UEFA President Mr. Aleksander Čeferin sent today the following letter to the President of the EPO Mr. Panagiotis Baltakos.
Dear 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 Category 1 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.
Law 5 The Referee fully agrees with UEFA President and applauds this decision.
Original source from Greek FA website.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.epo.gr/News.aspx?a_id=52474&NewsType=22
Second Cat referees now will probably referee title deciders. No pressure! :D
Or maybe greek referees finally...
ReplyDeleteDamage caused by the Klattenburg policy of bringing foreign officials at club requesting now out of control.
DeleteHowever, has already been appointed the referees will officiate the games tomorrow:
ReplyDelete03/05
AEK Athens-Olympiacos Piraeus
Referee: J.Brisard, B.Pages, A.Auger
VAR: J.Pignard
Panathinaikos-PAOK Thessaloniki
Referee: C.Pawson, I.Hussin, L.Betts
VAR: D.Coote
Bravo
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/footbalIfights/status/1652952154456436736
ReplyDeleteDisgraceful Scenes. What can you do as a referee here?
Nothing, indeed referee by acting in this way gave a very poor imagine of himself. I can understand the attempt to stop players (mostly all observers and committee are against that), but then when you realize that you can do nothing, why continuing? This is not intelligent if you ask me, it looked like he "enjoyed" to continue..
DeleteI can understand the arm into to keep two players apart. Once more start flying in, you have to step out
DeleteTo follow up comment on Norwegian refereeing in previous post:
ReplyDeleteThe referees in Norwegian top division:
1. Espen Eskås (FIFA), 34 years
Eskås has become the Norwegian unrivaled no. 1 now, however, his performances domestically the last seasons have not at all been that impressive. E.g. no VAR intervention for this foul last weekend: https://www.tv2.no/sport/fotball/eliteserien/henriksen-det-er-helt-harreisende/15704246/
2. Kristoffer Hagenes (FIFA), 32 years
A relatively modest referee who makes a lot of crucial mistakes. His fitness is good and he is from Hauge's city (Bergen) however. The argument for him that I can see is that he has a more relaxed style and feeling of being in control than e.g. Saggi. This does not resonnate that well with UEFA where Saggi is way ahead, but domestically he seems to be ahead of Saggi.
3. Rohit Saggi (FIFA), 31 years
Saggi had a major breakthrough some years ago, and has been under close observation in UEFA also it seems. However, something happened last fall: A documentary was made from the Lillestrøm-Vålerenga match with his communication with players being shown with microphone audio. His communication style shocked many with a lot of arrogance and aggressivity. After this, I have the feeling that he was kept a little bit in the background, and Hagenes has taken over the position as No. 2 domestically.
4. Svein Oddvar Moen, 44 years old
It's weird to call him the "grand old man", but Moen now has this role after finally leaving the FIFA list after years in no man's land. Domestically, he's a solid referee. Rarely makes big mistakes, the players know what they get from him. And he still appears somewhat motivated. His fitness is starting to fail him however, he has spent some time of every season injured, but he's still one of the very best when he's in shape.
5. Tore Hansen, 45 years
The other name who has come off the FIFA list and now is the experienced referee, together with Moen, Nilsen and Hagen. Hansen is a former top player who is a rock solid referee who rarely creates major headlines for his refereeing. He has always lacked the personality and the "X factor" to be a top referee at UEFA level. A bit of a shame that he spent 10 years on the FIFA list but never achieved anything noteworthy. He deserved more.
6. Ola Hobber Nilsen, 37 years
Another referee who was on the FIFA list for quite some time, and actually was pushed a little bit when Moen started his decline. It didn't turn out well however. Nilsen is an excellent game manager, but gets caught up in crucial mistakes way too often, and can give the impression of not having the courage to take the big decisions. In his first two games this season, he has had two VAR revisions for SFP.
7. Sivert Amland (FIFA), 30 years old
The doctor from Bergen has been quite a surprise in his three first seasons in the Eliteserien, and is now in his first year as a FIFA referee. Despite his small physical size, he referees with the calmness and precision of a surgeon. His personality has also improved a lot, being a lot more strong and firm, but I don't think UEFA will hold him in higher regard than others. Remains to be seen however. Domestically, he is however already one of the top referees.
8. Kai Erik Steen (FIFA), 37 years old
A disappointing story. He came on to the FIFA list together with Eskås, and was initially pushed ahead of Eskås, but from then it has been a long decline. Last season was horrendous, with very few top appointments, only one Europa Conference League qualifier in Georgia, and obvious mistakes like this: https://www.eurosport.no/fotball/eliteserien/2022/rbk-kapteinen-langer-ut-mot-dommeren-steen-legger-seg-flat_sto8949263/story.shtml
To think that Kai-Erik Steen was originally selected for 2019 U17 Euro, then he got injured and replaced by Eskas, who at the end of the day handled the final and a few years later promoted to First, CL GS debut etc... many times refereeing is about being in the right place at the right time!
DeleteAt his best, he's a strong referee with a lot of authority and a true leader on the field. When his self confidence is gone however, as it has been the last years, his level drops a lot. It's difficult for me to see a future for him and I fear he will come off the FIFA list soon. Which is sad, but let's hope he can get back - Hauge used to trust him a lot. Has not refereed this season yet, likely injured or failed a fitness test.
Delete9. Sigurd Kringstad (FIFA), 35 years old
He was out all last season with a serious illness. He's a policeman in everyday life, and a referee that offers little that sets him apart from others: He's decent, but the others just seem a little better in every aspect.
10. Mohammad Usman Aslam (FIFA), 32 years
The most unique referee among the Norwegian referees style-wise. He has an extremely strong personality on the field, and does things entirely his own way (for example, the only referee who has stuck to using Fox 40 Classic whistle of all referees in the top divisions in Norway). This is his big strength and his big weakness. He also makes quite many mistakes technically, but I can see him being a referee with an "UEFA style", where this kind of traits seem to be considered more than being a solid referee with nothing special personality wise (like, for example, Amland).
11. Daniel Higraff, 31 years old
Now starting only his second year as an elite referee, but he has already made a very good impression. There were significant doubts about his technical abilities when he was in OBOS-ligaen (second division), but after promotion he has been nearly flawless! His personality on the field is also very good in my view, but I fear that if he hits a rough patch, things might go bad as he sometimes can appear to have just a little bit of confidence issues. However, if he continues like this, he should be set to be the next name onto the FIFA list, perhaps replacing Steen already next year.
12. Tom Harald Hagen, 47 years old
Now the most experienced referee on the list, he has been struggling with fitness/injury issues the last years. He's still a solid referee when he's in shape, but things might be slowly moving towards and end now. He reached UEFA category 1 and Elite Development back in the day: Collina loved him because of his style, very calm while still confident - however, crucial mistakes in Champions League games under the eye of Collina meant the beginning of a decline that led to him retiring from the FIFA list not long after.
13. Svein Tore Sinnes, 33 years
Another referee in his second year now. Quite a decent referee in my view, excellent fitness, but lacks a real strong personality and has perhaps made a mistake too much, that keeps him behind Higraff in the pecking order.
14. Marius Grøtta, 30 years old
Promoted already in 2020, together with Amland and Aslam, at only 27 years old - that was too early, as he's taken a fair bit to get up to the level. He was the one out of Aslam, Amland and him to not get the FIFA badge this year, and that was a correct decision in my view. He is improving step by step, he's a tall and very fit referee, decision making gets better and better, but does he have the personality to reach the very top? I have doubts.
15. Christian Moen, 35 years old
Now in his second year as a full referee (after some matches in 2021), he has the personality and the fitness, but his decision making has been all over the place. Seems to lack a bit of understanding of the game. At the moment, he is injured and has therefore only acted as VAR in the beginning of this season. In this role, he has been very very laid back, not intervening despite several situations where he probably should have done.
16. Marius Lien, 28 years
The youngest name on the list, in his second year now. For the time being, he seems to lack a bit in every aspect - fitness, technically, personality.
17. Ajdin Medic, 35 years old
18. Jan Morten Tennøy, 43 years old
19. Steinar Hauge, 45 years old
(New referees this season, see previous post)
@Quilava: I think that still lingers with him. I have the impression that he takes things personally - he has been e.g. been involved in disputes with coaches and players who protest/insult him where he talks back instead of using cards. Being left out because of injury and Eskås moving ahead was not good for his motivation I think.
DeleteBut he got his chance - Slavia Praha vs Maccabi Haifa in UECL in November 2021. Quite important observer also I think (Jan Wegereef). It was a huge disappointment. From there, the big decline started. I really hope he can find back, as it would be very deserved.
Thanks anonymous for your insight. I like Saggi, Eskas not so much.
DeleteGood decision. Correct. Mandatory. But the problems will not be solved overnight. The fist step was made, what should be the next one? Continue with Second Categoy Refs or ignore the club owners and sent Greek referees, now when the most important games are to be played? Can they bing referees from other continents, like in Saudi Arabia for example? Because I think there is also a great chance that foreign referees will reject the appointments (I'd do this frankly). The situation is still very complicated. My idea, which I think it is the best scenario, is that the Greek Football Federation will have a meeting with all the clubs presidents and make a deal: for the rest of the season continue with foreign referees (Sec Cat Europe or other Confederation); but starting from the next season, this will stop and they will use only Greek referees again.
ReplyDeleteOT - does anyone have (access to) the full matches of the twenty-five games at Women's EURO 2013? UEFA obviously have the feeds somewhere in their archive. I would be really interested to do the tournament but despite my best attempts, it seems nobody archived the matches properly back then (besides some isolated cases, NPO/Dailymotion/BBC archive).
ReplyDeleteAny help would be much appreciated! :)
Arsenal-Chelsea
ReplyDeleteOpinions about Fofana's handall in min 28?
In UEFA I think a penalty would potential be called. Personally I don't think it should be a punishable handball. Letter of the law maybe a different matter
DeleteIn my oppinion it is a punishable handball. For UEFA, the position of the arm is already enough. For me, the fact that his arm initially is close and then later this movement out happens seals it.
DeleteBobby Madden (Scottish FIFA ref who moved to England L1/L2 last year) has and has now decided to retire, some comments on a podcast with quotes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65458307
ReplyDeleteDidn't realise there was a didn't realise there was a difference between the Scottish and English system of rating refs. With the single observer in Scotland, versus 20% assessor / 20% for each club / 40% review panel down in England. Suppose that may influence a different way of refereeing.
Also explains why their 4th officials and referees are so lenient in regards dissent and mobbing. They need the clubs marks.
DeleteIt's sick that clubs have such power when assessing the referees' performances. It only creates situations when referees are afraid of making decisions because they can only loose. The refereeing have to be INDEPENDENT!!!
DeleteOT:
ReplyDeleteGood decision from Pulido to show 2nd YC to Carvajal.
However,this whole waiting procedure was not neccesarry.
If he was so sure then why wait 15-20 seconds to show it,creates tenduon for nothing.
I am sorry but this letter from UEFA is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteIf you really want to act, you remove all HFF members and you install an Interim Steering Committee.
OT: Copa del Rey final appointment for this Saturday:
ReplyDeleteSaturday 6th May 2023
22:00 CEST - Estadio de la Cartuja (Sevilla)
Real Madrid - Osasuna
José María Sánchez Martínez - Raúl Cabañero Martínez, José Enrique Naranjo Pérez - Juan Martínez Munuera
[Santiago Jaime Latre, Diego Barbero Sevilla]
Interesting video about the call he got from Medina Cantalejo.
DeleteJust hoping that it's true and not something created on purpose to publish it :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af0HREoJj8U
Taking into account that the choice is made, 99% of the cases, based on the list of FIFA referees without a final yet, from oldest to newest, so (except big surprises) the name is known in advance. Next year, the final (except if Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao are in the final) would be for de Burgos; 2025 for Munuera Montero...then Cuadra if I´m not mistaken (or Soto in case of being his last year because of age)...and so on. Not a challenge to predict it.
DeleteThere is a German delegate in Madrid next week. That reduces the chances to see Zwayer?
ReplyDeleteAnd this time, they 1st & 2nd legs are not appointed as one set at the same time, aren’t they?
DeleteIndeed observers for CL semifinals second legs are not appointed.
DeleteAbout Zwayer and the German delegate, sometimes it happened in UEFA games to have a referee and a delegate from same country, but rather rare. We can't exclude, but surely we can consider this as small clue against a German appointment.
Then it only can be Marciniak, Makkelie or Vincic? I’d predict the latter.
DeleteVincic seems to be quite unlikely after his previous poor performance and the appearance as fourth official in Conference League with Obrenovic. In case of appointment he should get either Conference League or Europa League.
DeleteMy idea now is, drawing a conclusion, that Makkelie will be there. Let's see.
Yes, not impossible, but in that case I’d expect the Dutch FA to assign Makkelie to a lower profile game in his domestic league :) However, perhaps there were simply no other options available 🧐
DeleteI still think, it could be Soares Dias in Madrid.
DeleteHe did overall well in his three KO games this season and especially the last one was quite sonorous.
Yes, it would be quite a jump compared to his previous CL experience, but on the other hand he is quite experienced with e.g. two EL SFs.
Rosetti might also want to observe him with regard to a EL/ECL/NL final this season.
And IMO one should keep Marciniak and Makkelie for the 2nd legs or the final.
One argument pro-Vincic is that they may have plans with him in the Nations league final 4 round
DeleteCould he do a Croatia match there? Otherwise only Spain-Italy could be chosen - which is however possible indeed.
DeleteBut I don't see, why this would be an argument for a CL SF.
(Juventus-Sevilla would be a good test for ESP-ITA though...)
BTW, Orsato assigned for Inter this weekend, which makes him additionally unlikely for their CL SF. (But also somehow contradicts the statement, that he can't have them in important games anymore...)
Agree, Vincic with Croatia is indeed less likely. I think in the Nations League SF’s, it is possible to see some Elite development referees like Schärer or Letexier.
DeleteZwayer and Dias can be good shouts as well.
Zwayer has a Bundesliga game on Friday - without Lupp though. But I am not sure, whether that can tell us anything.
DeleteLupp goes to Greece with Brych :)
DeleteDiscussed incident from Roma - Milan.
ReplyDeleteYC or RC?
https://streamable.com/of73d1
One could easily say that the player entered the challenge with a clear excessive force and then RC for that, but at the same time the point of contact and impact can talk about a very reckless action, orange... big discussions for most of people RC.
Correct decision by VAR to support YC?
For me it is correct to support YC. As you say, the point of contact is mostly on the foot and the tackling is still relatively under control.
DeleteTherefore not a clear RC in my opinion.
I'd much rather see a red than a yellow card here. And a yellow card for Cristante
DeleteMy personal preference is certainly a RC in such a situation, but I understand Philipp's opinion and actually agree with it regarding non-intervention by the VAR. The same applies to a RC scenario, I think the VAR should support that too. This decision should be left to referee's discretion IMO.
Delete07.05 19 Uhr Olympiacos - Panathinaikos: Brych - Borsch, Lupp - Perl (VAR)
ReplyDeleteNo way...
DeleteFor real? I'm speechless.
Well, knowing his style in some games, I have really doubts about the appointment. But surely he will be aware about what kind of game he will be going to officiate...
DeleteBiggest match of the year in Greece,2 rivals and they both have something to play.
DeleteOne for Europe,one for title.
So, no Elites or category 1, but a former top Elite from Germany why not :D
DeleteNext season Mateu Lahoz :d
DeleteCuadra with pretty challenging match in Madrid between Getafe and Celta.
ReplyDeleteGetafe are very hard team to officiate and even now are more difficult cause it is a must win match for them cause they are in relegation battle.
Plenty YC's,1 RC but I,got to say that he has everything under control and that he has been on point tonight.
Let's go through Europe,Saturday;
ReplyDeleteNow on Saturday in Italy we have 3 important matches;2 with CL at stake and 1 relegation battle.
Milan-Lazio
Roma-Inter
Cremonese-Spezia
Last time we saw Doveri,Orsato and Guida when we had 3 important matches last week.
Maybe this time we'll see Maresca,Massa and Di Bello?
Interesting for sure will be to see who gets appointed.
In France,Lens vs Marseille is potential CL match so Turpin gets that.
Ajax vs Alkmaar gets Makkelie,important match for Europe.
In Germny Freiburg vs Leipzig is potential CL match.Also,Hertha vs Stuttgart is big relegation match.
Benfica-Braga,important match in Portugal,expecting some strong name.
In England we have derby match,A.Villa vs Wolves.Atwell is in charge.
LBtw,Dario Herrera is in charge for SuperClasico in Argentina.
Not to forget Dortmund vs Wolfsburg. one playing for the title, the other for europe + 1st match after the big no pentalty controversial with Dortmund which basically ended in a witch hunt on Stegemann
DeleteFor Milan derby, my prediction would be Anthony Taylor (4O Oliver).
ReplyDeleteNot easy to predict the Real-City game with the important observer :)
- Zwayer: Friday game, German delegate in Madrid and his AR to Greece with Brych: small chance. I’d say he is a reserve referee for UCL and has a return game UECL.
- Makkelie: indeed a late Saturday game (Ajax-AZ), which is a battle for 3rd place (UEL). Very important game and Ajax always triggers headlines. Both his AR’s work as AVAR on Sunday. This can be a clue, it gives them the opportunity to prepare something... But if I’m not mistaken, KNVB normally appoints its referees to low profile games on Friday if they have a big game on Tuesday. But it’s certainly not impossible.
- Vincic: he didn’t work since 22 April. As far as I can see on NZS website, he doesn’t have a game this week. That’s odd. Not sure we can draw any conclusions on that. It doesn’t sound like the best preparation as well.
A fourth name could be a surprise name like Jovanovic, or Marciniak. Does anyone knows his weekend game? :)
Something else to consider, in the semi finals, all 4th officials have to be Elite referees. And if possible, they are from the same country (Orsato with Massa, Turpin with Bastien, DCG with Gil Manzano, etc).
DeleteI assumed Schärer, Meler, Letexier and Gözübüyük are only available for a 1st leg as FIFA U20 starts on 20 May (they need time to acclimate and prepare). So based on that, it can be a clue to see a Dutch team somewhere in the 1st legs. Not sure about Letexier with Turpin, he can also work with Bastien.
It doesnt help the overall prediction but 1 thing regarding german ARs.
DeleteAt the moment only Siebert (Seidel + Foltyn), Zwayer (Achmüller) and Stieler (Gittelmann) are a consistent pairing.
Lupp has not often worked with Zwayer in Germany. He still is mainly with Brych or AVAR.
Two FIFA ARs Dietz and Beitinger basically work with Aytekin (retired FIFA) all the time. Dietz even in the 2nd League (it is normal procedure German 1st League referees appointed to 2nd division get one 1st League AR and one 2nd League AR). Beitinger mainly with Stieler, but also with Jablonski and Zwayer when Aytekin got no 1st division game.
Koslowski looked to be paired with Jablonski for some time but lately they split that quite often as well.
Too complicate it even more Kempter looks to have a good standing nationally, getting appointed to big games with changing referees (Osmers, Brych that I remember in big games).
Yesterday another chapter of Mourinho and his story against referees.
ReplyDeleteAfter Monza - Roma, he blamed Chiffi, reporting that he is among the worst referees he met in his career and he has the attitude of making all people angry. He added some unacceptable words, stating that some teams are allowed to refuse referees (clear reference to Orsato and Inter) while other teams can't do that due to less power, inviting Rome to do the same. Also, he declared that now he will attend all games with a microphone on his body to record all the words by referees and then in case to publish the audio. Absolutely shocking attitude of a person who can't find other justifications for having poor results. Many years ago he was surely the big one and a talent as coach, now he looks like a clown, I'm really sorry to say that, but what he's doing is definitely a shame. FIGC and AIA are in trouble, they don't have power to be above the clubs, and that's what happens. Not only Mourinho and Roma for sure, because also other coaches act always in an unacceptable manner, but surely this team is the worst in this regard.
After the Serra incident (BTW you can maybe now understand why this referee had a certain reaction, and under a very human point of view you can fully understand him), Rocchi tried to solve the question with a meeting he had in Rome in occasion of Roma - Sampdoria, he went to observe Irrati, referee appointed for that game, and it was reported he had a talk with Roma team officials to solve this issue. An attempt to find a solution without going into the problem deeply. Of course, it didn't work and I think now AIA should take immediate action because enough is enough...
Let's see who will officiate Roma - Inter, another match in which the officials will have everything to lose.
A federal investigation against him has immediately started.
I am so sorry that Mourinho has created such a toxic environment for the Italian arbitration to operate in
Deletehttps://streamable.com/z5cpu8
DeleteMourinho blamed Chiffi for this second YC: "Out of reality to issue a YC in the last minute for a tired player, who slipped and accidentally hit opponent."
Then, as you can see in the video, Roma coach deliberately left the pitch on his purpose to avoid more issues with Chiffi...
Maresca is in charge there...hmmm
DeleteDoes anybody know the status quo of the case Raczkowski in Greece?
ReplyDeleteFor the moment there is stagnation in the development of the case. What we do know for sure is that AEK Athens FC has appealed to the Greek courts and has asked the prosecution to receive the visual material from the security cameras at El. Venizelos airport in Athens, where it is shown what has happened between the Polish referees and their fellow passengers. Also, it is assumed that the case is also being investigated by UEFA's arbitration department but for the moment we have no conclusion or update on anything.
DeleteMeanwhile, Ovidiu Hațegan will officiate a demonstrative game today at 18:00 local time. The FIFPro Congress is in Bucharest these days and a demonstartive game will be played between Romania All Stars and FIFPro Europe. A couple of good players are involved, like Bogdan Lobonț and Razvan Raț for the former team or Vladimir Smicer and Robert Pires for the later team. Ovidiu Hațegan was invited to officiate this game on the recently renovated stadium "Arcul de Triumf", and tomorrow he will be VAR in a game from Liga1. Ex-FIFA Assistant Referees Cristian Nica and Octavian Șovre (coincidentally he is the referees observer in the game Hațegan is VAR tomorrow) will help him on the lines. Two halves of 35 minutes each will be played. The game will be live on TV and surely there are refereeing fans in Romania who will be very happy to see him live in action again. Unfortunately my schedule today won't allow me to watch the game.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.marca.com/futbol/2023/05/04/6453abc8e2704ed2648b459f.html
ReplyDeleteI was quite surprised when reading the headline but tbh I don't get (yet) why is suspicious that LaLiga or Spanish FIFA referees (people who between their monthly salary of 12K euros - regardless of how many matches they get, e.g. Alberola Rojas still got paid all these months he spent out because of his medical condition, 4K euros per game as a referee, 2K euros per VAR, + diets, + UEFA appointments) are able to buy houses without mortgage?
DeleteThey earn almost as much as footballers, and probably manage their economy (savingas, investments) better than most of them.
Also, isn't a bit suspicious that the people under investigation are:
1) The referee and the VAR of the Copa del Rey final to be played in two days (Sánchez Martínez & Jaime Latre)
2) The most hated (active) referee by Real Madrid fans & press (Hernández Hernández)
3) The VAR technical director of CTA-RFEF, who several weeks ago was featured in a long video by RMTV (Clos Gómez)
Also, according to this journalist (who actually works for Real Madrid TV), the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office doesn't even know about such investigations/reports.
Deletehttps://twitter.com/JorgeCalabres/status/1654108410449674241?t=OvFe78UAEtQtMkelKe57ag
As Quilava said, just with what was published it was difficult to believe that there was any wrongdoing given the level of their incomes and the reported properties. The only thing that really caught my eye was the (very) short time between purchases of Jaime Latre, but that is perfectly possible if he was saving or has earned some return from his investments if he has any, so all of it looks like bullshit.
Delete@George, remember that besides his refereeing job, Jaime Latre is also a captain of the Spanish Army (and a telecom engineer); if he lived in one of these buildings where military cadres & officers tend to live (i.e. without having to pay rent), he could very well afford to have generous savings.
DeleteThis weekend:
ReplyDeleteMarciniak
REF: Saturday 17:30
VAR: Sunday 15:00
Sokolnicki
AVAR: Friday 20:30
AR: Saturday 17:30
Listkiewicz
AVAR: Friday 18:00
AR: Sunday 15:00
Kwiatkowski
VAR: Friday 20:30
REF: Sunday 15:00
Thanks! AR’s on a different game is not regular before a UEFA game, is it?
DeleteI think they’ll have one of the finals for sure and therefore won’t work on a semi :)
Since Mikulski is the head of referees, it's not longer the case that Marciniak-Sokolnicki-Listkiewicz are appointed together to a league game prior to European trip.
DeleteWho will referee Roma vs inter this Saturday ?
ReplyDeleteMaresca
DeleteOT: what do you think about Attwell penalty decision in LIV-FUL? https://twitter.com/justafootyfan_/status/1653871577652445184?s=46
ReplyDeleteShould have been a RC for Anthony imo
ReplyDeleteI think despite he had VAR intervention very deep in stoppage time, Andre Marriner showing once again that age is just a number, excellent performance in very important match for both teams!
ReplyDeleteSandro Schärer only apponted as AVAR domestically on Sunday even though there is the biggest rivalry derby (but not really relevant for the standing) and a very important relegation battle this weekend. So, will there be a surprise in UCL next week or does he have a semi in UEL or Conference League which then would make it rather over-cartious not to appoint him this weekend given that these games are on Thursday?
ReplyDeleteOr he is 4th official on Tuesday. In all semi finals, the 4O’s have to be Elite referees
DeleteSandro Scharer is still injured, no Argentina.
DeleteIf Schaerer still injured, is there any info about replacement or FIFA still keep Schaerer in radar?
DeleteHe refereed in Switzerland on the last two weekends
DeleteExactly Philipp! But Anonymous‘ guess that he is appointed as 4th official might be right. We‘ll see.
DeleteExcellent Rosario Abisso in Napoli match. Chefren what is the story with him? Could he be FIFA?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest he didn't convince me at all yesterday. No chances for becoming FIFA referee, he lost all credit four years ago (2019) when he officiated the (in)famous Fiorentina - Inter, with an incredible mistake after an OFR. After that, mostly average performances, never excellent, quite poor seasons, only some good moments.
DeleteA pity because given the age he could have made a big career even as FIFA referee, but definitely no stuff.
https://streamable.com/wto9in
DeleteWhat do you think about this possible penalty?
I didn't like no reaction by Abisso, play on but rather he didn't want to decide / was unable to do that.
I would have liked either penalty or simulation, then the call surely would have been discussed.
Initially, you could talk about a possible attempt of simulation by Kvaratskhelia, no contact between feet, but then you have this contact between knees. Should be inside.
Unclear why VAR didn't assess it as clear and obvious mistake, whether inside or outside the box and so on.
In my opinion in all cases, not a play on. Poor reaction by referee who should have gone for something there.
Agree,either penalty or YC for simulation,too much teatrical from Kvaradona whether it's penalty or not.
DeleteYesterday many crucial incidents in Empoli - Bologna for La Penna, and surely a negative spot for the handball offense.
ReplyDeleteNegative in the meaning that nowadays with all the strict rules about this infraction, we have many controversial disallowed goal, 100% against the spirit of the game.
See below.
First disallowed goal, objective decision, goal directly scored by arm, no OFR: https://streamable.com/hgl2a4
Second disallowed goal, in this case "Italian" strict interpretation of the law, very small touch to control ball, surely unintentional but still to be punished, a wonderful goal had to be disallowed: https://streamable.com/y43czy
I'ìm sure Englsh referees (but also other countries)would never call that, maybe not even notice that :)
And then in the end an OFR for a push: https://streamable.com/zg1cjj
I think in this case VAR was wrong, no VAR stuff, should have been whistgled only by referee. Very long time before calling to OFR, this means he was not 100% sure.
In my opinion, about handballs, something should definitely change, I heard that IFAB wanted to rediscuss that.
On the second disallowed goal, I would expect that intervention everywhere. Clear arm to ball movement even changing the direction of the ball.
DeleteI agree about the rest.
I'm not so convinced about arm to ball movement here, as it seems pretty normal arm movement (as he is out of balance a bit). Also he can no way anticipate this ball. So I would prefer noVARint here, as I dont see it as deliberate.
DeleteOn-topic: First set of Greek appointments are out post-Čeferin's letter.
ReplyDeleteAs it was reported, Felix Brych and ARs Mark Borsch & Stefan Lupp will 'remember the old days' by handling the eternal enemies derby on Sunday. Günther Perl will be VAR.
Kinda surprisingly (IMO), Aris vs AEK will have a fully Greek crew. And it's not a dead rubber by any means, AEK & Panathinaikos are tied in points and there's just 1 MD left after this one. Unless I'm wrong, this should be the first game between Big 5 teams without foreign referees besides Diamantopoulos replacing Raczkowski. Full appointment:
Vasilis Fotias - Polychronis Kostaras, Andreas Meintanas - Athanasios Tzilos
[Aristotelis Diamantopoulos, Tryfon Petropoulos]
The Greek federation however in today's announcement informed that the elite foreign referee who was originally appointed for the game cancelled his trip after Ceferin's letter and then another elite referee from a foreign confederation (not uefa) was found but finally it was not possible to come because the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not issue so quickly his visa to enter Greece. So he came up with the definition of the Greek referee Vassilis Fotias.
DeleteLast season, the UCL semi finals (1st and 2nd legs) were appointed as one set. Before the semi finals, it was already crystal clear that Turpin would have UCL final.
ReplyDeleteThis year UEFA chose a different approach: solely the 1st legs are appointed. One argument for doing that is the insecurity regarding the UCL final referee. We have:
1) Marciniak, receiving some criticism after his QF in, especially, the Italian press about incorrect KMI’s. And instead of shading him, they gave him the toughest games in the R16 and QF...
2) Makkelie’s absence in the QF. That could be anything; no speculations from my side. In 2023, he has been tested on UEFA level just once. Are they in top form? We don’t know. We cannot compare Eredivisie level with UCL.
3) Taylor, who is dependent on Man City’s result, already officiated Real Madrid in a final this year and can only work with a non-English VAR.
Add all this together and there is a lot insecurity. Not the most sensible management tbf… I expect Makkelie to be tested somewhere next week in a semi-final (UCL or UEL). After his performance they can take some decisions and release the 2nd leg appointments. Makes sense?
Urawa Red Diamonds – Al Hilal SFC
ReplyDeleteReferee: Ma Ning (CHN)
Assistant Referee 1: Zhou Fei (CHN)
Assistant Referee 2: Zhang Sheng (CHN)
Fourth Official: Kim Jong Hyeok (KOR)
VAR: Fu Ming (CHN)
AVAR: Muhammad Taqi bin Jahari (SIN)
2022 AFC Champions League Final (second leg)
ReplyDelete6 May 2023, 11:00 CET - Saitama (Saitama Stadium 2002)
Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN) - Al-Hilal Riyadh (KSA)
Referee: Ma Ning (CHN)
Assistant Referee 1: Zhou Fei (CHN)
Assistant Referee 2: Zhang Cheng (CHN)
Fourth Official: Kim Jong-hyeok (KOR)
Video Assistant Referee: Fu Ming (CHN)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Muhammad Taqi Aljaafari bin Jahari (SIN)
And the game is becoming very difficult for the Chinese as we could have expected. Two early penalty area incidents in which penalty kick technically could've been given. The problem is totally withdrawn attitude of Ma Ning (well, expected...) - not making any decision, standing or slowly walking while waiting whether VAR is going to change something, not booking wild dissent, etc. The AFC refereeing is currently the worst of all confederations.
DeleteAlso, what a joke that "AFC refereeing is currently the worst of all confederations", if you judge with tinted glasses, then all referees you don't like are the worst.
DeleteYifei: first of all please don’t swear, secondly please don’t make ad hominem attacks to a reasonable point (I completely agree with Euro Soccer Ref, for what it is worth).
Delete@Yifei sorry no offense just want to know your credibility, are you from RRC? Do you watch the match now? Be objective please. The first incident in the beginning of the match for me never a penalty, but like ESF said Ma Ning didn’t make any gesture just passive like always and then the dissent come in and again no warning, no body language, no card, maybe only verbal explanation, even if the referee was Sidiropoulos I believe he will be give Al Hilal players a YC.
DeleteMan, most likely I was the first one on here being extremely passionate about AFC refereeing in the past, covering many tournaments, highlighting competitions nobody even cared about. But let's be honest, the refereeing in Asia has been totally destroyed and it's beyond belief how quickly you can do that with a third power refereeing (after UEFA and CONMEBOL) in relatively short period.
DeleteAgree with ESF as predicted this game becoming very difficult with full house stadium, away goals rules applied, and the temperament of Al Hilal players, I think 2nd half will be more challenging for Ma Ning. 1st half in short at least in my opinion he had consistent foul selection and correct YC for Urawa players, besides lack of body language I think he had good 1st half.
DeleteI made clips for the two penalty box incidents mentioned. Penalty decisions in either scene would have been supported by VAR! And Juan/Euro Soccer Ref are 100% right about the dissenting behaviour after the second appeal...
Deletehttps://files.catbox.moe/bisyia.mp4
https://files.catbox.moe/xn668f.mp4
For AFC standard simply excellent performance by Ma Ning, much better than Al Kaf from the 1st leg (in terms of verbal communication, foul selection, consistency)
Delete@EuroSoccerRef do you have info For CL semifinal appointment this Tuesday?
DeleteBut for me his passive and his decision not to punish the players (especially for Al Hilal) for mobbing and dissent, also his excessive use of whistle very poor.
DeleteThe 9th round of the Greek Super League play offs has just been officially postponed by the Greek Federation as 24 cases of covid-19 appeared in Panathinaikos' team. Felix Brych is now back in his country and is unlikely to come back on Monday or Tuesday when the games will be re-set. It is also extremely likely that the derby between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos will be officiated by a Greek referee, as will happen in the game between Aris and AEK Athens.
ReplyDeleteYou never get bored with Greek football!
this is finally the chance for Greek referees
DeleteWho will referee Greek derby ?
ReplyDeleteRoma vs Inter game is becoming more and more difficult to manage for Maresca.
ReplyDeleteRoma players are protesting to every decision he makes so it would be miracle if he can manage them.
First half represents the trasformation of Maresca in a "manager" if compared to the early strict referee we knew, but today in a very negative way for this game. His performance so far is not good in my opinion, missed a clear YC for Çalhanoğlu in first half, just because he didn't want to start book, then he issued a YC against Roma, and you can easily understand what happened (many protests).
DeleteRoma with the classic approch, now even more visible, but I must say, given the background, game could have easily gone wild but it's still under a certain control. Nevertheless, for me a rather problematic performance (without major mistakes so far).
Very good performance in the previous big match, Milan - Lazio, by Rapuano. Incredible season for him so far. By far, better than some FIFA referees, and also, what he achieved in a season, is more than what some FIFA referees achieved in their whole career, I would say, in terms of good performances in big matches. Very likely, due to age he will not get the FIFA status, but he definitely will become one of the most trusted Italian referees.
Delete