Crucial qualifiers on the road to EURO 2024 are about to be played. Let's start with referee assignments for Matchday 9, set 1, planned on 16 November 2023.
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| Swiss Elite referee Esther Staubli will officiate a Men's Qualifier |
Thursday 16 November 2023
GEORGIA - SCOTLAND | Group A
Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev MKD
Assistant Referee 1: Dejan Kostadinov MKD
Assistant Referee 2: Kuštrim Lika MKD
Fourth Official: Ivana Projkovska MKD
Video Assistant Referee: Fran Jović CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Sars FRA
UEFA Delegate: Quanyş Qanapiianov KAZ
18:00 CET - Limassol (Alphamega Stadium)
CYPRUS - SPAIN | Group A
Referee: Mykola Balakin UKR
Assistant Referee 1: Oleksandr Berkut UKR
Assistant Referee 2: Dmytro Zaporozhenko UKR
Fourth Official: Vitaliy Romanov UKR
Video Assistant Referee: Kateryna Monzulʹ UKR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Oleksiy Derevinsʹkyy UKR
UEFA Referee Observer: Draženko Kovačić CRO
UEFA Delegate: Balázs Makray HUN
18:00 CET - Tallinn (A. Le Coq Arena)
ESTONIA - AUSTRIA | Group F
Referee: Nikola Dabanović MNE
Assistant Referee 1: Vladan Todorović MNE
Assistant Referee 2: Srđan Jovanović MNE
Fourth Official: Miloš Savović MNE
Video Assistant Referee: Mario Zebec CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dario Bel CRO
UEFA Referee Observer: Michaíl Argyroú CYP
UEFA Delegate: Jens Futterknecht GER
18:00 CET - Baku (Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionu)
AZERBAIJAN - SWEDEN | Group F
Referee: Esther Staubli SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Jonas Erni SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Susann Küng SUI
Fourth Official: Mirel Turkes SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Lukas Fähndrich SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Lionel Tschudi SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Andrejs Sipailo LVA
UEFA Delegate: David McDowell SVN
18:00 CET - Plovdiv (Stadion “Hristo Botev”)
BULGARIA - HUNGARY | Group G
Referee: Daniel Stefański POL
Assistant Referee 1: Dawid Golis POL
Assistant Referee 2: Michał Obukowicz POL
Fourth Official: Wojciech Myć POL
Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Paweł Malec POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Igor Pristovnik CRO
UEFA Delegate: Alojzije Šupraha CRO
20:45 CET - Podgorica (Gradski stadion Podgorica)
MONTENEGRO - LITHUANIA | Group G
Referee: Artur Manuel Ribeiro Soares Dias POR
Assistant Referee 1: Paulo Alexandre dos Santos Soares POR
Assistant Referee 2: Pedro Ricardo Ferreira Ribeiro POR
Fourth Official: Cláudio Filipe Ruivo Pereira POR
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Fábio Oliveira de Melo POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Antonov MDA
UEFA Delegate: Fernand Meese BEL
20:45 CET - Bratislava (Národný futbalový štadión)
SLOVAKIA - ICELAND | Group J
Referee: Craig Pawson ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Simon Bennett ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Lee Betts ENG
Fourth Official: Andrew Madley ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Christopher Kavanagh ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Barış Şimşek TUR
UEFA Delegate: Tibor Vámos HUN
20:45 CET - Luxembourg (Stade de Luxembourg)
LUXEMBOURG - BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA | Group J
Referee: Andris Treimanis LVA
Assistant Referee 1: Haralds Gudermanis LVA
Assistant Referee 2: Aleksejs Spasjonņikovs LVA
Fourth Official: Aleksandrs Golubevs LVA
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Kristaps Ratnieks LVA
UEFA Referee Observer: Ian Stokes IRL
UEFA Delegate: Marko Simeunovič SVN
20:45 CET - Vaduz (Rheinpark Stadion)
LIECHTENSTEIN - PORTUGAL | Group J
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Fredrik Klyver SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Max Robin Wilde SWE
Fourth Official: Fredrik Klitte SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Jonas Hedegaard Hansen DEN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jakob Kehlet DEN
UEFA Referee Observer: Nicolae Grigorescu ROU
UEFA Delegate: Jean Paul Mievis BEL
Esther Staubi (Switzerland) given the Azerbaijan game.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed that Chefren often highlights the positive aspects of certain referees’ performances, while focusing on the negative aspects for others. I don’t wish to name names here. However, I believe it’s important for readers to know if Chefren or any other administrators have had direct contact (in person, via email, etc.) with any of the top referees discussed in this blog. As this blog influences public opinion and I'm sure you are well aware of this, it would be appropriate to include a disclaimer. For instance, a statement like, “I met Makkelie in person in Italy and we went for a coffee,” or “Someone from Marciniak and Kovacs’ team sent me photos from their internal archive to post on the blog,” would provide necessary transparency.
ReplyDeleteWtf… Chefren is a person of the highest integrity, believe me.
Deletein some aspects fully agree with Florian, sometimes active users ''influencers'' ando also Chefren are very harsh with some group of referee and very nice with another. For the similiar HB situation -for example: Kabakov must to see, but for Kovacs was very dificult to see, good OFR.
DeleteI’ve been reading here for many years and first of all, I have nothing but respect for all administrators (and a special mention to ESF as well). They put in a lot of work and effort.
DeleteHaving said that, I sometimes had the impression that for example @Mikael always slaughters Makkelie (I think I never read a positive comment :D), whereas he seems always fairly ‘gentle’ about Turpin, Marciniak and Daniel Siebert.
Chefren on the other hand, quite harsh about Siebert.
It is worth noticing that when 3 referees are in the running for a “grand final”, there always will be people with an agenda on this blog -> they prefer one referee and will try to burn the others with very harsh comments. I think, we can only hope that they are not paid or whatsoever :)
I can imagine that a personal contact with a referee DOES influence the opinion of the administrator somehow. I have once met an Elite referee and yes, I’d always choose more nuanced words to write negative feedback about this person, because I liked the person. We are all human with subjective opinions and we like a referee and his/her style or not.
It is up to us to think and form an opinion ourselves instead of being influenced by some of the harsh comments here.
Let’s hope that the blog is not so powerful that the Refcom is influenced by the opinions here… :-)
It is not the first time that I read such statements on the blog, and I have been always consistent in my answers. You write being convinced that the blog has the power to influence committee about the choices they make! That's incredible. Do you really believe that they read here and then they make appointments? Of course not. It is possible that important people inside UEFA read, but nothing more than that. You can see that things go in the direction that committee wants (not the blog).
DeleteHaving said that, we put many efforts to keep this blog open, with updated appointments and news, we try always to do the best, we are human and we have opinions about referees.
The opinions of the admins are not more important than yours, so if I write that I don't like a certain referee, another user can write the contrary. And what is the result? That two different opinions are reported. We never delete opinions, if not for insults and unacceptable languages. If you can do better, I suggest, you can open a blog and then write what you want. Because all people all free to do that.
Regards!
Agree
Delete@Florian Well this came kind of nowhere, I don't understand what made you write this statement now and not for example after a matchday.
DeleteIt is remarkable that some of you met Elite Referees, it must be something incredible, or at least this is from my perspective who never met not even a First League referee yet. I am sure that the readers here are from all the levels: amateurs referees, pros, even international referees I guess (retired and/or still active) and at the same time simply persons who are passionate about this domain. The blog must be friendly with all.
I generally speak well about all the referees when I comment, positive achievements. Of course everybody has his own preferences but I've never attacked any referees with words. There are about 5 names in Elite that I can say that I am not a very big fan of. But when I write negative feedback I've always tried to justify. For example, I wrote before that in my opinion Siebert didn't deserve to attend the WC as main referee. This was, is and will be my belief forever, I explained previously why.
I am happy when any referees deliever a good performance but at the same time I especially enjoy the moments when the referee who does well is from my country. Those who are from the West can't understand what it is like to have contact with the top in football only via refereeing as you don't have any player at a top team and the clubs are eliminated from the first qualifying rounds in European competitions.
Any comment is a personal view of the refereeing world. If you don't agree, you have the right to say why and your opinion it's important as the other in this blog, but it's not respectful to have any doubt about the Chefrem integrity.
DeleteSurprising to see no 2nd group referees in the unimportant games.
ReplyDeleteGiving a game to Staubli makes sense, but also emphasizes how irrelevant it is to be in the male categories for the female referees.
Pawson with an important match, where I expected an Elite referee.
Is it last international match for Stavrev ?
ReplyDeleteI thought the same also one year ago, I don't know about the age limits in North Macedonia. Now he is 46 years old.
DeleteInteresting that he gets Ivana Projkovska as fourth official, the latter is now starting to appear in Men's competition after having been observed by Dagmar Damková in a game. Maybe without further promising referees from that country, she will take the lead as MKD nr. 1even regarding men's UEFA games when Stavrev will leave.
Indeed particular that all Category 1 and/or Elite have been assigned.
ReplyDeleteWe can say that the spot for Category 2 is taken by Staubli (Women's Elite) in Azerbaijan - Sweden.
How do we read the appointment of Soares Dias? Difficult to conclude how he’s rated atm.
ReplyDeleteVery difficult indeed, I said that in past, differently from other Elite referees, it is not clear how committee sees him. One can still say that the game has a certain importance in the group, but at a certain point for the Portuguese the analysis about the teams he gets should follow and we can draw conclusion (my opinion) that in recent times he is not seen like before.
DeletePrediction for Slovenia-Kazakhstan and Ukraine-Italy?
ReplyDeleteTurpin and Marciniak?
Yes, that seems logical.
DeletePlus maybe Makkelie in the similarly important CRO-ARM.
Yeah, Makkelie will probably complete his east-European bingo card. ;)
DeleteI realized that Turpin whistled Italy the previous round. I’m not sure whether the rough style of playing by Kazakhstan will suit the lenient and background-minded Frenchman. Marciniak definitely a better choice. Let’s see.
What about delegates appointments?
ReplyDeleteCorrect second YC by Stefański for a more than reckless challenge, possible straight RC fro SFP as well.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, in Georgia very rough play by Scottish side.
In Cyprus - Spain, VAR intervention for allowing 0-2, originally wrongly annulled by AR1.
Now another red card for Bulgaria, I think that the Polish assessed a DOGSO.
ReplyDeleteAfter VAR intervention, RC for DOGSO changed in simulation.
DeleteAnd now another YC for simulation,maybe too harsh.
DeleteCrazy minutes for Polish ref.
Yes, definitely a first half to be watched in full!
DeleteThe second YC for simulation you reported was absolutely accepted by Hungarian player.
I was accepted,but it was small hit in the face so maybe too harsh imo
DeleteStefanski kinda reminds me of Bastien;ref that has his style,but very often has games that turn to be problematic like Bastien's .
A good Stefanski in Sofia, but with a crucial mistake in 38' (DOGSO).
ReplyDeleteStrong performance by Staubli in Baku.
VAR intervention in Baku for a penalty given even though foul happened outside (likely reported by AR, impossible for Staubli to see). Also a YC for DOGSO upgraded to a red without going to the monitor, a situation not seen very often but correct procedure
ReplyDeleteYes, but I am not totally sold about DOGSO there due to the angle / distance to goal. VAR shouldn't intervene for that (other than he did), but rather harsh IMO.
DeleteBaku 55' penalty and yellow changed to free kick and straight red after VAR review. Foul slightly outside the box.
ReplyDeleteOFR for Balakin, possible foul before 1-3 by Cyprus, called by Monzul.
ReplyDeleteA tackle with both legs that one can describe as reckless, but after review he confirmed. Again after his game with Rosetti, not the best relations Balakin - VAR if you ask me. Shouldn't work in this way, one between them has faults in this case.
Correct intervention by Monzul imo, Balakin should've followed her advice
DeleteYes, should have been a free kick / disallowed goal.
DeleteIMO correct confirmation of his original decision. Spanish commentators very satisfied with this decision. :D
DeleteStavrer losing control
ReplyDeleteNot convinced by the penalty given to Bulgaria by Stefanski, to me rather (yet another) simulation. However as the knee of the defender was still outstreched and there was contact, I can understand why VAR decided to confirm
ReplyDeleteHe actually gave a remarkable third YC for simulation in this game the same minute as I wrote this. Happened right infront him, very well positioned to see that.
DeleteProbably just enough contact at the penalty for the VAR not to intervene again. This could be OK individually, but doesn't look good, if we compare to the withdrawn RC in first half.
DeleteStavrev has lost the plot. Allowing horrible fouls
ReplyDeletePoor game from him. Card detection all over the place (and poor time management too)
DeleteAgreed he was very poor on both counts. Clear to see he wasnt really bothered given his career is nearly over
Deletehttps://streamin.me/v/7f2b8127
ReplyDeleteHere the incident in Baku. Original decision: YC and penalty changed in RC and free kick. Definitely not easy to see, differently from Women's CL game, very quick counterattack with Staubli far from the play. AR with a chance to cooperate but VAR intervention was needed.
I think this is almost impossible to see onfield to be honest. Also for AR. Very fast action and foul very close to PA, even more as after the decisive contact both players fall into the PA. Almost always a guess if you ask me, very hard to really "see" oder assess. That is why there's a VAR.
Delete@Cassius How is Staubli doing in domestic league?
DeleteI watched most of the match in Baku and I liked her management very much: she acts like an experienced referee and she is accepted and respected. Having watched her in WWC last summer as well, I think that Staubli is the best UEFA woman ref at the moment.
I think the same and I am still a bit upset that she wasn't allowed to handle a semifinal or even final because she would have deserved that.
DeleteIn the swiss league she is accepted and mostly without controversies. Her general management, body language and card management are normally good, in my opinion she can have some issues physically, there are stronger runners, but she normally well compensates the missing perfect positioning when the game is fast.
Craig Pawson was correct in Slovakia vs. Iceland not to give Kucka a penalty at 20’ (wasn’t a dive either imo), but he didn’t give the most secure impression of his decision at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThe penalty Pawson is about to give Slovakia is very similar to the famous Kuipers SVKESP decision. Like the great Dutchman, only after intervention though - live, he gave the same non(plussed) reaction as in the first appeal mentioned above.
DeleteDont know why Kavanagh called,I mean attacker knows exactly what he's doing,by puttijg himself infront of defender.
DeleteWeak penalty that I would never call.
UEFA should assess the decision as correct (careless kick) I think. Imo the better decision would be defensive freekick.
DeleteKavanagh continues to be a dreadful VAR official. Always controversy
DeleteI wonder if it was foot-up before the third Slovakian goal (47’); no replay shown.
DeleteEnglandREF: come on, you can’t blame Kavanagh, it is (probably) a clear/mandatory intervention for UEFA!
It's just wrong. Nobody likes to see such penalties.
DeleteAt the penalty, the important point is that the attacker gets the ball slightly before the contact. I think, this makes penalty the expected call (but difficult to detect live).
DeleteClear and obvious can surely be discussed here.
Hi Mikael
DeleteI think penalty is correct with UEFA but to me I always feel these types of situations unfair to defender
why do you think defensive free kick is better outcome?
In 27’ Var intervention overturning a free kick to penalty (LUXBIH), but what is the foul. I don’t recognize.
ReplyDeleteOn review, its a arm to the face.
DeleteSome clips from Stefański game:
ReplyDeleteSecond YC, possible direct RC for SFP
https://streamin.me/v/a183de38
Second YC for reckless challenge
https://streamin.me/v/08ede679
Penalty whistled, VAR confirmed
https://streamin.me/v/7e2eb126
For me, defender naive with that leg's movement, but attacker exactly looking for that, and rather the latter going against the opponent, but still impossible to question on the penalty.
If possible, the clips about two simulations, the first one after OFR, will follow as well.
The second YC for BUL6 doesn't look like his decision (probably information by 4-th referee) however correct one: reckless offence.
DeletePenalty is for me incorrect. If attacker cleerly looked for contact it is simulation.
I have to agree that this penalty looks incorrect. Soft would be an understatement. Defenders movement appears legitimate, no real challenge and barely any contact if it. Closer to simulation.
DeleteBalakin and the possible foul before Cyprus goal:
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.co/v/MWFrDrl27f
I have just seen a penalty appeal in the Luxemburg game 82nd. Really surprised no VAR intervention.
ReplyDelete