Sunday, 1 March 2026

2027 FIFA Women's WC European Qualifiers - Referee Appointments (March 2026)

European Qualifiers for 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup starts with MD1 and MD2, to be played on 3 and 7 March 2026 respectively. 


MATCHDAY 1

Tuesday 3 March 2026

League C - Group C2 
11:00 CET - Sofia (Slavia) 
BULGARIA - CROATIA 
Referee: Araksya Saribekyan ARM
Assistant Referee 1: Liana Grigoryan ARM
Assistant Referee 2: Liana Yagmuryan ARM
Fourth Official: Sofik Torosyan ARM
UEFA Referee Observer: Nelly Viennot FRA 
UEFA Delegate: Richard Havrilla SVK 

League C - Group C3 
12:00 CET - Baku (Dalga Arena) 
AZERBAIJAN - NORTH MACEDONIA 
Referee: Anna Adamska POL
Assistant Referee 1: Julia Bukarowicz POL
Assistant Referee 2: Angelika Nowak POL
Fourth Official: Michalina Diakow POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Graziella Pirriatore ITA 
UEFA Delegate: Sertan Kırağası TUR

League C - Group C1
13:00 CET - Zenica (FF BH Football Training Centre)
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - ESTONIA 
Referee: Karoline Marie Jensen NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Line Cathrine Nymoen NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Helle Reiten NOR
Fourth Official: Maren Hatletvedt NOR
UEFA Referee Observer: Esther Staubli SUI 
UEFA Delegate: Lamprini Dimitrou GRE 

League B - Group B1 
14:00 CET - Nikšić (Gradski stadion)
MONTENEGRO - ALBANIA 
Referee: Miriama Bočková SVK
Assistant Referee 1: Miroslava Pastoreková SVK
Assistant Referee 2: Martina Ukropová SVK 
Fourth Official: Zuzana Valentová SVK
UEFA Referee Observer:  Gyöngyi Krisztina Gaál HUN
UEFA Delegate: Desislava Ralkova BUL 

League B - Group B2
15:00 CET - Istanbul (Pendik Stadyumu)
TÜRKİYE - MALTA
Referee: Maria Eugenia Gil Soriano ESP 
Assistant Referee 1: Silvia Fernández Pérez ESP 
Assistant Referee 2: Rita Cabañero Mompó ESP 
Fourth Official: Lorena Del Mar Trujillano Gallardo ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Snježana Fočić CRO 
UEFA Delegate: Gleb Stakhovsky BLR 

League B - Group B3
16:00 CET - Poprad (NTC Poprad) 
SLOVAKIA - LATVIA 
Referee: Vanja Janković SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Helena Buh SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Mediha Durić SVN 
Fourth Official: Aleksandra Česen SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Carina Susana Vitulano ITA 
UEFA Delegate: Ronit Glasman ISR 

League C - Group C6
16:00 CET - Astana (Astana Arena) 
KAZAKHSTAN - ARMENIA 
Referee: Lorraine Watson SCO 
Assistant Referee 1: Vikki Robertson SCO
Assistant Referee 2: Victoria Reilly SCO
Fourth Official: Lauren Whitehead SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: Olga Tanschi MDA 
UEFA Delegate: Mamuka Kvaratskhelia GEO 

League C - Group C5
17:00 CET - Bucharest (Stadionul Arcul de Triumf)
ROMANIA - MOLDOVA 
Referee: Sofiya Prychyna UKR
Assistant Referee 1: Maryna Striletska UKR
Assistant Referee 2: Oleksandra Vdovina UKR
Fourth Official: Liudmyla Telbukh UKR
UEFA Referee Observer: Blaženka Logarušić CRO 
UEFA Delegate: Alima Zhukenova KAZ

League C - Group C5
17:00 CET - Pristina (Fadil Vokrri)
KOSOVO - GIBRALTAR 
Referee: Oxana Cruc MDA
Assistant Referee 1: Natalia Ceban MDA
Assistant Referee 2: Ana Bahcivanji MDA
Fourth Official: Roman Jitari MDA 
UEFA Referee Observer: Hilda McDermott IRL 
UEFA Delegate: Emin Jafarov AZE 

League C - Group C4
17:30 CET - Heraklion (Theodoros Vardinogiannis)
GREECE - GEORGIA 
Referee: Lizzy Van Der Helm NED
Assistant Referee 1: Gerda Brežneva LTU
Assistant Referee 2: Ieva Ramanauskienė LTU
Fourth Official: Sterre Bijlsma NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Marta Bonaria Atzori ITA 
UEFA Delegate: Naira Abramyan ARM

League A - Group A4
17:45 CET - Dresden (Rudolf-Harbig Stadion)
GERMANY - SLOVENIA 
Referee: Eleni Antoniou GRE
Assistant Referee 1: Vasilia Tsiklitari GRE
Assistant Referee 2: Maria Detsi GRE 
Fourth Official: Eirini Pingiou GRE 
UEFA Referee Observer: Esther Azzopardi MLT 
UEFA Delegate: Cristel Brorsson SWE 

League A - Group A1
18:00 CET - Horsens (Arena Horsens)
DENMARK - SERBIA 
Referee: Abigail Byrne ENG 
Assistant Referee 1: Anastasiya Voloshchuk ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Ruby Sykes ENG
Fourth Official: Grace Lowe ENG 
UEFA Referee Observer: Teodora Albon ROU 
UEFA Delegate: Haraldur Haraldsson ISL 

League A - Group A4
18:00 CET - Maria Enzersdorf (BSFZ-Arena)
AUSTRIA - NORWAY 
Referee: Kirsty Dowle ENG 
Assistant Referee 1: Georgia Ball ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Isabel Chaplin ENG
Fourth Official: Emily Heaslip ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Antonia Kokotou GRE 
UEFA Delegate: Tanya Gravina MLT 

League A - Group A2
18:00 CET -  Gdańsk (PGE Arena Gdańsk)
POLAND - NETHERLANDS 
Referee: Ivana Projkovska MKD
Assistant Referee 1: Elena Soklevska-Ilievski MKD
Assistant Referee 2: Svitlana Grushko UKR
Fourth Official: Sabina Bolić CRO
UEFA Referee Observer: Jenny Palmqvist SWE 
UEFA Delegate: Anne Rei EST 

League A - Group A3
18:00 CET - Antalya, TUR (Mardan Antalyaspor)
UKRAINE - ENGLAND 
Referee: Catarina Campos POR
Assistant Referee 1: Andreia Sousa POR
Assistant Referee 2: Vanessa Gomes POR
Fourth Official: Filipa Pereira Cunha POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Ivana Vlaić BIH 
UEFA Delegate: Bartosz Łaski POL 

League A - Group A1
18:15 CET - Reggio Calabria (Stadio Oreste Granillo)
ITALY - SWEDEN
Referee: Olatz Rivera Olmedo ESP 
Assistant Referee 1: Iragartze Fernández Esesúmaga ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Eliana Fernández González ESP
Fourth Official: Beatriz Cuesta Arribas ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Petra Pavlíková SVK 
UEFA Delegate: Stéphanie Ford BEL 

League B - Group B1
18:30 CET - Uherské Hradiště (Městský fotbalový stadion Miroslava Valenty)
CZECH REPUBLIC - WALES 
Referee: Volha Blotskaya BLR
Assistant Referee 1: Hanna Nalivaika BLR
Assistant Referee 2: Laura Emerencia Szabó HUN
Fourth Official: Valiantsina Sakalovich BLR
UEFA Referee Observer: Tanja Subotič SVN 
UEFA Delegate: Vahan Bichakhchyan ARM 

League A - Group  A3
19:00 CET - Castellón de la Plana (Estadio Municipal de Castalia)
SPAIN - ICELAND
Referee: Emanuela Rusta ALB
Assistant Referee 1: Mirjeta Salla ALB
Assistant Referee 2: Nicoleta Ramona Bria ENG 
Fourth Official: Kejsi Tafili ALB
UEFA Referee Observer: Carolina De Boeck BEL 
UEFA Delegate: Susanne Erlandsson SWE 

League B - Group  B2
19:00 CET - Lausanne (Stade de la Tuilière)
SWITZERLAND - NORTHERN IRELAND 
Referee: Shona Shukrula NED
Assistant Referee 1: Martina Boer NED
Assistant Referee 2: Amina Gutschi AUT
Fourth Official: Manon Plandsoen NED
UEFA Referee Observer: Ingrid Jonsson SWE 
UEFA Delegate: Alina Capațîna MDA 

League C - Group  C3
19:00 CET - Andorra La Vella (Estadi Nacional) 
ANDORRA - HUNGARY 
Referee: Roxana Recorean ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Marilena Cătălina Nan ROU 
Assistant Referee 2: Andreea Daniela Şuşcă ROU
Fourth Official: Alina Peşu ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Cheryl Foster WAL 
UEFA Delegate: Helen Conley ENG 

League C - Group  C1
19:00 CET - Vaduz (Rheinpark Stadion)
LIECHTENSTEIN - LITHUANIA 
Referee: Teresa Alice Pimenta Oliveira POR 
Assistant Referee 1: Lisandra Taisa Reginaldo Tavares POR
Assistant Referee 2: Sara Maria Silva Cunha POR
Fourth Official: Sofia Alexandra Vaz Gama POR 
UEFA Referee Observer: Cristina Floarea Babadac ROU 
UEFA Delegate: Meta Römers NED 

League A - Group  A2
19:30 CET - Dublin (Tallaght Stadium)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - FRANCE 
Referee: Tess Olofsson SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Almira Spahić SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Tilde Larsson SWE 
Fourth Official: Lovisa Johansson SWE
UEFA Referee Observer: Eleni Kyriou GRE 
UEFA Delegate: Laura Montgomery SCO 

League B - Group  B4
19:30 CET - Esch-sur-Alzette (Emile Mayrisch)
LUXEMBOURG - SCOTLAND 
Referee: Kristina Georgieva BUL 
Assistant Referee 1: Pavleta Rashkova BUL
Assistant Referee 2: Liliya Dumbalakova BUL
Fourth Official: Hristiyana Guteva BUL
UEFA Referee Observer: Miroslava Migaľová SVK
UEFA Delegate: Amil Gerina MNE 

League B - Group  B4
19:30 CET - Budaörs, HUN (BSC Stadion) 
ISRAEL - BELGIUM
Referee: Michaela Pachtová CZE
Assistant Referee 1: Lucie Ratajová CZE
Assistant Referee 2: Tereza Holakovská CZE
Fourth Official: Helena Salkova CZE
UEFA Referee Observer: Pernilla Larsson SWE 
UEFA Delegate: Alin Cioban ROU

League B - Group  B3
19:45 CET - Vizela (Estádio do FC Vizela)
PORTUGAL - FINLAND 
Referee: Franziska Wildfeuer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Daniela Göttlinger GER
Assistant Referee 2: Jasmin Matysiak GER
Fourth Official: Davina Lutz GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Sharon Sluyts BEL
UEFA Delegate: Peter Elsworth ENG

MATCHDAY 2

Saturday 7 March 2026

League C - Group C6
10:00 CET - Astana (Astana Arena) 
KAZAKHSTAN - BELARUS 
Referee: Tjaša Misja SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Slađana Jovičić SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Kaja Škrban SVN
Fourth Official: Aleksandra Česen SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Dilan Deniz Gökçek İşcan TUR
UEFA Delegate: Elena Kobak RUS 

League C - Group C1
13:00 CET - Zenica (FF BH Football Training Centre)
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - LIECHTENSTEIN 
Referee: Asen Albayrak TUR
Assistant Referee 1: Arzu Görgün TUR
Assistant Referee 2: Ayşenur Karakoç TUR
Fourth Official: Melek Dakan TUR
UEFA Referee Observer: Aneliya Sinabova BUL 
UEFA Delegate: Benjamin Vasseur BEL

League C - Group C5 
13:00 CET - Achnas (Ethnikos Achnas)
CYPRUS - ROMANIA 
Referee: Eszter Urban HUN
Assistant Referee 1: Nikolett Bizderi HUN
Assistant Referee 2: Noemi Hegedus-Barath HUN
Fourth Official: Katalin Sipos HUN
UEFA Referee Observer: Viola Raudziņa LVA 
UEFA Delegate: Knarik Abelyan ARM

League A - Group A3 
13:30 CET - Nottingham (City Ground) 
ENGLAND - ICELAND
Referee: Silvia Gasperotti ITA 
Assistant Referee 1: Stefania Signorelli ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Alessia Cerrato ITA
Fourth Official: Maria Marotta ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Elke Günthner GER
UEFA Delegate: Camelia Nicolae ROU 

League B - Group B3
13:30 CET - Helsinki (Helsinki Football Stadium) 
FINLAND - LATVIA 
Referee: Tatyana Sorokopudova KAZ
Assistant Referee 1: Nargis Magau KAZ
Assistant Referee 2: Dinara Idrisova KAZ
Fourth Official: Oxana Cruc MDA 
UEFA Referee Observer: Marta Frías Acedo.ESP
UEFA Delegate: Bente Hermansen NOR

League C - Group C3
14:30 CET - Felcsút (Pancho Aréna)
HUNGARY - AZERBAIJAN 
Referee: Filipa Pereira Cunha POR
Assistant Referee 1: Andreia Sousa POR
Assistant Referee 2: Cristiana Moreira Costa POR
Fourth Official: Sara Alves POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Jelena Banjeglav-Rankov SRB
UEFA Delegate: Theano Rasouli GRE

League C - Group C3
15:00 CET - Bitola (Petar Miloshevski)
NORTH MACEDONIA - ANDORRA 
Referee: Charlotte Carpenter WAL
Assistant Referee 1: Ceri Louise Williams WAL
Assistant Referee 2: Michelle Jane Portelli WAL
Fourth Official: Iwan Arwel Griffith WAL
UEFA Referee Observer: Aušra Kancė LTU
UEFA Delegate: Aldi Topçiu ALB 

League A - Group A1
16:00 CET - Stara Pazova (Sports Center of FA of Serbia - Pitch 1)
SERBIA - SWEDEN  
Referee: Fabienne Michel GER
Assistant Referee 1: Anne Uersfeld GER
Assistant Referee 2: Isabel Steinke GER
Fourth Official: Angelika Soeder GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Gyöngyi Krisztína Gaál HUN
UEFA Delegate: Edgar Manukyan ARM  

League C - Group C1
16:00 CET -Raudondvaris (Raudondvario stadionas)
LITHUANIA - ESTONIA
Referee: Marina Višnjić Živković SRB
Assistant Referee 1: Aleksandra Kostić SRB
Assistant Referee 2: Andrea Mijailović SRB
Fourth Official: Milica Milovanović SRB
UEFA Referee Observer: Hilda McDermott IRL 
UEFA Delegate: Małgorzata Sędzimir-Pszowska POL

League B - Group B3
17:00 CET - Barcelos (Estádio Cidade de Barcelos)
PORTUGAL - SLOVAKIA 
Referee: Martina Molinaro ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Veronica Martinelli ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Laura Gasparini ITA
Fourth Official: Deborah Bianchi ITA 
UEFA Referee Observer: Dagmar Damková CZE
UEFA Delegate: Laura Dougan SCO 

League B - Group B4
17:00 CET - Budaörs, HUN (BSC Stadium) 
BELGIUM - ISRAEL 
Referee: Rasa Grigonė LTU
Assistant Referee 1: Irina Pozdejeva LTU
Assistant Referee 2: Ieva Ramanauskienė LTU 
Fourth Official: Ugne Šmitaite LTU
UEFA Referee Observer: Katarzyna Wierzbowska POL 
UEFA Delegate: Dušan Gelić SRB

League C - Group C2 
17:00 CET - Karlovac (Branko Čavlović-Čavlek)
CROATIA - KOSOVO 
Referee: Lovisa Johansson SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Camilla Stendahl SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Tilde Larsson SWE
Fourth Official: Selma Griberg SWE
UEFA Referee Observer: Sandra Renon FRA 
UEFA Delegate: Scilla Gennaro ITA 

League B - Group B1 
17:30 CET - Llanelli (Parc-Y-Scarlets)
WALES - MONTENEGRO 
Referee: Caroline Lanssens BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Margot Jacobs BEL
Assistant Referee 2: Amina Gutschi AUT
Fourth Official: Fabienne Hofer AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Kirsi Heikkinen FIN 
UEFA Delegate: Gerard Kennedy IRL 

League A - Group A4
18:00 CET - Stavanger (Viking stadion)
NORWAY - GERMANY 
Referee: Stéphanie Frappart FRA 
Assistant Referee 1: Camille Soriano FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Melissa Rossignol FRA
Fourth Official: Elisa Daupeux FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Emilia Wnuk POL 
UEFA Delegate: Tammo Beishuizen NED 

League A - Group A3
18:00 CET - Antalya, TUR (Mardan Antalyaspor)
UKRAINE - SPAIN 
Referee: Maïka Vanderstichel FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Elodie Coppola FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Jennifer Maubacq FRA
Fourth Official: Clémence Goncalves FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Rhona Coombes IRL 
UEFA Delegate: Sanja Bosanac-Perišić MNE 

League B - Group B4
18:00 CET - Glasgow (Hampden Park)
SCOTLAND - LUXEMBOURG 
Referee: Nanna Løf Andersen DEN
Assistant Referee 1: Sidsel Fabricius Dall DEN 
Assistant Referee 2: Katrine Stensholm DEN
Fourth Official: Frederikke Lydia Søkjær DEN
UEFA Referee Observer: Tanja Subotič SVN
UEFA Delegate: Peter Kováč SVK 

League B - Group B1
18:00 CET - Shkoder (Loro Boriçi Stadium)
ALBANIA - CZECH REPUBLIC 
Referee: Lotta Vuorio FIN
Assistant Referee 1: Heini Hyvönen FIN
Assistant Referee 2: Taru Tiensuu FIN
Fourth Official: Lina Lehtovaara FIN
UEFA Referee Observer: Graziella Pirriatore ITA 
UEFA Delegate: Anna Bordiugova UKR 

League A - Group A1
18:15 CET - Vicenza (Stadio Romeo Menti) 
ITALY - DENMARK 
Referee: Désirée Blanco SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Susanne Küng SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Linda Schmid SUI
Fourth Official: Michèle Schmölzer SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Christine Frai GER 
UEFA Delegate: Renata Tomasova SVK 

League A - Group A4
19:00 CET - Koper-Capodistria (Stadion Bonifika)
SLOVENIA - AUSTRIA 
Referee: Hristiyana Guteva BUL
Assistant Referee 1: Pavleta Rashkova BUL
Assistant Referee 2: Liliya Dumbalakova BUL
Fourth Official: Kristina Georgieva BUL
UEFA Referee Observer: Kateryna Monzul UKR 
UEFA Delegate: Anna Kapasoglou GRE

League B - Group B2 
19:00 CET - Ta'Qali (Centenary Stadium) 
MALTA - SWITZERLAND 
Referee: Jelena Međedović SRB
Assistant Referee 1: Andrea Marinković SRB
Assistant Referee 2: Maja Milošević SRB
Fourth Official: Mima Stanković SRB
UEFA Referee Observer: Knarik Grigoryan ARM 
UEFA Delegate: Ran Cohen Nissan ISR 

League C - Group C2 
19:00 CET - Gibraltar (Europa Point Stadium) 
GIBRALTAR - BULGARIA 
Referee: Laura Mauricio SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Melissa Correia Dos Santos SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Laetitia Sonia Nuara SUI 
Fourth Official: Deborah Anex SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Nelly Viennot FRA 
UEFA Delegate: Heri á Rógvi FRO 

League C - Group C4
19:30 CET - Heraklion (Theodoros Vardinogiannis)
GREECE - FAROE ISLANDS 
Referee: Jeļena Jermolajeva LVA
Assistant Referee 1: Diana Vanaga LVA
Assistant Referee 2: Marita Vitola LVA
Fourth Official: Tatjana Lavrentika LVA
UEFA Referee Observer: Anni Charlotte Anja Kunick GER
UEFA Delegate: Roi Reinshreiber ISR 

League B - Group B2 
20:00 CET - Lurgan (Mourneview Park)
NORTHERN IRELAND - TÜRKIYE
Referee: Olivia Tschon AUT
Assistant Referee 1: Biljana Iskin AUT
Assistant Referee 2: Linda Achmüller AUT
Fourth Official: Lena Hirtl AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Vesna Budimir CRO
UEFA Delegate: Oleg Harlamov EST 

League A - Group A2 
20:45 CET - Utrecht (Stadion Galgenwaard)
NETHERLANDS - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 
Referee: Frida Mia Klarlund Nielsen DEN 
Assistant Referee 1: Monica Brun Løkkkeberg NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Alisa Levalampi SWE
Fourth Official: Julie Alsbro Pryds Thomsen DEN 
UEFA Referee Observer: Esther Staubli SUI 
UEFA Delegate: Svetlana Grinkevich BLR 

League A - Group A2 
21:10 CET - Dijon (Stade Gaston-Gérard)
FRANCE - POLAND 
Referee: Ionela Alina Peşu ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Daniela Costantinescu ROU 
Assistant Referee 2: Anita Vad HUN
Fourth Official: Roxana Recorean ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Silvia Tea Spinelli ITA 
UEFA Delegate: Marvin Robinson ENG 
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83 comments:

  1. Hans1 March 2026 at 13:07

    For all my international friends. Please watch this rejected penalty call for hands with OFR after by PEC Zwolle - Ajax (Vd Eijk) In the NL there is no handball any more

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hans1 March 2026 at 14:13

      No clip but a image https://x.com/Inside_020/status/2028080064177266721/photo/1

      Delete
    2. Tevinjm1 March 2026 at 16:46

      Wow

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1 March 2026 at 16:54

      It was a shot on goal from short distance (bicycle kick). Should be a penalty imo. Don’t over-complicate things.

      Delete
    4. Eric van Marwijk2 March 2026 at 12:58

      The bicycle kick came from less than two meters away from the defender; he had no chance to avoid the ball, so I completely understand referee Van der Eijk's decision: this should never be a penalty. In fact, I agree with the TV commentator: If we were to award a penalty for this... it would be a bankruptcy for football.

      Delete
  2. Sanchez1 March 2026 at 21:20

    Hi Hans,

    Do you also have the clip of Gozubuyuk from the Telstar vs NAC match? I read that he initially awarded a corner kick, then changed his decision to a penalty after appeals from the players, and subsequently reverted back to a corner during the protests.

    From what I heard, it did not look good and there is even speculation that the change may have been influenced by the VAR. I would appreciate seeing the footage to better understand what happened.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hans2 March 2026 at 10:49

      I don't know how to make clips. It was in the 57th minute. First, with a very convincing gesture a corner was awarded, then a hesitant gesture penalty, and then another convincing corner gesture, all within 10 seconds. I have no idea what happened there.

      Delete
    2. Chefren2 March 2026 at 13:21

      Couldn't find full live sequence but only this one:
      https://streambug.org/cv/313b70

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2 March 2026 at 16:01

      It looked bad, and it’s telling that the Dutch media have chosen to ignore it. If this had happened to Makkelie, we’d be drowning in headlines by now. Anything concerning Gözübüyük gets spun or swept aside. Curious, to say the least.

      Delete
  3. Chefren2 March 2026 at 13:12

    https://streambug.org/cv/26c88b
    Here the clip of handball.
    Only argument: distance.
    But not an argument in this case according to UEFA and the classic assessment of handballs in UEFA, the Dutch referee would be in trouble refusing to assign such penalty at international level.
    However, this story about handball should definitely have an end, it's really impossible to have all different opinions and criteria, at least one could expect that the same FIFA referees who regularly officiate in UEFA game would be consistent with the approach even in domestic games...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eric van Marwijk2 March 2026 at 15:30

      I think distance is a very very important thing in this case, maybe for you its not important Chefren,.... but i guess for Sander van der Eijk who is an International referee and works for UEFA.. it looks like it is... ....you talk a bit like you are UEFA, and you are desciding that distance in this case is not an agument....did you get the instructions from Rosetti himself, are you a Fifa referee? I'm very curious about what you base your assumption on that UEFA would consider Sander van der Eijk's decision to be wrong at international level?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2 March 2026 at 15:54

      Eric, you’re overcomplicating this. It’s a close-range shot on target, and there’s a real chance the ball goes into the net if it doesn’t hit the hand. Yes, it’s struck from very short distance, but with shots on goal from that range, that argument simply doesn’t carry much weight. That’s the risk you take in that position.

      Or would you argue that a handball on the goal line is also never a handball when the player is struck from close range?

      Personally, I have more difficulty with those soft, almost incidental handballs around the edge of the box that never actually lead to a dangerous chance.

      Delete
    3. crn.ple2 March 2026 at 18:26

      Difficult one with the short range here, but for me the fact that it's a clear shoot on goal and that the hand is above the shoulder are 2 criterias more important than the range imo so PK for me. OFR to give a PK was a good call imo.

      Delete
  4. Miki2 March 2026 at 22:44

    Dod you see what Rudiger did SEVERAL times against Getafe? Incredible brutality but he didn’t get even a YC! What a disgrace. AT least 3 YCs missed for him!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. crn.ple2 March 2026 at 23:35

      Clear RC for Rudiger imo crazy no intervention by VAR here.

      Delete
  5. TC0210022 March 2026 at 23:06

    2 reds in added time for Muniz Ruiz. 1st was for aggressive language towards him (i'd assume) then a clear 2nd yellow for kicking the ball away and delaying the restart.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Euro Soccer Ref3 March 2026 at 01:21

    Violent conduct by Rüdiger. Pizarro Gómez (VAR) really should've called the referee to the monitor - it's indeed difficult to determine a player's bad intent in such cases and differentiate an accident from violent conduct but here it was clear that the player just wanted to hurt his opponent.

    https://streambug.org/cv/455ff5

    Overall, Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz handled the game really well. He quickly and rightly determined Getafe's way of playing and issued the opening YC for persistent infringement already in the 8th minute and very sensibly used disciplinary sanctions later in the game. Three penalty appeals rightly waved away (60', 62', 74'). Although Mastantuono abused him verbally, the referee was generally respected and coped with the immense pressure really well, not avoiding to send off two players in the added time (Mastantuono for abusive language and Adrián Liso for 2YC after blatant DtR - kicking the ball away after whistle).

    In my opinion, Mr Muñiz Ruiz should be considered for something big internationally. High technical accuracy and pressure resistance are his strengths.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Miki3 March 2026 at 01:36

      Well… He totally missed first strong pulling for the players arm from Rudiger in Getafe PK area. YC missed. Just a minute after occur that incident with the Rudiger’s knee which was with intent 100% and he could severe hurt an opponents head! RC missed. Little later he missed elbow from Guler when he was fouled. Again clear intent and at least YC missed. In 2nd half again in Getafe PK area very strong tackl with clear intent grom Rudiger! Orang card! Incredible, Rudiger finished without YC and he should get RC, YC and “orange” one. Many mistakes in issuing cards all in favor of Real but he didn’t miss to give YC for Getafe player in 8th minute for 3 easy fouls! So if this is good performance, then I don’t know what is bad.

      Delete
    2. xabi3 March 2026 at 19:34

      I almost always agree with you, Euro Soccer Ref, and I appreciate a lot your comments, but in this case I desagree. IMO Muñiz Ruiz is one of the weakest referees in La Liga this season and I think he's a clear candidate for demotion. I think he lacks charisma and doesn't inspire confidence in his decisions. He's had several very poor matches and I think he lacks self-confidence.

      Delete
    3. Quilava3 March 2026 at 23:24

      I must echo Xabi's comment.

      Maybe not a realistic candidate for demotion since usually the FIFA badge tends to act as a shield against domestic demotions, but he comes across as very robotic in terms of body language and personality, and a weak decision-taker. I'd say that more than poor decision-making (though he's had his fair share of OFRs this season) his biggest flaw is specifically game reading, he often loses players' trust despite maybe not making any crucial mistake, because of e.g. minor mistakes affecting card criteria or foul threshold.

      He made the FIFA list because there were no other realistic choices available (his only 'rival' was Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias who is a much better and trusted ref and would have taken the badge... if it wasn't for 1) a very viral -and ultimately, decisive for demotion- mistake involving blowing for HT just before a goal was scored, and 2) a couple of "disciplinary reprimands" he got for pushing players, that made his promotion to FIFA untenable)

      Delete
    4. xabi4 March 2026 at 01:04

      Yes, I agree with you, Quilava. I remember the circumstances under which Muñiz Ruiz obtained his FIFA badge. It was bad luck for Ortiz Arias, IMO a great referee, but he's too old to be an international referee now. I think the next Spanish international referee will be García Verdura, followed by Sesma Espinosa, two great talents. I don't know if Díaz de Mera and Hernández Maeso will get their FIFA badges; I think they're good referees. I don't see Munuera Montero, Martínez Munuera, and Cuadra Fernández having any chance of progressing internationally; Spanish refereeing needs new names in Europe.

      By the way, Quilava, who do you think is a candidate for demotion this season? I don't see it as clear at all. Soto Grado will probably retire, but they need another name. Cordero Vega is doing well, Guzmán Mansilla is in his first season and I doubt he'll be demoted... There aren't many options left... Perhaps Quintero González?

      Delete
    5. D.4 March 2026 at 01:21

      I don't remember a season like this, in which probably two of the worst referees performing are international (Muñiz and Cuadra). I think the first could lose the Fifa badge for the first time in many many years. I'm quite upset about him, because I remember watching some Second Division games and he was a really really promising referee. Brave and letting the game flow. Now he doesn't want anything to happen and he calls every soft contact.

      Quintero has been quite well considered after his affair with Real Madrid and his season is being pretty ok. Despite it's too cruel with the promoted referees, I do think Guzmán and specially Galech are nowadays the biggest candidates for demotion.

      Delete
    6. xabi4 March 2026 at 01:27

      @D. Very interesting, thank you for your answer.

      Delete
  7. David H (US Referee)3 March 2026 at 17:47

    Will the blog be posting evaluations of the referees for WC 2026 or UEFA knockout CL/EL/CL matches?

    ReplyDelete
  8. TC0210023 March 2026 at 22:46

    Incredibly close onside goal for Barcelona 3-0

    ReplyDelete
  9. Quilava3 March 2026 at 23:09

    Great performance by De Burgos Bengoetxea in Barcelona - Atlético (Copa del Rey SF 2nd leg) only 48h after another good performance at the Andalusian derby on Sunday evening.

    He's at the absolute top this season, at least domestically.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TC0210023 March 2026 at 23:17

      Soto Grado with the other Semi tomorrow so that means he isn't doing the final in his final year I'd imagine.

      Delete
    2. M4 March 2026 at 00:41

      Missed RC/2nd yc for Olmo.

      Allowed physical game,tried to keep cards in his pocket..

      This kind of refereeing would not be possible 10 years ago, when everything was being punished and players were protected way more.

      I'm not saying I don't like it,but there has to be limits in allowing everything and punishing nothing.

      It wasn't agressive and rough game,but 4 yellows and all of them for anything but fouls?!?

      Hats of to the players aswell.

      Delete
    3. xabi4 March 2026 at 00:43

      Agree, Quilava. Excellent De Burgos this season

      Delete
    4. xabi4 March 2026 at 00:49

      @TC021002 I'm also surprised that Soto Grado will referee the other semi-final. I was convinced he was going to be the referee for the final this season. Now it seems clear that he won't be. Perhaps because he's no longer an international referee, the regulations don't allow it. Now my number one candidate is Alberola Rojas.

      Delete
    5. D.4 March 2026 at 00:53

      Let see Cuadra Fernández. But agree, great De Burgos (once more) with his ¡fourth! Barcelona Atlético in a row.

      Delete
    6. TC0210024 March 2026 at 01:59

      Think Cuadra Fernandez would make sense due to him being the oldest FIFA official. Shame they have the have the "Fifa ref only" rule for the final as Soto Grado probably deserves one. Would have surely made more sense to have him do the final last year...

      Delete
  10. Quilava4 March 2026 at 01:54

    @xabi

    Glad you asked about Spanish demotion candidates!

    My only clear candidate as of now is Iosu Galech Apezteguía, normally CTA-RFEF tend to 'amnesty' newcomers having a bad debut season (last one to get demoted back to Segunda in his LaLiga debut season was Daniel Ocón Arraiz in 2017) but Galech seems unable to escape controversy, his promotion was deserved but is being totally found out as too weak for LaLiga. Perhaps the other one could be Francisco José Hernández Maeso? I like his style, but he didn't adapt to LaLiga as well as I initially predicted. If there was justice and ignoring the "FIFA badge shield" Cuadra Fernández should get removed, very bad season and no international promotion chances, getting the Copa del Rey final ahead of Soto Grado or Alberola Rojas would be a complete travesty.

    Before this season kicked off, my #1 demotion candidate was Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos, he had only escaped demotion in the last couple of seasons because of retirements or other refs being worse, but this season he's improved a lot deservedly increasing his status (e.g. doing a Supercopa SF) so I think he should be safe, though the FIFA badge ship should have already sailed. I'd also mention Alejandro Quintero González, who IMO was an undeserved political demotion by fellow Andalusian Medina Cantalejo and I don't like his style, but he must have scored some important points by holding his nerve in Real Madrid - Celta.

    As per FIFA candidates, the one in the pole position should be Víctor García Verdura (CORE course last year and good season so far including a well-refereed Catalan derby) and secondly Miguel Sesma Espinosa, I agree that he's a talent, and have the impression that the higher he reaches, the better he could do, very "UEFA profile" (lenient (but not blind) disciplinary, very good foul detection, very assured and competent demeanour/presence...), I could also picture from the current LaLiga refs José Luis Guzmán Mansilla (1995) getting a FIFA badge in ≈2029/2030, this referee is struggling a bit in his debut season but I believe he could be Munuera Montero's successor (both refs come from the same city -Jaén- and have very similar styles), but as I said he needs to improve.

    The two frontrunners for promotion from Segunda this season seem to be Salvador Lax Franco (1991, was appointed to crucial 1st vs 2nd clash last week -Castellón vs Racing Santander- and did a good job) and Daniel Palencia Caballero (1992, a fantastic and very courageous referee). And I'd like to write down a name for the future: 26 year-old Alejandro Morilla Turrión, promoted this season and a huge potential in my book for the mid-long term.

    What do you think?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nerazzuri4 March 2026 at 12:43

      @Quilava: Were you optimistic last year with Sesma Espinosa and Galech Apezteguia? How do you think they did this season? From what I read online ( maybe comments are wrong), but people don't seem impressed by any of them.
      Also, who do you think has been the best referee this season in La liga?
      And finally,what is also your opinion on Lax Franco?

      Sorry, too many questions.

      Delete
    2. Quilava4 March 2026 at 14:40

      @Nerazzurri Yes, quite a lot with Sesma Espinosa and moderately with Galech Apezteguía, they were the best referees last season in Segunda and their promotions were deserved. However, Sesma has adapted quite well to LaLiga, contrary to Galech.

      Best referee this season in LaLiga: De Burgos Bengoetxea, miles ahead of everyone else.

      Lax Franco: Haven't watched him that much until now as he wasn't in my radar for promotion candidates

      Delete
    3. xabi4 March 2026 at 15:33

      Agree, @Quilava, I think Cuadra Fernández should be demoted, given his age and poor season. Besides, he's a good VAR referee, so it would be good for him to stay on as a VAR specialist. Muñiz Ruiz is much younger and has more potential.

      I would give Guzmán Mansilla another chance; he needs time to adapt to La Liga. I don't think Iosu Galech will be demoted. Despite some controversial decisions, I think he's a good referee for the future.

      For me, the biggest surprises this season have been Cordero Vega and Díaz de Mera; they've improved a lot. This season, the best referee in my opinion is De Burgos, followed by Alberola.

      I don't follow the Second Division very closely, but I think there are some very good referees. González Esteban and Arcediano Monescillo have been refereeing playoffs for many years and deserve promotion, but perhaps it's too late for them now because of their age. I really like Palencia Caballero and Muñiz Muñoz as well. It seems that Lax Franco is favored by the CTA (Technical Committee of Referees) and will fight for promotion.

      There are still many matchdays left, things can change. We'll see what happens...

      Delete
  11. D.4 March 2026 at 02:05

    Palencia Caballero is another really good referee, I agree with you @Quilava.
    It's true that Hernández Maeso was more promising than what we have seen until the moment, but I really like him and he's young enough to improve. It's quite interesting, because he seems to me like the opposite of Muñiz Ruiz: he's not totally consistent because of, either being too lenient or either trying to whistle the least faults as possible. He has been quite away from huge controversy, but his first "scandal" was a pretty famous match with Real Madrid.

    I think this year Soto will retire (they took his Fifa Badge away) and only one more will be demoted (probably Galech).

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ref Fot4 March 2026 at 11:04

    I would like to ask Quilava,if he see this? Season is near ending, and Copa del Rey final coming. Which referee he saw in the final, and, as always,chances of Soto Grado to be there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quilava4 March 2026 at 12:27

      I thought Soto Grado was getting the final, but he got appointed to the 2nd leg of Real Sociedad - Athletic today.

      So if we assume Soto Grado is out, my first candidate is Alberola Rojas

      Delete
    2. Ref Fot4 March 2026 at 12:44

      If it is like that, so its totally logical that Alberola Rojas should get the final. Top season behind him! Thanks for your answer!

      Delete
    3. Ref Fot4 March 2026 at 12:46

      But,there where some cases that referees officiate both final and semifinal becouse of that. Example- Clos Gomez in 2013.

      Delete
  13. edward4 March 2026 at 11:22

    OT

    José María Sánchez Martínez (UEFA Elite) will handle the Greek SL derby Olympiakos - PAOK on Sunday

    His assistants are Raúl Cabañero Martínez and Juan José López Mir. FO will be Christos Vergetis. VAR is Javier Iglesias Villanueva and AVAR Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abdiaziz ahmed yousuf4 March 2026 at 20:29

      Is uefa referees seminar in dubai ends Saturday

      Delete
  14. Abdiaziz ahmed yousuf4 March 2026 at 21:09

    The seminar of uefa referees in dubai is delayed to new date that will be determined by fifa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren4 March 2026 at 21:38

      Very hard to find a new date, but it depends on how much importance FIFA wants to give it.
      We have UEFA club's competitions next weeks, then the crucial days of WC Play offs will start.
      This was the optimal date but indeed it was impossible to hold.

      Delete
    2. crn.ple5 March 2026 at 04:11

      FIFA really needs that seminar ? If it’s only to make a choice btw referees I don’t think they need it. But if it’s a real preparation and starting to think about process and clear direction for the World Cup that is more important so maybe they will need to make it shorter but probably find a place in the calendar.

      Delete
  15. Chefren4 March 2026 at 21:40

    So far we can only see Paolo Valeri observer in Alkmaar and Costas Kapitanis in Poznan. Both in Conference League. Only delegates in all the other first leg games of all three competitions so far.
    We will see whether tomorrow other names will be added, or we have to wait until the release of referees, starting from Sunday.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ref Fot4 March 2026 at 23:01

    All compliments how Soto Grafo officiate semifinal of Copa Del Rey. Of course,one OFR, very hard to spot that penalty live. We will se the decision of CTA about him and possible CDR finals in days that come!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Quilava5 March 2026 at 01:05

    According to Italian media, there was an assault attempt on Gianluca Rocchi by angry tifosi at the end of Serie B game Carrarese - Catanzaro he was watching from the stands, forcing him to leave the stadium under police escort. On top of a rough Serie A season plagued with refereeing controversies...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren5 March 2026 at 04:35

      Rocchi in Carrara observing referee Dionisi. Anyway, I have to say one thing. Obviously I often criticize his choices and his management of Italian referees on the blog, but in this regard, that job is extremely difficult. Because if in Serie A there are all those controversies, in Serie B you should really watch the matches from the point of view of what happens on the pitch in terms of non-acceptance. It is something absurd. Between the players and the technical staff on the benches protesting every single decision, they understand nothing. In this category I can say it without doubts, because there is even more ignorance than in Serie A, where of course there is ignorance as well, but in Serie B we reach levels that are fully unacceptable.
      In particular, Dionisi had correctly awarded a penalty near the end of the match. Earlier he had also taken some good decisions, but VAR intervened to have the penalty retaken, because it had not been managed in the best way from the point of view of all those who had entered the penalty area, and then it had been saved, so the defending team had gained an advantage. Home team had already not accepted the penalty decision, and then of course they became furious when they saw that it had been saved but had to be taken again.
      It is really difficult to practise refereeing for what it is. You go to do an OFR and immediately all the members of the staff stand right in front of you. I repeat, the only thing I can accuse Rocchi, is that they have never been extremely strict to the maximum level: if they had started handing out red cards from the beginning to the end, this behaviour over time would have been somewhat eradicated. But this is a problem of football as a whole and of the directions in which the game is moving today, so it is not exclusively the fault of this committee, although obviously they also bear some responsibility.
      Otherwise nothing: absolutely the typical behaviour of these mid-to-lower Serie B clubs, one worse than the other. And I have to say this for the sake of intellectual honesty. I’m sorry for Rocchi, but in the end it seems that nothing happened and that he managed to return to his nearby Florence. That's the important thing.
      To add, it was a very challenging serie B matchday, with many challenging games and crucial decisions, among others for Ferrieri Caputi in Bari, Di Marco in Frosinone (incredible events here) and Ayroldi in Palermo.
      The quality of some referees will be low, one should agree, but it's a world in which it's almost impossible to work, honestly.

      Delete
  18. Anonymous5 March 2026 at 06:33

    Chefren, Do you expect any Italian referees in the Champions League, after missing out on the Round of 32 and with Massa being a replacement?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren5 March 2026 at 09:40

      Not sure Massa was a replacement. Possible they changed only Observer for that game. Said that, one could expect both Guida and Mariani. Now only Atalanta remains as Italian team, so.... but maybe one Italian in first leg and the other in second leg.... we will see.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5 March 2026 at 10:49

      Agreed, I’m also definitely expecting two Italians. I tried to come up with a list of 16 names for the R16, and honestly: if the performance principle really counts, and referees who influenced the outcome of matches are left out (which I expect after last season), then I don’t even get to 16 names.

      It’ll also be interesting to see how Rosetti manages this UCL round with the play-offs coming right after.

      Delete
  19. Euro Soccer Ref5 March 2026 at 10:54

    Observers

    UCL
    Galatasaray - Liverpool (Svilokos)
    Atalanta - Bayern (Atkinson)
    Newcastle - Barcelona (Kos)
    Atlético - Tottenham (Messina)
    Leverkusen - Arsenal (Meßner)
    PSG - Chelsea (Trentalange)
    Real Madrid - Man City (Skjervold)
    Bodø/Glimt - Sporting CP (Garibian)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Euro Soccer Ref5 March 2026 at 10:59

      UEL
      Panathinaikos - Betis (Filipović)
      Stuttgart - Porto (Dallas)
      Bologna - Roma (Pedersen)
      Lille - Aston Villa (Antonov)
      Ferencváros - Braga (Çakır)
      Genk - Freiburg (Melo Pereira)
      Celta - Lyon (Pilav)
      Nottingham Forest - Midtjylland (Medina Cantalejo)

      UECL
      Lech - Shakhtar (Kapitanís)
      AZ - Sparta Praha (Valeri)
      Samsunspor - Rayo Vallecano (Zimmermann)
      Rijeka - Strasbourg (Johannesson)
      Crystal Palace - AEK Larnaca (Irvine)
      Fiorentina - Raków (Clos Gómez)
      Celje - AEK Athens (Hamer)
      Sigma - Mainz (Einwaller)

      Delete
  20. FrederikH5 March 2026 at 11:09

    Erik Lambrechts is appointed for the Belgian clash on Sunday 1.30PM, between Club Brugge and RSC Anderlecht. VAR: Bram Van Driessche

    ReplyDelete
  21. Chefren5 March 2026 at 12:15

    Guida AVAR on Sarurday in a game, Mariani AVAR on Sunday. According to serie A assignments, both can be on mext week cl games. Maybe Guida Galatasaray Liverpool?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nerazzuri5 March 2026 at 13:17

      again Doveri getting the Derby 😂😂😂.. Rocchi can't seem to trust anyone right now

      Delete
    2. Chefren5 March 2026 at 13:50

      I can add more, do you remember what I said about Colombo and Verona - Napoli? He had officiated Napoli - Roma a few before. Now Genoa - Roma as well, for him, again same teams (crucial Champions League qualification). You can easily understand how Rocchi works, apart from Doveri, always the same referees are assigned. Fabbri as well, after some good games, now it seems he is the only name that can handle some games. To me, it's a terrible management, but he has his ideas...

      Delete
  22. Abdiaziz ahmed yousuf5 March 2026 at 12:39

    Joao pinheiro officiate Portugal clasico benfica vs porto before expected appointment psg vs chelsea

    ReplyDelete
  23. ScotRef5 March 2026 at 14:19

    Donald Robertson will referee Rangers vs Celtic in the Scottish Cup on Sunday. His 2nd old firm of the season.

    ReplyDelete
  24. osmanabbot5 March 2026 at 14:21

    I would expect Walsh to be in the UEL on Thursday or at Bodo on in the UCL as he is with his usual UEFA team on Saturday in a second division game.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Chefren5 March 2026 at 15:29

    After his games at AFCON 2026, Abongile Tom has been included in the CAF pool of preselected referees for 2026 WC and he attended the seminar in Qatar on last month.
    One should say, not the style of refereeing that FIFA can like, but maybe another argument for him being added to the list, it's about the other performances seen in Morocco at the beginning of this year.
    https://streambug.org/cv/96c2d5

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jacques5 March 2026 at 17:42

      IMO Abongile deserves it following what I have seen from him at AFCON 2026.
      But if I remember well, he was already selected as one of the VAR candidates for WC 2026

      Delete
    2. Referee analyst5 March 2026 at 18:22

      Very happy for him ! I praised a lot for this new selection !

      Delete
  26. Euro Soccer Ref5 March 2026 at 16:06

    Marciniak is back on Saturday but only with Listkiewicz on the line, hence difficult to determine whether he has some UEFA duty next week.

    ReplyDelete
  27. RefGERcologne5 March 2026 at 18:59

    Makkelie and Gözübüyük will be in the Eredivisie on Saturday

    ReplyDelete
  28. M5 March 2026 at 20:58

    Doveri gets Milan vs Inter clash.

    Not gonna say anything that I didn't say earlier.

    Laughable how ref that has only goal to finish game with 0 cards can be considered the best in Italy.
    With current matches,he is best in Italy.

    Ridiculous and message to other refs:be like Doveri,let players kill each other and you should be rewarded.

    Then again,we are wondering why is Serie A and Italian refs in that bad of a state.

    This just confirms it.

    So message to Massa,Guida,Mariani,Chiffi and others:dont book players.

    If there is SPA,nothing.
    If there is reckless foul,nothing.
    If there are protests,nothing.
    If there is SFP,nothing.

    Only talk,VAR and whistle,that's it.

    ReplyDelete
  29. TC0210025 March 2026 at 21:43

    Incredibly tight offside given against Palace... The TV replay suggested Sarr was behind the ball when it was passed to him but the technology showed his face was offside..... Minutes after that correct penalty and red for Van De Ven (DOGSO) given on-field by A Madley

    ReplyDelete
  30. Chefren6 March 2026 at 14:11

    Second legs observers have been appointed as well.
    And we have already a change.
    According to what Euro Soccer Referee posted above (I didn't check yesterday), it seems as Messner has been moved to a second leg, Sporting - Bodo, while he was originally assigned to Leverkusen - Arsenal first leg (now still without observer).

    Sporting - Bodo
    Stefan Messner AUT

    Chelsea - PSG
    Stavros Tritsonis GRE

    Manchester City - Real Madrid
    Edgar Steinborn GER

    Arsenal - Leverkusen
    Lucilio Batista POR

    Barcelona - Newcastle
    Frank De Bleeckere BEL

    Liverpool - Galatasaray
    Marian Ruzbarsky SVK

    Bayern - Atalanta
    Levan Paniashvili GEO

    Tottenham - Atlético Madrid
    Jan W. Wegereef NED

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6 March 2026 at 17:35

      Thanks. Do you notice anything about the names of the observers? De Bleeckere is the one that stands out imo. And we also know that Rosetti sometimes appoints referees to matches involving Italian teams so he can keep a closer eye on them. With only Atalanta left in the competition, that option is largely gone, which makes the presence of two Italian observers - Messina and Trentalange - catch the eye straight away. That might mean something; curious to see how it plays out.

      Isn’t Messina also involved as a coach with the Talent & Mentor group referees, or am I mixing him up with another former Italian ref? In any case, I’d be surprised if they sent a rookie to Madrid.

      If I had to make a quick prediction: Letexier in Istanbul.

      Delete
    2. Chefren6 March 2026 at 17:58

      First of all, yes, it's absolutely interesting to notice the pattern you describe, even for the observers, like it happens for referees: when Italian teams are eliminated, the number of Italian observers also increases for this reason. In particular, Trentalange, despite having had a very high profile past as a UEFA observer, was involved then in an unusual path: he disappeared a bit when he was AIA president, and then, following the failure of his management due to well-known events, he seemed to have been sidelined even internationally, with Youth League matches and minimal appearances. Now, suddenly, back in the spotlight, although I think that for observers, all must ben seen as relative: once they are on the lists, they are used depending on their availability.
      You remember correctly regarding Messina and his role as a mentor in the famous UEFA program, but it's worth recalling that in the past he has observed names like Kovacs, among others, so a regular Elite observation for him would make sense. Maybe a Nordic referee in Madrid? Either Nyberg or Eskas in case, but the Norwegian coming from a rather poor game, Qarabag - Newcastle.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6 March 2026 at 19:34


      Yes, could be. I think there are a few doubtful names for the Champions League, either because they affected the result or because the overall performance wasn’t great:
      - Eskas: key handball likely supported (based on RAP), but overall not his best game.
      - Pinheiro: RC after questionable VAR overturn; also seven rounds in a row and the Portuguese derby on Sunday evening. I doubt he will make an appearance again.
      - Kovacs: soft YC that completely turned the match; shouldn’t matter it was “only” Monaco (see Peljto).
      - Manzano: chaotic game with several key decisions.
      - Sanchez: good overall, but the late OFR will stick.
      - Siebert: key decision as well, but Dingert was supported, so probably Siebert too.
      - Zwayer: negative strike.
      - Marciniak: just back; question is UCL immediately or first UEL.
      - The English: obviously very limited.

      Curious what RefCom concludes. If Makkelie was dismissed last season after one key decision, you’d expect the same standard now.

      On the other hand, there may be room for Schärer en Peljto. Hernandez is on a positive run. Obrenović might be pushed after last season’s knockout debut (domestic game tomorrow)?

      Delete
    4. Abdiaziz ahmed yousuf6 March 2026 at 20:42

      I am sure Mr Anonymous that pinheiro will be psg vs chelsea or at least leverkusen vs arsenal because he proved that for his performance so i am not surprising for his appointment we will see

      Delete
    5. Anonymous6 March 2026 at 21:08

      It’s quite unusual for referees to take charge of a challenging derby/Clásico on Sunday evening right before a UCL appointment. Usually, they have a relatively calm and ‘hidden’ local assignment on Friday or Saturday (or the weekend off) before midweek UCL, to avoid headlines and to have sufficient rest.

      Delete
    6. Chefren6 March 2026 at 21:15

      Among other names, one should absolutely be curious about what to do with Zwayer. Not to have something against him, but I think at moment he is the only Elite referee in a very tricky situation for committee. Being the German name selected for WC, and having been assigned to important games in league phase, he has had definitely the poorest season of his recent times. The positive things seen by him on previous years, if compared to the very old Zwayer we knew, seem to have rather disappeared. He was also unlucly and had many challenging incidents, nobody denies that, while other referees are always lucky (no crucial incidents at all, but it's not their fault, of course), but some mistakes were too evident, if you ask me. Especially most of the OFR he made, were for more than obvious reasons, and if that's good in modern refereeing to understand the decision processes, it's surely the worst thing personally for him, red cards he should have spotted on the pitch. However, in addition, some good decisions with other crucial incidents for sure.
      Now, Siebert could be in better position for getting a CL game, because more regular than the countryman in recent times, but in case of assignment for the referee who is not selected for WC, things could turn into very strange situation for Zwayer. Because it's about Germany, top federation, and he is the only name selected. What to do after another game in Europa League with similar performance to previous ones inleague phase (correct penalty call, but rather expected decision, and missed clear violent conduct)?
      Up to Rosetti... we will see!

      Delete
  31. Abdiaziz ahmed yousuf6 March 2026 at 21:26

    We will see i expect for that

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  32. Anonymous7 March 2026 at 10:04

    Leverkusen vs Arsenal: Velasco Carballo

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous7 March 2026 at 10:46

      So, a committee member in Leverkusen. This match doesn’t really scream ‘final test’ given the atmosphere in Leverkusen and Arsenal being much stronger on paper. Two football-focused teams. Maybe a less experienced referee, in category Lambrechts / Rumsas / Obrenovic?

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    2. Chefren7 March 2026 at 10:57

      Some names and arguments one could think about...
      Schaerer? (WC ambitions)
      Peljto? (to check his status)
      Guida? (possible EL final as compensation for having missed WC)?
      Hard to think about a new Elite referee in my opinion.

      Delete
  33. Ref Fot7 March 2026 at 20:46

    Question for our friend Quilava(sorry if I am boring):
    There are some unofficial sources that said that Soto Grado will have one more year extension with La Liga. True/False!

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  34. Chefren7 March 2026 at 22:50

    The UEFA–CONMEBOL refereeing exchanges continue. A Spanish international refereeing team headed by Mateo Busquets Ferrer, with assistants Iván Massó and Carlos Álvarez, will take part as European guest crew in the 2026 Under 20 Copa Libertadores in Ecuador, from 7 to 22 March 2026.

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    Replies
    1. xabi8 March 2026 at 00:22

      He will referee Nacional-Santiago Wanderers

      Delete

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