalty.
DeleteApparently, technical problems with the VAR on field review.
Sozza allowed Mazzoleni to take the decision for himself.
But the penalty is very soft, maybe even wrong. I can't say certainly if there was contact between players because of the high speed.
Meanwhile, I tuned in for the secod half. Pretty good performance, no majour problems for the referee.
https://twitter.com/footballitalia/status/1652750611526320128
https://twitter.com/juve_canal/status/1652752321766383620
VAR monitor didn't work, like it happened in Champions League for Manchester City - Schalke CL KO stage in 2019. So, Sozza was informed about the penalty and he directly whistled it. Since this rarely happens, but it already occurred in serie A in 2020, people and the same players didn't understand. Personally I have doubts about a possible previous foul, played on by Sozza as well. About the penalty, he was not in the best position because the body of the player was exactly covering him. Maybe more stuff for AR1, then another penalty in the middle of first half was corrected in the box by VAR, Sozza had whistled free kick. The YC removed because genuine attempt to play ball in the box, so SPA without card.
DeleteMore generally, apart from these incidents, it has been a long time that Sozza doesn't seem to be the referee we knew before the FIFA nomination. I just hope that he can return back, but now definitely too long time is passing... apart from the crucial incidents, he had also some issues in first half and not a perfect game.
I want For referee Michael Oliver finals 3
ReplyDeleteFA Cup final 2026
UEFA Champions league Final 2026
FIFA World Cup final 2026
Well he already had 2x FA cup finals, a game that as a rule a referee only gets once, so highly unlikely he’d get a 3rd one. I do certainly believe he can be a future CL final referee tho
DeleteBologna - Juventus clips (VAR monitor not working, only verbal communication on crucial incidents):
ReplyDelete1 https://streamable.com/t4wd42
2 https://streamable.com/8zpw3x
See the boot of the player remaining exactly on the line in the second incident, very particular!
Furthermore, a clip from Cremonese - Verona, very important game for relegation.
https://streamable.com/jo4pq4
Violent conduct and RC.
Veeery easy to read between the lines what Rocchi said to VARs after Juventus - Napoli and the missed intervention for VC. This was less blatant than that one, but immediately OFR :)
Fum fact;
DeleteThat RC was the only card shown in that relegation game.
Doveri,Doveri 😀
"m", So you think in General a game without any yc is a poor game by a referee?
DeleteAnd you hate doveri and rojas is what you also want to say us right?
I totally appreciate your Analysis and they are quite good often in my opinion.
But if it comes to rojas and doveri you somehow stop analyse the scenes and Games itself and just try to create a Bad image of These referees is my impression
Perhaps he can improve in the future and disabuse me but Italian refereeing can prepare to be (very) disappointed by Sozza IMO - his style is orientated ONLY on being close to incidents, players feeling his presence. Interpreting what he sees, having a disciplinary plan, being in control of the games: these are all big weaknesses of him which I can't see getting better.
DeleteThis IMO is a good example of 'Moen syndrome', namely:
1) being impressed by a young referee due to his overall 'acting' skills like presence, demeanour etc; ESPECIALLY in overall easy+sonorous games
2) turning a blind eye overall bad decisions/management (in harder games) by saying 'he is young, he will get better in the future'
-> alas, they don't get better in the future
You can debate the merits of Doveri, Alberola, Al-Kaf, even Kulbakou... but they all have by far better styles than Sozza! :)
JD,
DeleteI nowhere said that Doveri did not have control or lost the game.
I just stated fun fact and that is this.
You have direct relegation battle,one of the most crucial matches in the year and all it was shown is that 1 RC,so that's whatwas funny to me.
The level of leniency is so high and that's what I will always say about Doveri.
And I will not go away from comments I said about Rojas,and that is that his style is by far the worst in the world.
For a ref that is Spain's promising and rising star and should be here for another 15 years it is a criminal how bad his level of leniency can be.
We saw that in Real vs Villareal game where he completely lost control and in that temperamental league things can escalate quickly.
So his matches are always on the edge where players are protesting on every decision he makes or does not make.
And to answer your original question,no ,I dont think that game without cards is game without control,you can have 0 cards and full control.
But not all teams are the same and for the average viewer like me,it is not good to see plenty rough fouls and protests being unpunished.
And I will always criticize refs for doing that.
Have a wonderful day. 😉
Okay. I Understand These opinions. Don't geht me wrong. I Like you arguing about your opinion.
DeleteThere have Just been a Lot of comments against These referees without Arguments Last weeks.
And i totally disagree on youre opinion About rojas because excluding Villareal against Madrid which I did Not watch my impression is, that because of his very good soft skills He is able to be lenient and have control of Games at the Same time. I also think exaggerations Like "his Style ist by far the worst in the world" are not necessary but we probably have to disagree here :)
Young Danish FIFA Referee Mikkel Redder in charge of title deciding fixture between Aris and Pafos in Cyprus tonight. Hoping some of our South European referee enthusiasts is having a look at this incredibly talented man.
ReplyDeleteAntónio Nobre (POR) is also handling the APOEL - Omonia derby, equally decisive game.
DeleteMa ning Chinese referee will referee 2 nd leg return match between uruawa reds Vs hilal in saitama in Japan in afc champions League final 2022 the first match ended in Riyadh 1/1
ReplyDeletePersonally I didn’t like the management of appointing referee from same region, especially with 2 leg game, it could be definitely avoided. But all the best for him.
DeleteWow, the leniency is going to be even bigger in the second leg! I remember his, terrible from UEFA point of view, performances at the Arab Gulf Cup...
DeleteIt will be his 2nd ACL final, same formulation as 2018 final, Al Kaf-Ma Ning. I think this appointment conclude that AFC is stuck and didn’t make any positive progress.
DeleteIt can also be a compensation for him after being only used as support official at WC22. Interesting that AFC did not assign any of their WC22 on-field refs to the ACL final.
DeleteFaghani has already lead the east region semifinal, I don’t think that it could be like a compensation, WC has passed long time ago, if it was compensation, how about Al Kaf? I mean by statistic AFC referee that still active and already lead the final
DeleteAl Jassim - 2021
Mohamed Mohamed -2022
Ali Sabah - 2019
Al Kaf - 2016, 2018, 2023
Ma Ning - 2018, 2023
Makhadmah - 2017
Sato - 2016
Faghani - 2014
Kim Jong Hyeok - 2015
How powerful the Omani? How strong he is? Is he the best “political” (win2 solution, third way, etc) option now? 3x lead the final!! On the other hand one of the best AFC referee ever, Faghani it’s only lead 1 final long time ago.
Who is the best in afc history referees jamal al - sherif syria or ali bujsaim UAE or irmatov Uzbekistan or faghani iran ?
DeleteLooking at that statistic, the notable omission is Beath. He strangely only did one R16 this season and one SF in the 2021 season (and no other game in AFC CL in both seasons!).
DeletePhilipp S - Covid has played a big part in Beath's lack of AFC champions league games over recent years. And he's not in contention for this final because he took almost 3 months off from any on field refereeing after the World Cup.
Delete@ Jackson: do you have any details about that? Was is Beat's decision to stay off to analyze what happened at WC or was there another reason for those 3 months off?
DeleteVery chaotic VAR incident in Arsenal-Wolfsburg by Valeri. A counter attack was interrupted to check a handball penalty just to conclude that before a offside position occurred. Not a good management by refereeing crew here.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone watch the game? Punishable handball?
The handball is definitely punishable but so is the offside. The management such absolutely be questioned though as you said
DeleteDuring Winter Course, Roberto Rosetti demanded the play to be stopped as soon as possible if there is a high possibility that the referee has made a crucial mistake. He said to VARs "you have to take the risk! [meaning: check the incident at first, inform the referee that most likely he made a mistake in order to stop play and then you can check everything else (possible offside or foul in the build-up)]". So, Paolo Valeri simply followed instructions given by the boss.
DeleteThe OFR was a good decision to explain to people why the handball couldn't be whistled. Better to do that, than to leave a doubt. Poor from the officials on field, missing both things, but handball, given the position of players, was not easy.
DeleteCould you tell me the minute of the episode? Didn't watch the match unfortunately...
DeleteComing back to a previous comment, I would say that Frappart, Welch and Foster are the candidates for the final. Frappart seems like the obvious choice, but with the shifting power in women’s football (towards the English league) and the fact that two top referees who would normally get a UWCL final are not able to do so if an English team reaches the final, we might see a surprise appointment of either Welch or Foster (it should be added that Foster would be available for a full English final, whereas Welch needs a situation like this one, without any English teams)
ReplyDeleteI would add Martincic to the list of final candidates.
DeleteBut yes, Frappart must be the favourite.
When do they need to be present in Australia for the WWC preparations?
DeleteFoster primarily officiates in the WSL primarily, so she's in the same situation as Welch.
ReplyDeleteI easily see Welch in the final game
ReplyDeleteYesterday, Marcin Kochanek, 32yo, made his debut in Polish Ekstraklasa. He performed very well in a dead rubber Cracovia Kraków - Miedź Legnica. Big potential. Athletic and focused presence, good rapport with players, no nervousness at all, A pity he got his chance quite late but in two-three years I would like to see him FIFA-listed.
ReplyDelete3 new referees in Norwegian top league who have made their debuts:
ReplyDelete(1) Ajdin Medic, 35 years old, promoted after 4 seasons in 2nd division
A very good referee, not very physically imposing, but with excellent fitness and a strong decision making ability.
(2) Steinar Hauge, 45 years old, promoted after 9 seasons in 2nd division
Brother of Terje Hauge, not a very impressive referee IMO. Passive approach, managerial style, not so good decision making.
(3) Jan Morten Tennøy, 43 years old, promoted after 14(!) seasons in 2nd division
Finally, this man got his chance. It never seemed as if it was going to happen, but he remained dedicated and it finally paid off. And he's an excellent referee. Not physically imposing and not the strongest personality (which might be what he paid for in the past), but very authoritative and secure and good in his decisions. Shame he wasn't promoted earlier IMO.
It's quite wired that a referee makes his debut in 1st division at 45 y.o.
DeleteDebut in first league with 45 and 43 years?????????? Circus
DeleteHahaha you perfectly described the style of Hauge sr. too! I wasn't really impressed by his performances at EURO 2004 and UEFA sent him home after the GS. Quite surprising tbh that he reached so much in that mid-noughties era given the limitations of his style, though he never refereed in CL KO again after the 2006 final where he aroused a lot of attention. I guess the thesis for his career was Bjørnestad's [RIP :( ] lobbying skills?
Delete(thx in general for your great comment(s)/insight on 🇳🇴 refereeing! :))
@chefren: do you also expect that Orsato, Doveri and Valeri retirement from Serie A at the end of the season ?
ReplyDeleteAbout Orsato, it has been revealed that he wants to continue at least until EURO 2024, so still a quite long time. In this regard, today he has been appointed to handle Inter for the third time in serie A after the famous 2018 Inter - Juventus. Also, the fact that he wants to go on puts in a bad situation Massa, because without Orsato he would switch automatically as Italy nr.1 but with Orsato no chances for him to get a call for a major tournament...
DeleteAbout Valeri in my opinion he should absolutely retire, but nothing so far. It seems he wants to continue despite of extremely poor performances, a terrible physical condition, frequent injures. The most problematic thing is that acting in this way, he forces the heads of refereeing to assign him to top games just based on his reputation and long time as FIFA referee, but in reality now he is just a very poor referee due to many issues. Also, more than 10 years as a FIFA referee in UEFA Category 2 without any step is definitely set as (negative) record for Italian management of FIFA officials. He always got by far more of what he deserved on the pitch.
All I said are my personal opinions.
Then, Doveri: no info about a possible retirement, but in this case his performances should justify to continue. I definitely hate his style in big matches: he created to be a "phenomenon", definitely based on nothing. Just whistling fouls without issuing any cards and spending some words. It is very easy to act in this way, even more when big matches are not so challenging and you don't even give the two or three yellow cards that game would demand... but, as I said, I'm not in trouble in being objective, this is how it works and people are content with him, so I suspend my judgment and I say yes, he has at least a style (BTW: always extremely interesting comments by our friend Mikaeal), then you can love it or not... I hate it and in UEFA level it would be absolutely unacceptable and shocking (indeed he didn't make a career when he was FIFA referee ALSO for that, but there were other reasons as well).
OT: Who will referee the Manchester derby FA Cup final?
ReplyDeleteStill no appointment as yet. And, it is actually a little difficult to predict IMO. As you say, this is not just the FA cup final which is huge in itself, but also a Manchester derby.
DeleteOliver, Taylor, Pawson (and Marriner) have all done it before and other than during Covid, the tradition states that this is a once in a career appointment.
You then have to look at other names, I'll start with Hooper. A fantastic season for him in terms of performances and appointments, but his first in which he'd been given these opportunities. Therefore, I think it comes too soon for him, but he can be very happy with his development. It would also be strange to see a referee get the FA cup final before doing the League Cup final.
I would group England, Jones, Madley and even Gillett together - they've all developed well (particularly the first 3 names) and have picked up decent appointments, but have not yet made the push to be ready.
Coote (surprisingly) did the League Cup final which involved Man United; this probably rules him out straight away and in any case, he hasn't had the appointments in the league to justify the FA cup final.
Kavanagh has had injuries but again firstly hasn't done the league cup final, and secondly hasn't exactly had inspiring performances or appointments in the league.
That leaves in my opinion the two most likely names, Tierney and Attwell. Firstly Tierney, who (somehow) enjoys very big appointments in the league. He also did League Cup final in 2021. However, he has consistently shown he simply isn't good enough to handle big games; there is always controversy and poor performances in his matches. However, he is clearly very trusted, so his appointment, whilst undeserved, wouldn't be a total shock.
Finally Attwell, who had League Cup final last year. He did the Manchester derby earlier in the year which had a very controversial moment (although I believe more anger was directed to VAR than the on-field officials). He's had a mixed season from what I've seen, but does have some trust from the FA. He did the semi-final involving Man City, but I'm sure this won't work against him as there are plenty of games in between.
If I was a betting man I'd say it'll be Tierney, which would be completely undeserved. I'd be happier with Attwell who would be my next guess.
In the Italian/Spanish/French way of choosing the cup final referee (at least as I understand it), the no.1 name would be Hooper for sure, but I'd be quite relaxed about Tierney getting the game and he would be my choice. He is waayyy too criticised IMO, a good ref with a good style. PGMOL gave him many, many top clashes in a short space of time last season and it is impossible to escape controversy with such a volume of games, especially with the 'lighter touch' instructions which are deliberately designed to allow players/coaches to get inflamed and make the games more exciting (cf. Liverpool vs. Tottenham on Sunday). It seems many people have made their mind up about Tierney, mostly unfairly so IMO. I don't watch soooo much PL but non-refereeing friends reported good performances at Anfield vs. both Arsenal and Tottenham (all KMIs were apparently considered correct by resident experts Rob Green and Karen Carney...). From my perspective, Paul Tierney has earned enough trust to 'gamble' his name on the Manchester cup final.
Delete(Attwell is in principle a good ref but with his 'law enforcer' style and not really existing personality skills (he seems quite scared to interact with players IMO), he is no real name for top clashes in the 'lighter touch' era as he simply allows too much and loses a grip on the game).
DeleteUEFA President Mr. Aleksander Čeferin sent today the following letter to the President of the EPO Mr. Panagiotis Baltakos.
ReplyDeleteDear President, dear Panagiotis,
Further to our recent correspondence, I must inform you that UEFA has been informed with deep sadness and deep concern of another incident concerning the offensive and violent behaviour towards the football referees who were appointed to officiate recent matches in the Greek League.
Despite our joint efforts and in light of recent events, UEFA has reconsidered its support for sending Elite and "A" category referees to officiate the Greek Superleague 1 playoffs and has decided to discontinue this practice for the time being.
These incidents are beyond football, and we are sincerely grateful for your concern on this matter and all the unremitting efforts of the Greek Football Federation and the Greek Government to prevent such things. However, at this time, we must prioritise the safety of our race officials, who must be kept away from such hostile and dangerous situations.
What is the 'A' category, though? Is Čeferin mistaking it for First?
DeletePS: I suggest the blog admins to open a new post, since here we're reaching the limit of 200 comments :D
Yes, it's my fault, I mean Category 1.
Delete