Tuesday 26 March 2024

2023/24 European Qualifiers - Referee Appointments for Play-offs (Finals, 26 March 2024) and UEFA Nations League Play out

 Referee appointments for 2023-24 UEFA European Qualifiers Play Off Finals. 

Daniele Orsato to referee Wales - Poland


Tuesday, 26 March 2024 

Path A

20:45 CET - Cardiff (Cardiff City Stadium) 
WALES - POLAND
Referee: Daniele Orsato ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Giallatini ITA
Fourth Official: Davide Massa ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Massimiliano Irrati ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Valeri ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Bertrand Layec FRA
UEFA Delegate: Aristídis Stavrópoulos GRE

Path B

20:45 CET - Wrocław, POL (Tarczyński Arena)
UKRAINE - ICELAND
Referee: Clément Turpin FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Erwan Finjean FRA
Fourth Official: François Letexier FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Darko Čeferin SVN 
UEFA Delegate: Michal Valtr CZE

Path C 

18:00 CET - Tbilisi (Boris Paichadzis Sakhelobis Dinamo Arena)
GEORGIA - GREECE
Referee: Szymon Marciniak POL
Assistant Referee 1: Paweł Sokolnicki POL
Assistant Referee 2: Tomasz Listkiewicz POL
Fourth Official: Ivan Kružliak SVK
Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bartosz Frankowski POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Howard Webb ENG 
UEFA Delegate: Andrey Medintsev BUL

UEFA Nations League - Play-Outs 

Tuesday 26 March 2024 

18:00 CET - Kaunas (Dariaus ir Girėno stadionas)
LITHUANIA - GIBRALTAR
Referee: Duje Strukan CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Bojan Zobenica CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Alen Jakšić CRO
Fourth Official: Fran Jović CRO
Video Assistant Referee: Nejc Kajtazovič SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Rade Obrenovič SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Paweł Gil POL
UEFA Delegate: Rudolf Řepka CZE

121 comments:

  1. Off topic: I find it interesting that the appointment for Roma-Milan is not released yet. Who do we expect there?

    I supposed Marciniak, but the delay makes less sense for a safe pair of hands, if you get what I mean…
    On the other hand, they may not want to 'waste' Marciniak after a 3-0 score in a 1st leg. That can be a reason to wait.

    However, one important consideration: Roma-Milan is Europa League, thus the referees gets paid less than in the Champions League, whereas the game can potentially be more difficult than the average Champions League match.
    Most referees would prefer to work at the highest level. Suppose you are Marciniak and you just had a strong performance in the R16: your expectation is a QF Champions League. In the current payment system, meritocracy is an important factor.

    Politics can be a reason to allocate ROM-MIL to Turpin, if Letexier gets a shot in the Champions League. However, for Turpin the QF stage can be his last CL-game if PSG proceeds. And I doubt Turpin must be used in a 1st leg semi (the perfect opportunity to introduce new names).

    Roma-Milan can be a good test for a UEL final candidate. But, in case of a very high difficulty this match can be ‘sacrificial’. It can destroy final chances. Think of Kovács last year: he didn't get more games after the Italian derby.
    The preferred option is probably using a middle-elite referee who is normally done after the quarterfinals (due to performances or restrictions). And that is where the Spanish referees (or a Soares Dias) are back in the picture... But this is obviously not possible after controversies in the 1st match.

    Anyway, the Refcom must already a name in mind. And they cannot switch that name with a referee already allocated in the Champions League, because that can lead to dissatisfaction?

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  2. Thus, we learned the 3 most trusted referees of UEFA, one of whom will be in the EURO2024 final.

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  3. All as expected with the tree missing names and forced assignments for different reasons.
    Very curious fact: all four games, including NL Play Out, have something to do with Poland.
    Wales - Poland with the national team.
    Ukraine - Iceland with the (neutral) venue in Poland.
    Georgia - Greece with the referees.
    Lithuania - Georgia with the observer.

    That's incredible ;)

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  4. My Euro refereeing team prediction (assuming they take 20 trios):

    Peljto
    Taylor
    Turpin
    Letexier
    Zwayer
    Orsato
    Gözübüyük
    Makkelie
    Eskås
    Marciniak
    Kovács
    Kružliak
    Vinčič
    Jovanović
    Nyberg
    Gil Manzano
    Sánchez Martínez
    Schärer
    Meler
    Guest from CONMEBOL: Tello (ARG)

    Designated fourth officials: Aghayev, Lambrechts, Krogh, Rumšas, Obrenovič, Dabanović

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pretty sure there will be also Frappart on the 4th official list.

      Delete
    2. I wonder if they might get her a game in the center also, depending on how MD1 and 2 shake out.

      Delete
    3. I'd be shocked if they only take one ref from the UK and Germany.

      Delete
  5. Perfect predictions. I see that all fourth officials of the play off games are elite ref.

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    Replies
    1. Yes good remark about the fourth official for the finals, a different step than the semifinals, one could say (but only our speculation, of course).
      At least a good appearance for Kruzliak, he could have got more, definitely. Maybe an appointment for Georgia - Luxembourg based on his form would have been something deserved. No CL after his recent displays is very harsh as well.
      The fact that we have Massa, Kruzliak and Letexier could be the confirmation that all three referees are indeed considered as candidates for EURO.

      Delete
  6. Thinking about Makkelie: he has no chance to be appointed either for the Euro opening match (he's already got it in 2021 - Italy vs Turkey) or for the final (his predecessor Kuipers did it in 2021). Hence I'm getting more and more convinced that he is planned for Champions League final as a reward for his international path so far.

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    Replies
    1. Would be sensible management, after the events in 2022.

      Makkelie officiated 46 games in Champions League so far and is what I call a ‘special specie’. UEFA has always used him in the most difficult games. The Refcom has to be careful with referee motivations. They need a motivated Makkelie after this season - when Orsato has retired and Marciniak already achieved anything.
      Most of us will remember Mazic getting the final ahead of Skomina, while the latter had more experience (and looked very grumpy in his semi-final :))

      However, the way Vincic is appointed this season and kept away from risky games causes room for speculations. Almost makes me think we can see another political assignment. But that can easily affect Makkelie’s future motivations (again) for sure.

      Delete
  7. Marciniak did not achieve everything...
    Orsato is indeed being considered for the Euro 2024 final, but what if the Italians are there? After all, Marciniak hasn't refereed this final yet, and he probably wants to have a full pool in the showcase.
    Today the facts are:
    Marciniak opening match of GER-SCO
    Orsato FINAL
    If the Italians play in the final and Poland is eliminated earlier, we will see Marciniak in the final. Of course, nothing else will happen along the way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Read carefully :)
      I wrote, UEFA needs a motivated Makkelie AFTER this season. Orsato retires. Marciniak aims for the EURO-final and Olympics. But after that? We know he didn’t participate at the FIFA course in January, so it’s not sure he will continue until next World Cup.

      After this summer, Makkelie is one of the very few options in the hottest games.

      Delete
  8. CONCACAF Nations League Finals

    Semi-Final
    UNITED STATES - JAMAICA
    Referee: Selvin Brown HON
    Assistant Referee 1: Gerson Orellana HON
    Assistant Referee 2: Enmanuel Aguirre NCA
    Fourth Official: Keylor Herrera CRC
    Video Assistant Referee: Ricardo Montero CRC
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benjamin Whitty CAY

    Semi-Final
    PANAMA - MEXICO
    Referee: Walter López GUA
    Assistant Referee 1: Keytzel Corrales NCA
    Assistant Referee 2: Raymundo Feliz DOM
    Fourth Official: Julio Luna GUA
    Video Assistant Referee: Benjamín Pineda CRC
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Tristley Bassue SKN

    Third Place Match
    PANAMA - JAMAICA
    Referee: Tori Penso USA
    Assistant Referee 1: Brooke Mayo USA
    Assistant Referee 2: Kathryn Nesbitt USA
    Fourth Official: Said Martínez HON
    Video Assistant Referee: Edvin Jurisevic USA
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Erick Miranda MEX

    Final
    UNITED STATES - MEXICO
    Referee: Drew Fischer CAN
    Assistant Referee 1: Micheal Barwegen CAN
    Assistant Referee 2: Lyes Arfa CAN
    Fourth Official: Mario Escobar GUA
    Video Assistant Referee: Tatiana Guzmán NCA
    Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daneon Parchment JAM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CONCACAF play-in appointments yesterday, i.e. Copa América qualification playoffs:

      Canada vs Trinidad & Tobago:
      Referee: Marco Ortiz (MEX)
      AR1: Christian Espinosa (MEX)
      AR2: Jorge Sánchez (MEX)
      FO: Víctor Cáceres (MEX)
      VAR: Érick Miranda (MEX)
      AVAR: Guillermo Pacheco (MEX)

      Costa Rica vs Honduras:
      Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)
      AR1: Corey Parker (USA)
      AR2: Kyle Atkins (USA)
      FO: Armando Villarreal (USA)
      VAR: Allen Chapman (USA)
      AVAR: Christopher Penso (USA)

      Delete
  9. AFC WC qualifiers appointments today:

    LBNAUS: Mooud Bonyadifard (IRN)
    BANPLE: Nasrullo Kabirov (TJK)
    PHIIRQ: Nazmi Nasaruddin (MAS)
    CHNSGP: Omar Al-Ali (UAE)
    VIEIDN: Alireza Faghani (AUS)
    THAKOR: Adham Makhadmeh (JOR)
    INDAFG: Mohammed Al-Hoish (KSA)
    KGZTPE: Ammar Mahfoodh (BHR)
    MASOMA: Ko Hyung-jin (KOR)
    UZBHKG: Ahmed Al-Ali (JOR)
    TJKKSA: Kim Jong-hyeok (KOR)
    TKMIRN: Sivakorn Pu-Udon (THA)
    BHRNEP: Ryo Tanimoto (JPN)
    JORPAK: Gamini Robesh (SRI)
    KUWQAT: Sadullo Gulmurodi (TJK)
    SYRMYA: Pranjal Banerjee (IND)
    YEMUAE: Ilgiz Tantashev (UZB)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alireza Faghani with a "hidden" game, after all happened at Asian Cup.

      Delete
  10. Antony Taylor will referee Manchester city vs Arsenal in week 29 premier league Sunday 31 march

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  11. Missed YC for Tsimikas in 24' IMO, the elbow use was deliberate.

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  12. Very hot end of half in Tbilisi with two red cards from the bench.
    It will be very hard in second half for Marciniak, maybe this one is now turning into the most challenging of today's games.

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  13. Mass confrontation at HT after a scuffle between Kvaratskhelia & Mantalos, a Georgian substitute player and a Greek assistant coach sent off

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  14. Marciniak totally lost control

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  15. On the whole, a good first half from Marciniak, where he tries to manage the game in his own standard way, powerfully and firmly. While I appreciate that referees can be authoritative, I find it occasionally excessive in the first half. I also think that this can lead to players becoming irritated. The mass brawl just before the break is obviously not Marciniak's fault, but it proves that his desire to appear strong does not help to prevent this kind of behavior. I would prefer a referee who acts from a place of calm and conviction, rather than constantly trying to dominate the players.

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  16. Excellent caution for DtR now in 50'

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  17. I also think that it's wrong to say Marciniak lost control at the final whistle. The event leading to mass confrontation happened very suddenly and not as direct consequence of referee's missed action or prevention, but what Peter wrote above about the recent style of the Polish can be partially true. We can notice that he has now this very strict approach against all players, by screaming and making gestures even when this could be avoided by using (sometimes...) a different canal of communication. But then, when this style is necessary, it must be used. Nevertheless, so far I think a good performance in a very challenging game. Not faultless, but good.

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  18. Can someone post a clip of the contact, or reasons for the 2 bench red cards Ht? Overall game performances, teams came out flying, rough, and early yellow cards were good, mr.marciniak has such composure and has put a lid on this so far

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  19. Now I think rather unlucky injury. One can agree with no foul but then Marciniak looked too agitated when he stopped game. Even physical contact with Greek player close to him. Some moments in this game could have been solved with more calmness, I think. Yes atmosphere still very challenging but possible to face It in different way in some crucial minutes.

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  20. Only 3 minutes of added time after a long(er) injury and a couple of substitutions seems a bit off to me.

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  21. Why is Marciniak so aggressive and angry with the players? Pushing them etc. There is no reason for it.

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    Replies
    1. I am glad that I am not the only one who notices. Marciniak is too aggressive and also pushes players away and threatens with cards. All this is not necessary because the players are not making it (yet) that difficult for him.

      Delete
  22. But at the end one must say very good overall by Marciniak, given the extremely challenging game and the open score until the end!
    Well done, and now let's see the other games!

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  23. Disallowed 1-1 by Ukraine for offside after VAR correction, two players in offside. In case of regular position of the player who scored, I think that also the other attacker was punishable because he impeded defender's action, so in that case an OFR should have followed. Maybe not impossible for AR, but the offside was tight.
    Also, it seems no SAOT in these games.

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  24. Rosetti and committee Will sleep definitely Better After Ukraine's qualification. On paper, relieving news for Gil Manzano as well. But at moment he has something else to think about! About the game, I think OK performance by Turpin.

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  25. Get the feeling Orsato pulled out the card before realising the player was already booked. Decent enough decision though

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    Replies
    1. That was my impression as well but this can happen. But YC is the correct decision here, of course also if it's a 2YC.

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    2. Poland may even be unhappy at having to remove a player for the shootout. Completely correct decision though

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    3. A reason I prefer the English card management of thinking for a moment to the Italian :-D... I think many would hope/expect not to have a 2YC for that in the final seconds, but on its own it is worth a YC, certainly a reasonable enough decision

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    4. Nice addition to the genre headlined ‘Nishimura in France-Uruguay’ :). Overall a good performance by Orsato with his outstanding management style, but a few too many missed fouls over the course of the match. I’ll upload some clips tomorrow.

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  26. Euro Group D already interesting from a refereeing point of view. Potentially 6 important games including FRA-NED and all the following names not possible. Marciniak, Turpin, Makkelie, Letexier.

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    Replies
    1. Group D are not the most difficult games to officiate, is my expectation. Netherlands has a reputation, but as long as they don't play in a knock-out against Portugal, Spain, Argentina or other temperamental teams, it can be fair.

      The matches in Group F can be very hot ones, due to the teams involved and their style of playing.

      Group E undoubtedly will be used for the less experienced referees. A weaker group on paper.

      In Group A, I think Hungary vs Switzerland is potentially the most difficult match to referee.

      Group B: all 6 matches won’t be underestimated (including Albania, passionated team).

      In Group C, England and Denmark are known as fair and football-focused teams. Serbia is difficult and Slovenia can be tricky, but for other reasons (remember Cakir…)

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    2. Orsato/English referees possible here

      Delete
  27. It will be a sad day, when Orsato will be retired, what a boss

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  28. @Chefren, there is an observer appointed to ROM-MIL.
    FYI - they released the appointment before the PO-finals, so that was obviously not the reason for a delay. :) Still interesting that it took a while. This suggests there have been some discussions…
    The fact that they made the appointment before the 1st game should indicate a very experienced name, category Marciniak/Turpin?

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    Replies
    1. Are you sure that observer was released before Georgia - Greece? :) We could think about Marciniak. More generally yes, that's particular because it is a game for which you should have a very clear idea about who to be appointed, only reason for waiting is waiting first leg score and performance, but this can't be the case.

      Delete
    2. Yes, I checked yesterday afternoon, it was released before Marciniak’s PO-game, but I don’t know whether it was yesterday or earlier.

      Surely a lot discussion about that return within the committee or with people outside (who knows).

      I also considered they may had a Spanish ref (Sanchez) in mind and were waiting for his performance in Georgia vs Luxembourg game. But after that game, impossible to think it will be Sanchez.

      Delete
    3. Yes, we can think about something related to Spanish referees, after the poor performance by Sanchez Martinez and maybe the need to change something. Gil Manzano had already officiated Roma, but we see very often referees from the "top 5" countries appointed for such big games like national derbies in European competitions...

      Delete
    4. Maybe we see Gil Manzano in a personal all or nothing game.

      Delete
  29. Orsato clips (last one is the SYC 'sequence'):

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/c7f017
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/4c3ed9
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/debc4d
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/47b3b4
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/e3ac44
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/76a8d2

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mikael. I didn't watch the game.
      While I can understand that many people described his performance as very strong under the players management point of view, I think we can point out, based on these clips, that the technical accuracy was not the best, and yes, Wales could have had definitely something to say. Nevertheless, as British team, they accepted such decisions and I can fully understand why, wouldn't have been the same in case of teams of different countries.
      In my opinion the situation in 28' is an evident penalty and it's very hard to find reason about a play on. Not enough is not an argument, accidental contact is not an argument (defender is late and he clearly hit opponent with ball gone). Irrati took his time, but the most strange thing is that in serie A this would have been an enormous penalty, believe me. In recent matchdays we saw many calls by VARs for situations that were less penalties than this one, take Milan - Atalanta with Orsato as referee himself, among others, but also other games. So I can draw conclusion that in UEFA games Irrati and other UEFA VARs are aware of the "Italian culture" about penalties. Unless the handball, they are not so strict in calling referees for other incidents like this one. But under the eys of a person who observers and watches almost all serie A games and then international games, that's something you can't explain.
      You can explain it only by the fact that a team like Wales can accept no penalty, as said... moreover, Irrati confirms that when he is with Orsato he applies a certain style, not calling the referee unless very, very blatant infringments missed on the pitch.
      Having said that, for all the rest of incidents, you can easily have an argument, so nothing extra ordinary, but still, some decisions could have gone in the contrary way.
      21' one can support NO PENALTY but defender took a big risk, in 37' Irrati very likely assessed the stepping on opponent as totally accidental and one can agree, so not even CY not a clear and obvious mistake (surely this incident missed by Orsato live as well) 45' is excellent offside flag, 55' can be RC but YC is surely supportable and here the choice by Irrati is easy to understand. Finally, about the second YC, correct, but he clearly didn't remember and yes, the other incident you added in 95' before the first YC to Welsh player, is clear YC missed for Poland as well...

      Delete
    2. Control: top level, everyone accepted all his calls through the game

      Incidents:
      2', 6' - possible YCs not given for reckless use of arm by 13WAL and SPA holding by 6POL, respectively
      21' - definitely not enough for a penalty at this level
      28' - strictly by the book it should've been a penalty but given the ball was just kicked off the field (not reachable anymore) when a Polish defender had already started his kicking movement ended up with a careless contact, I am more than convinced that no penalty is the optimal call
      37' - really not clear if that was a pure accident or deliberate action, therefore play-on still supportable
      45+1' - very good call by AR1 to disallow the goal
      50' - correct YC 6POL for SPA
      55' - correct YC 17WAL for very reckless studs challenge; borderline but nowadays UEFA expect a YC for such challenges; however, this incident gives us some hint that the 37' step on leg was not so accidental
      58' - missed foul and YC 8WAL for reckless tackle against Polish GK
      60' - possible YC 3WAL for reckless tackle
      72' - YC 21POL for reckless kick in the head
      73' - chaotic passage of play in front of 4OF
      90+2' - PAI pushing/impeding
      95' - missed YC 3POL for SPA impeding
      98' - correct YC 5WAL for SPA
      120+1' - correct 2YC 5WAL for reckless tackle

      Maybe Mikael could provide the 2', 6', 58' and 90+2' clips.

      Delete
    3. Sure!

      2' - https://www.streambug.io/cv/64cf8f
      6' - https://www.streambug.io/cv/38ab3f
      58' - https://www.streambug.io/cv/25db26
      90+2' - https://www.streambug.io/cv/c08ed5

      Delete
    4. I want to address 21' and 28'. Euro Soccer Ref, I welcome your comments about 28' in contrast to Chefren's, but I think we all should revisit 21'--especially in how it compares to 28'.

      ESR, you rightly say it's not enough at this level in regards to 28' as it's only a careless action and the ball has already been kicked. No call is the optimal call. Late tackles after shots are off are NEVER punished unless they are reckless (and until very recently we have had a hard time getting referees to punish some of those challenges with penalties, too). In this case, the attacker is reaching, gets his "shot" off cleanly and it goes over the bar significantly. In no way whatsoever was he adversely affected. Some want to give a penalty and a near certain goal because he was carelessly kicked slightly afterward? No, thank you. I'm sorry but I'm floored by Chefren saying he can't find a reason and that "not enough" is not an argument. Of course it's an argument! We make that argument all the time with penalty appeals. This is where the black and white version of refereeing is hurting us. We know that no referee would give this penalty to decide a major international tournament, right? Like we aren't even thinking twice if this was ignored in a WC or UCL Final. Why do we expect or want referees to give it in other situations? This is an absolute nothing play that warrants very little attention. It's only in the VAR era that we uselessly spend time dissecting plays like this that no one really appeals for. This is not what VAR was intended for.

      On the other hand, I have very different feelings about 21'. This isn't an accident and a slightly late kick. This is a deliberate hold. It's a prolonged hold. It's a hold off the player who is the target on a set piece and who, indeed, heads the ball. It's also a hold downward to prevent the attacker from getting elevation. In other words, it's deliberate cheating to alter or prevent a goal scoring chance. And it's the type of play that referees and ARs have a very difficult time seeing in real-time, particularly on corner kicks. THIS is the type of foul VAR was partially created for. If players know that this behavior will be punished via VAR, then they won't try it. We were on a big kick in the late 2000s and early 2010s about dealing with corner kick holding. I can't understand why we have seemed to let that go precisely at the time we have the technology to better combat it.

      In short, as referees (and VARs) let's focus more on punishing real attempts to foul or cheat and worry less about what can only be deemed technical offences that don't affect play and aren't really a concern of the players. I worry that too many of us too often have our priorities inverted.

      Delete
  30. Saturday, 30 March 2024

    19:30 CET - Split, Croatia (Stadium Poljud)
    Croatian SuperSport football league

    HNK Hajduk Split - GNK Dinamo Zagreb
    Referee: Daniel Siebert GER
    Assistant referee 1: Jan Seidel GER
    Assistant referee 2: Rafael Foltyn GER
    Fourth official: Timo Gerach GER
    Video assistant referee: Johann Pfeifer GER
    Assistant video assistant referee: Michael Emmer GER
    Delegate: Ante Vucemilovic CRO
    Referee observer: Vlado Svilokos CRO

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  31. Huge potential title deciding game between Man City and Arsenal on Sunday.

    Referee: Anthony Taylor
    Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn.
    Fourth official: Tom Bramall.
    VAR: Jarred Gillett.
    Assistant VAR: Darren Cann.

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  32. Thanks to a friend, some incidents from Strukan's relegation playoff:

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/dbf7a4
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/adeab4
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/a87e42
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/7b2078
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/7be7fe
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/779446
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/88291b

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 8' Very clear YC
      12' Missed YC for reckless, even if you can have the perception of the player going into opponent's space and getting kicked, while the latter had already started his action, that's an evident reckless foul, AR should have reported that.
      21' Well in this case maybe in "modern refereeing" you can survive without YC, given that ball was played and then contact on opponent was low intensity, but basically if we stay at LOTG that's another evident YC for reckless challenge, leg is too much raised for thinking about a fair action, and then contact. Nevertheless, I think some observers could support NO CARD for the reasons I explained.
      44' Missed YC for reckless action, step on foot. Extremely quick step on foot, fully missed for sure by Croatian referee, but still an evident and in this case objective mistake.
      45' Maybe waiting with the same team holding an attack, instead of whistling the foul, if YC is not to be given, could have been better decision? Still, free kick from a better position but I think this wouldn't have been questioned.
      48' Clear contact from behind and also in this case, definitely enough for YC. Similar to a step on foot.
      87' Correct and mandatory YC. Would have been very brave and excellent, but in this case just as observation and not real criticism for referee, to give advantage and then to book at next stoppage, as the player had been able to continue the attack, but absolutely unexpected and hard to believe after a so long charging by opponent.

      Well, definitely not the best impression by Strukan, two cards for tactical situations, but then all about reckless, nothing detected in the middle of the game.... for sure the disciplinary control was not positive.

      Delete
  33. After confirming Siebert for league clash between Hajduk and Dinamo in Croatian league, it is revealed that Fabio Maresca from Italy will be referee between same opponents in cup semifinal to be played next Wednesday.

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    Replies
    1. IMO he will do better in that match than Siebert.

      Juat in terms of dealing with temperamental players and fans,as that's the case in Italy where he deals with that regularly.

      Delete
  34. Szymon Marciniak was selected for the return match between Roma and Milan on April 18. Confirmed

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    Replies
    1. That would be predictable. And a logical management. Final candidates normally get a calmer game. Orsato is not possible, Turpin might be out in semi (PSG) so he should work in CL QF. Marciniak + Orsato in semi-final returns.

      But surely there was a lot of discussion about Roma-Milan, the appointment was released later than other games. If I were Marciniak, I would think: why always me?! :))

      I guess the Spanish were in consideration. They have nowhere to go in CL, experience in Classico’s and are not aiming for finals. Would make sense to sacrifice a Spanish, but given their poor form recently, not an option..

      Delete
  35. This morning I watched Turpin’s playoff: it was a decent-to-good performance by the Frenchman in a very important but generally normal-difficulty game. On the technical side, I would argue there were three de facto clear YCs missed/ignored, but overall the impression was strong.

    The most noteworthy event from the officiating standpoint was an intervention to disallow a Ukraine goal for offside in the first half.


    Clips:

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/40a969
    4’ - potential (missed?) yellow card to Ukraine no.7 (spa holding)

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/fe8e8d
    21’ - yellow card given to Iceland no.17 (spa foul)

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/b97e63
    39’ - after intervention, goal to Ukraine disallowed for offside (Lm: Finjean)

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/646216
    42’ - yellow card given to Ukraine no.8 (striking); violent conduct?; technical area management

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/a848b1
    44’ - missed yellow card to Iceland no.5 (spa blocking); teamwork

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/f9a83d
    56’ - potential yellow card to Iceland no.21 (challenge)

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/7e4031
    56’ - yellow card given to Iceland no.5 (tackle)

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/4c587b
    71’ - penalty appeal by Ukraine (blocking)

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/41ff85
    82’ - play on call after potential foul

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/ae4dae
    86’ - management of not retreating by Ukraine no.2, missed yellow card?; teamwork

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/f3fdc1
    90’ - yellow card given to Iceland no.7 (challenge); potential ‘foul as an attack’/rc?

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/9c62e1
    +92 - yellow card given to Ukraine no.17 (dtr not retreating)

    https://www.streambug.io/cv/e1a4e3
    FT - end of the game

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember few years ago how much we criticized Turpin, and now he is in the top3 most reliable referees, that's really remarkable rise and I personally really like his style.

      Mostly I agree with your assesments however I don't think 44" is an SPA case and also 56' is simple careless tackle.
      I really liked also how active Letexier was at the benches. Good to see the two top Elite referees from France can work together like that. (Don't think also in 86' they should have made anything more, especially that Iceland was ready to do substitutions)

      Delete
    2. Agree that 56' (first clip) is a careless foul and not a YC! No problem to manage 86' like that, but to me it seemed more a 'happy coincidence' about the sub rather than sophsticatedly managed; otherwise, that is (didactically at least) a textbook not retreating case. 4' and 44' should imo be cautioned, especially the latter, wonder how clearly it was seen by the (prominent!) Letexier given the longgg delay before whistling.

      Delete
  36. Irfan Peljto was threatened. He no longer wants to officiate the matches of clubs from his city (Sarajevo).

    https://n1info.ba/sport-klub/nogomet/novi-detalji-u-vezi-prijetnji-koje-je-dobila-porodica-najboljeg-bh-sudije-irfana-peljte/

    ReplyDelete
  37. Turpin 1st leg Real Madrid Vs Manchester city and Makkelie for the 2nd leg

    ReplyDelete
  38. Harm Osmers to handle Bayern-Dortmund for the first time in his career. The game is less crucial, compared to the last years but it has been exclusive for 3-4 names in the last 5 years, so definetly a sign of increased trust on Osmers domestically.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. We can clearly see the Path of his progress domestically. About UEFA, according to my opinion, there is a focus on him. but committee doesn't seem to be hurry. At moment he has the three elite referees ahead and then I think he could follow for the future, after some failed attempts with Stegemann, among others. But given the management It Is also possible he Will stay only as cat.1 with younger referees coming before.

      Delete
    2. I would agree with everything you said. Personally I can see Osmers becoming the german Pawson (very trusted Cat.1 but not more).
      Looking at the domestic appointments, Jablonski and Schlager actually receive more crucial games than Osmers or Stegemann. Especially Jablonski is often hyped by german media. But I guess this makes the appointment even better for Osmers.

      Delete
  39. UEFA CORE 59, 19-26 March.
    Can you identify the referees?
    https://ibb.co/m9LwwNV

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The last gentleman in the back row seems to me to be Jakob Semler, who has refereed four matches in the Austrian Bundesliga so far and is considered a great talent.

      Delete
    2. Second from left in back row is Kevin Kaivoja, very talented!

      Delete
    3. Addendum: Jakob Semler seems to have been accompanied by his regular assistants Amar Rekik (back row, far left) and Mohamed El-Sadany (right in front of Jakob Semler).

      Delete
  40. Marciniak said that 24th April will be a date for official annoucement for euro referees.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Frankly, I would like to see such announcements made by the official UEFA press office instead of Szymon Marciniak ...

      Delete
    2. According to L'Equipe, Marciniak will be refreshing his email inbox one day too late - the French magazine have the date as 23/April. Anyway, I guess there will be some important observations made during the European quarterfinals next month before a committee meeting to draw up the final list.

      Delete
    3. But Peter... Is this some kind of confidential secret or secret knowledge? It was also a great event for me that he told me when the referees for Euro will be appointed. For Marciniak to announce that he will be the referee of the opening match of Euro 2024 (although it will be if nothing happens before) could be a problem 😉

      Delete
    4. @Samuel: I'm not offended by the fact that confidential information is being revealed, but by the fact that Szymon Marciniak has pushed himself too much to the fore for my taste since the 2022 World Cup final. He could also have spared himself and UEFA the discussions about his controversial appearance at a party-political event before the 2022 UCL final with a little restraint.

      Delete
  41. Only 1 replay shown, but looks like CLEAR error for Osmers in Der Klassiker, handball by Hummels. Arm position totally unnatural any deflection should not make a difference

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It wasn't a "deflection" though, it was a deliberate attempt to play the ball which should always negate any handball offence unless the handball is intentional. Even if it made a slight touch on the hand, it's never a handball offence

      Delete
    2. The ball came at him too quickly to be anything other than a deflection imo

      Delete
  42. YC given already (correctly and indeed fully mandatorily) in the first 65secs by Siebert in Split :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My stream(s) kept breaking 😀.
      I'll try to watch the game in due course.

      Delete
    2. Curious for other's views from Croatia but in what I saw, seemed like a good performance by Siebert (8 YCs given in the end). He had luck maybe that a) no players did anything 'crazy' and b) there weren't delicate KMI episodes, but luck also earned by the German, who seemed quite prepared for the match he would face.

      Delete
    3. Good performance by him,some are even saying best performance in Croatia ever.

      But I have to say that Croatian refs have these type of performances more often than not.

      It's just fact that It's easier to bash your countrymen than to praise them.

      If Bebek,Pajac or Strukan have these type of performance, then everyone in Croatia ,especially media would be saying something about missed calls.

      Delete
    4. @M exactly, I could perfectly imagine everyone (media and fans) discussing for days potential pks for Hajduk in the 2nd half, but this way with Siebert taking those calls, absolutely nothing.

      (@Mikael W there are often live streams on youtube and usually they work ok)

      Delete
  43. Looks like Novre had very controversies in match that he handled.Estoril vs Porto.

    12 yellows,3 red cards and plenty complaints from Porto side.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This clip says enough about the authority of Nobre

      https://twitter.com/sardinhasacc/status/1774202296936579313?t=RDt4eG88b7sUrW2CwVJ3eA&s=19

      Delete
    2. Oh wow. That is terrible to see.

      Delete
    3. More generally, I see a very evident lack of quality in Portuguese refereeing of recent years. After the retirement of names like Proença and Benquerença (about the latter, you can discuss him in particular but no question about being among the best Portuguese referees ever) the quality definitely decreased in a very evident way.
      We discussed about Soares Dias many times, he attended also big tournaments, every now and then some big games, but for some reasons, never a real top and very often more than disapponting performances. He didn't reach the real peak of UEFA Elite refereeing.
      Committee had a try with Verissimo but it seems as it didn't work, stopped very early his path, he had Rizzoli as mentor, among others.
      A certain development for Pinheiro, but you can see when waiting for the crucial step, this didn't follow, no promotion to Elite when he was under full focus by committee.
      Now Nobre... I think we observed enough to say that he is lacking in some skills to be referee at top level, at first the performance in Bayern game (absolutely unexpected appointment) then others to follow, even in the friendly Spain - Brazil as discussed, and now this one domestically.

      Delete
  44. A very strong Taylor in ManCity - Arsenal.
    The foul detection was basically faultless. Great body language, way more active then usual. Firm dismissal of discussion attempts from both sides. The only 2 YCs for time-wasting (unsportsmanlike behavior), 1 mandatory, 1 understandable. And yes, in other countrys we would have seen 2-3 YCs for fouls, but imo nothing mandatory and the same leash on both sides, so absolutely fine, especially for english standards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Taylor was good I agree but the problem is different approach from different refs in the same league. For ex today Coote was very card-happy in Liverpool match, 9 yc I think though I'd say there were less hard fouls than in the Arsenal vs City game.

      Delete
    2. Oliver and Taylor always apply a more leinient approach in the big games, but yes, Coote is a very card-happy referee, SPA-lite offences always cautioned, and just not very good at managing games/situations. Have to say, thought Taylor was on top form today, excellent match

      Delete
    3. Manuel Akanji when asked if he thought Arsenal did tactical fouling: 🗣️ “Definitely. When we got through sometimes they stopped us with the fouls. If there’s no action to it [from the referee], it’s hard.”

      “I don’t understand. One in the first-half [from Havertz] was a very late tackle on Stefan [Ortega]. For me it is clearly a yellow card. 🤷

      “There are some rules & I think there are clear yellow cards where it should be. I remember with Jorginho when he’d already done a tackle [which was a foul] & did the second one & he didn’t even give a yellow card for one [foul]. I didn’t understand some of the decisions." 🤔

      Delete
  45. Chefren, referee appointments for Greece league PAO - PAOK, AEK - OLY?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Panathinaikos - PAOK Mikkel Redder DEN
    AEK - Olympiacos Matej Jug SVN

    ReplyDelete
  47. Croatian cup SF, 3rd of April 19:00 Hajduk-Dinamo

    Fabio Maresca
    Valerio Colarossi
    Christian Rossi
    Alessandro Prontera

    VAR Daniele Paterna
    AVAR Fracesco Meraviglia

    ReplyDelete
  48. Today in Saudi Arabia:

    21:00 CET
    Al-Ahli Jiddah - Al-Ittihad Jiddah
    Rade Obrenovič, Jure Praprotnik, Grega Kordež - Alen Borošak

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting. One could have expected a 'bigger name' (i.e. UEFA Elite or Concacaf/Conmebol Top 5) considering it's at the same time a 'Big 4' clash and also a pretty decisive game for 3rd place thus AFC Champions League qualification.

      Last weekend there were Mario Escobar (Al-Hilal vs Al-Shabab) & Radu Petrescu (Al-Ittihad vs Al-Feyha), the Romanian gave two correct PKs in 19' & 24'

      The MD before international break, Adonai Escobedo had Al-Hilal vs Damac, Sergey Karasev had Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad (maybe his last match refereeing abroad? :/) with a correct PK for Al-Ittihad given in 35' (and correctly upheld after an IMO pointless OFR), Georgi Kabakov had Al-Hazem vs Al-Shabab and Facundo Tello had Big 4 clash Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr, with three correct VAR interventions, two to cancel goals due to missed offsides by AR2 and one in 65' due to a missed PK (correctly given, possible missed 2YC for Al-Ahli defender - careless vs reckless kick)

      Rest of Saudi games with foreign refs since the return from winter break:

      Al-Ittihad vs Al-Okhdood: Yael Falcón (ARG)
      Al-Riyadh vs Al-Hilal: Wilton Sampaio (BRA)
      Al-Shabab vs Al-Feyha: Gustavo Correia (POR)
      Al-Hilal vs Al-Ittihad: Iván Barton (SLV)
      Al-Okhdood vs Al-Riyadh: Urs Schnyder (SUI)
      Al-Ittihad vs Al-Wehda: Kevin Ortega (PER)
      Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Hilal: Fabio Maresca (ITA)
      Al-Shabab vs Al-Nassr: Tamás Bognár (HUN)
      Al-Taee vs Al-Ahli: Mohammed Al-Hakim (SWE)
      Al-Taawon vs Al-Okhdood: Sebastián Zunino (ARG)
      Al-Ittihad vs Al-Riyadh: Nazareno Arasa (ARG, both he and Zunino are the new FIFA refs from Argentina since this year, if the names don't ring a bell)
      Al-Hilal vs Al-Raed: Andris Treimanis (LAT)
      Al-Okhdood vs Al-Ahli: Kirill Levnikov (RUS)
      Damac vs Al-Shabab: Jesús Valenzuela (VEN)
      Al-Taee vs Al-Ittihad: Sergey Karasev (RUS)

      Delete
    2. today
      Al-Hilal - Al-Akhdoud
      Bastian Dankert, Christian Dietz, Eduard Beitinger - Sascha Stegemann

      Delete
  49. Juventus - Lazio, coppa Italia semifinal.
    OFR for a possible offside before a whistled penalty.
    Video:
    https://streambug.org/cv/113cb0
    The header by Lazio player has been assessed as deflection and so offside.
    This is the trend with such situations, we never see a deliberate play.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Clearly correct IMO. No chance for the defender to control that ball due to height and distance.

      Delete
  50. Today in Greece

    18:00 CET
    Olymbiakós SFP - Áris
    Éric Wattellier, Hicham Zakrani, Alexis Auger (Benoît Millot)

    20:00 CET
    Panathinaïkós AO - AEK
    Cláudio Filipe Ruivo Pereira, Pedro Ricardo Ferreira Ribeiro, Tiago José Pereira da Costa (Fábio Oliveira de Melo)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Two names who are both new on the FIFA list this year, this is quite a big jump from the Elites and Cat 1s in earlier years... Good luck to both of them though!

      Delete
  51. https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/2349f106f47a627b/original/OFTs-Paris-2024-List-of-appointed-FIFA-Match-Officials.pdf

    Referee List Olympic 2024 Paris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So Eskas, Nyberg, Letexier only as support in Euro...

      Delete
    2. In 2016, there was a ton of overlap between the two events. That said, there is only a 10-day window this time. But travel wouldn't be an issue. I don't know. I've got to believe Nyberg goes to Germany, at least.

      Letexier is very interesting solely because Frappart is not on the Olympic list. I wonder what that means...

      Delete
    3. Nyberg and Letexier will definetely referee in the GS, maybe a Round of 16 as well. They would still get more than three weeks to prepare for the Olympics

      Delete
    4. I tend to believe the same thing. But the lack of Frappart at the Olympics is noteworthy. Why give her that major women's tournament off unless she was the second referee for France at EURO? I mean, the tournament is IN FRANCE. And Frappart isn't there?!

      Delete
    5. @usaref: i was wondering, too..."on paper" she may count as the most successful female ref so far...still, being active in olympic games in your home country is a unique experience and i wished that fifa would give her this as a farewell...on the other hand quite a strict policy by fifa (other than uefa) as her peformances in australia world cup were way below expectations...uefa also having quite a crisis now...all big names have retired...the 2nd generation isnt quite so far...

      Delete
  52. Wow FIFA has been faster than UEFA to release the list of referee for "its" tournament. Does this list will cover both male and female matches ? I think so. Hence only three names from Uefa (very poor, five was a fairest number): Letexier, Nyberg and Eksas, all of them expected to me, no big suprise. Now it's interesting to see if they will be appointed also for Euro. I really think that Nyberg and Letexier cannot be excluded by Euro 2024, they really deserve it and I expect them in Germany. maybe Eksas only as 4th official. In this case some names like for example Meler and Guzubuyuk could have been sent to Paris just for equally distribute the selection. Surpized by the fact that the support referees will be only female. I'm glad for Hategan as VAR

    ReplyDelete
  53. If someone is interested, Maresca's game Hajduk Dinamo can be watched free on youtube channel maxsport. It starts now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Couldn't watch live, just checked some highlights, it looks like it wasn't so challenging as maybe expected. Correctly disallowed goal for a foul on keeper by Kalinic, very evident, in my opinion there is option to punish the offside player when the goal is scored, because he obstructs in fact the action of the defenders, he is in the middle between the opponent in regular position ahead who plays ball and scores, and the defenders behind. Would have been supported in case of disallowed goal by officials on the pitch, but rather unexpected and not noticed. Anything else?

      Delete
    2. I dont have the videos, but maybe 1 or 2 missed YCs. In general good solid refereeing, although Siebert left overall a bit stronger impression.

      Delete

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