Appointments of match officials at 2026 FIFA World Cup, Quarterfinals.
Match #97
Quarterfinals
9 July 2026, 22:00 CET
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
FRANCE - MOROCCO
Referee: Facundo Tello ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Pablo Belatti ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Chade ARG
Fourth Official: Dario Herrera ARG
Reserve AR: Cristian Navarro ARG
Video Assistant Referee: Hernan Mastrangelo ARG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Lerodan Gonzalez URU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Tatiana Guzman NCA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Tatiana Guzman NCA
Standby Video Assistant Referee: : Abdullah Alshehri KSA
Match #98
Quarterfinals
10 July 2026, 21:00 CET
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
SPAIN - BELGIUM
Referee: Michael Oliver ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt ENG
Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring ENG
Fourth Official: Ramon Abatti BRA
Reserve AR: Rafael Alves BRA
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Standby Video Assistant Referee:
Match #99
Quarterfinals
11 July 2026, 23:00 CET
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
NORWAY - ENGLAND
Referee:
Assistant Referee 1:
Assistant Referee 2:
Fourth Official:
Reserve AR:
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Standby Video Assistant Referee:
Match #100
Quarterfinals
12 July 2026, 03:00 CET
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
ARGENTINA - SWITZERLAND
Referee:
Assistant Referee 1:
Assistant Referee 2:
Fourth Official:
Reserve AR:
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Standby Video Assistant Referee:
VAR? MOROCCO VS FRANCE
ReplyDeleteA well-deserved and rather expected appointment. Good luck señor Tello & team! Now that we have two all-European QF games, is it possible we will see an entire tournament with confederation neutrality?
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteProbably. It just shows that Argentina chose all their referees in Qatar
Deleteyes sure, ARgentina appointed a french ref for its match vs Egypt, jog on imbecile
DeleteSo now the tables have turned All 5 officials from the same nation interesting as well surprised
ReplyDeleteTello very much expected for a QF
Make sense from a communication point of view and also the fact they have worked together before but why wait till now to do it? It
DeleteAnd Argentina isn’t even eliminated (yet).
ReplyDeleteHerrera chosen over of Falcon is a bit surprising, because Falcon clearly is the higher ranked Argentinan in the tournament. But maybe there are factors, which make Herrera the better choice for that role.
ReplyDeleteTello's appointment confirms, that a direct QF with no R32 and R16 is possible, which should be reassuring for Marciniak and Ramos.
Anyone want to speculate what factors make him more suitable? Or the preferred over the higher ranked referee?
DeleteI doubt that Ramos will get a third appointment- not convincing. Marciniak directly for a Semi seems also possible. But what about Vincic then, he deserves a 4th game.
ReplyDeleteThe race for the final referee seems very open, it all depends of the progress of the teams. Or it will be Faghanis big moment...
Marciniak could do England v Norway
DeleteTello published a few before the start of Argentina game, could have they waited two or three hours more at this point, for a different management of the referee from Argentina?
ReplyDeleteDecided from yesterday
DeleteThis could mean they have no other plans with Tello than this QF; no matter if Argentine suceeds or not.
ReplyDeleteThis is another risk. Why does Collina and FIFA keep doing this? In 2022, they assigned Tello, an Argentine to the quarterfinals involving Portugal who were one of the favourites, despite being aware of the CR7 and Messi rivalry. Now it is is France with Mbappé.
ReplyDeleteThat caised a lot of controversy especially after Morocco was knocked out.
Now, he's been appointed to another favourite, France with Mbappé. Things could go wrong again and it becomes another scandal. Especially if you think about all the discussions around perceived favoritism towards Messi and Argentina.
No doubt Tello is a great and professional official. But sometimes, common sense should prevail in scenarios like this.
Because this year they're not even hiding it
DeleteBut Tello was actually pretty good in the match between Portugal and Morocco. Morocco even got a red card and played with 10 men for several minutes.
DeleteI expect Morocco to protest against the appointment of an Argentine referee for the match against France following the pro-Argentine and anti-Arab performance of the French referee.
ReplyDeleteCome on that would be an insane thing to do.
DeleteWho is to be expected in a heated potential ARG-COL quarterfinal? Ramos or another appointment for Barton if he doesnt get the final?
ReplyDeleteMakkelie?
DeleteThat's the hardest game to predict, I think.
DeleteYou have several UEFA options: Marciniak, Turpin (both have refereed one of the teams in the tournament, but experience and quality could prevail), Pinheiro, Nyberg, Vincic
Then Ramos, as you mention.
Barton would repeat COL, so that's unlikely.
And finally, a CONMEBOL referee (one of the Brazilians or Valenzuela) isn't impossible as well.
But overall, Marciniak, Turpin and Vincic seem most likely to me.
Marciniak has refereed Argentina numerous times recently, including once at this World Cup and twice at the previous one. His reappointment would generate mixed reviews. I think Ramos or Sampaio are the candidates, or Turpin if we want a European referee.
DeleteIf we are talking about Marciniak, I think he is a good alternative to Norway with England
DeleteI really think another Marciniak appointment with ARG would raise too many questions, especially considering this recent ARG game is seen as very controversial. On the (IMO) off chance that the swiss go through perhaps that creates even more issues for Collina if neutrality is to be upheld. Then CONCACAF appointment is maybe guaranteed unless Faghani is to be sacrified?
DeleteIf it is ARG-SUI, Ramos would be the obvious solution, I think.
DeleteAnd yes, I would also not like Marciniak again for ARG. But you could argue, that he would be the strongest option for the most difficult game.
For NOR-ENG, the options are basically the same, but chances are higher to see a less experienced name (Pinheiro maybe?).
@Philipp S NOR X ENG maybe Felix?
DeleteI believe, Makkelie and Zwayer have no chance given their 4th official appointment. If they were considered for another game, one could have used UEFA referees as 4th, who won't referee again.
DeleteIf they are considered for another game, why would you NOT use them as 4th? Really don’t see the logic behind this line of reasoning.
DeleteIf Argentina v Colombia, if they keep uefa etc neutrality then 100% it be Sampio or Claus ! And I would prefer Claus
ReplyDeleteVincic has been praised for technically good performances..... could he be thrown to the lions here? I think if its a south American itll be Valenzuela, and if it isn't him then hes being saved for the final. A Venezualan referee appointed the final given the current situation there would be something I could see Infantino wanting to win back brownie points for the chaos hes caused so far
DeleteI think Valenzuela would be appointed to Spain v Belgium, and if there is no controversy, straight to the final. Remember the earthquake in Venezuela weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteIf Swiss won v Colombia, Ramos in QF. If Colombia won v Swiss, either Vincic or Marciniak, and that will be the last game for them.
Norway v England I think Makkelie.
In semifinal, Sampaio and Marciniak/Ramos or even for surprise, add Mariani, considering his age.
I still hope and pray that Faghani would be appointed to the final.
Chances are with the USA out the Donald has told Infantino and Bussaca his man is in the middle with the USA girl as VAR. The Don has sorted it
ReplyDeleteWith the US out and with the way Infantino lives to please the petulant orange despot. I have a feeling that the referee for the Final has sadly gone from being "penciled in" to written in permanent ink.
DeleteReferee: Ismail Elfath USA
Assistant Referee 1: Corey Parker USA
Assistant Referee 2: Kyle Atkins USA
Fourth Official: Tori Penso USA
Reserve AR: Brooke Mayo or Kathryn Nesbitt USA
Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal USA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Joe Dickerson USA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : YOUR CHOICE
AVAR2 Donald J Trump. That way he too gets a winners medal
DeleteThat's a great idea! He can put the medal next to incoherent Infantino Peace Prize.
DeleteNot to mention the original World Cup club trophy he kept. (That’s why they never let him near the actual World Cup)
DeleteHe'll be front and center making a fool of himself at the trophy presentation.
DeleteI was wondering in case of Colombia had beaten Switzerland, if Colina would have keep the confederation "non neutrality" when teams of the same confederation play together. We will never know.
ReplyDeleteFor the Spain Vs Belgium and Norway vs England there are two options: either Eskas, Makéli and Zwayer are only working as 4th official which will lead to Marciniak, Vincic, Nyberg and Pinheiro to officiate these 2 games. Ot they are working and as 4th which means they will be there until semifinals and will for sure referee these games of QF
After today where are “The Boring Letexiertes” in this blog? finally all convinced that even the UEFA goldenboy can have a bad day? Is this a superior performance which someidiots want to say here in a lot of previois topics? For me is the same like any other CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, AFC , CAF standard. All in low level. After Balogum scandal and today for me can anyone be in charge by final. This tourment is damaged! But this is important to show that UEFA isnt superior in anything, just have more money and due this the football starts plays there. Nothing more.
ReplyDeleteHave you watched a different game? 🤦♂️
Delete100% agree
DeleteNo. The same, but your french supporter condition blind you to see how a refereeing team can be extremely strict in reviewing every play 2 minutes before a goal for one side, and for the other be quick and without analysis, like a referee on the field maintaining an extremely high foul line for one team and applying the rule to the extreme for the other. I won't even comment on PK, just like the management of benefits for Argentina. Unnecessary and obvious to anyone.
DeleteThe number of interactions the FIFA Twitter account has received since that Facundo Tello statement is incredible…
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/fifacom/status/2074523844950315436?s=46
Predictions:
ReplyDeleteFRA-MAR Tello
SPA-BEL Mariani
ENG-NOR Vincic
ARG-SWI Ramos
Semifinals:
Marchianiak and Sampaio
Final:
Elfath
Barton definitely deserves one more match.. he is the best referee in this world cup
Delete100% agree with you but Elfath and Ramos come from host country and they are more experience referees, so difficult to see him again.
DeleteFirst mistake in my predictions, Oliver for the 2nd quarterfinal. Collina loves him and he gave him a match before he can't do it for England team involved.
This scenario is set up perfectly for Collina to sacrifice and burn off important and experienced non UEFA and CONMEBOL referees.
ReplyDeleteArgentina v Switzerland could be either Ramos or Faghani. Because as we’ve seen so far no referee has managed to come out of an Argentina match unscathed. They’ve all had incidents that have left people saying “hmmmm”.
I think Fischer did quite well. Although also some softer fouls given for Argentina but, at least, no penalties or any other match-deciding pro-Argentina decisions.
DeleteElfath isn't getting the final. It'll be Ramos if CONCACAF gets it. Do we really think Trump will care about an immigrant American ref getting the final.
ReplyDeleteGot it. So then Penso for the Final? Can’t get anymore ‘Murica than blonde and blue eyed.
DeleteIt won't be Ramos.
DeleteA Mexican in the spotlight on the biggest stage on US soil at the most watched single sporting event? Nope. The orange despot won't have it. Let's take a look at what he thinks about Mexicans.
"When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best... They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists."
Penso has been burned. I think the fact that she didn’t get a match over Elfath tells me, she is done.
DeleteSpain-Belgium: Michael Oliver
ReplyDeleteJust published by FIFA
DeleteNice management Spain in sequence had 2 English refs...
DeleteSpain vs Belgium
ReplyDeleteReferee: OLIVER Michael (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: BURT Stuart (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: MAINWARING James (ENG)
Fourth Official: RAMON ABATTI (BRA)
Reserve AR : RAFAEL ALVES (BRA)
I heard inside the leading candidate for the final is Faghani as a "send-off game" after Ish had to be sent to the monitor for the penalty
ReplyDeleteBut Faghani also had two OFRs.
DeleteNothing makes sense in this competition anymore.
Yes but Ish thought the penalty was simulation of. Faghani's incident were more "acceptable" especially the kane penalty. but yes i agree nothing makes sense
DeleteAn Iranian is not getting the final in the USA....
DeleteBut Faghani publicly opposes the current regime in Tehran, no?
DeleteAlso that they weren't too happy with Makhadmeh describing him as a "robot"
ReplyDeleteIs Turpin a possibility in England-Norway? Also wondering who will end up *failing* Argentina-Switzerland (no matter who referees the outcome/optics is always the same). Also why not Ramos in France-Morocco, Tello is unnecessary imo.
ReplyDeleteI hope to see Turpin, given performance and experience he deserves an other game
DeleteI’m 99% sure Turpin will be the man for Eng Nor. No violation of confederation neutrality. A big football focused game, sounds like a typical UCL Turpin-like game. Plus, it is probably the last call to appoint Turpin, assuming France will beat Morocco.
DeleteIvan Barton is the best referee in the tournament. I hope he gets to officiate at least one more game; he deserves it..
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteI disagree. He was not bad, but definitely not the best. Too chaotic for the biggest games.
DeletePredictions:
ReplyDeleteENG-NOR Turpen
ARG-SWI Vincic
My predicition for Argentine Swiss- Vincic, so we can expect confederation neutrality will be broken there. About England Norway- would give it to Letexier. Second choice would be Turpin!
ReplyDeleteLetexier immediately after the latest RO16
DeleteA somewhat surprising nomination for Oliver, but certainly deserved. So who can we expect to see in NOR-ENG? Turpin or Marciniak seem possible.
ReplyDeleteEven more interesting is who will get the ARG-SUI. I wonder if it will be Vincic and they will break the confederation's neutrality rule.
ReplyDeleteI dont know what to make of Olivers appointment...... is it a last hurrah or is it covering him in case England make it to the semis? In which case surely Turpin makes an appearance somewhere too
ReplyDeleteI thought Abtatti went home so interesting hes still here.
I think it's the latter preparing for a situation where England and France advances - which you're right does mean we could see Turpin one more time. I wonder if they'll wait to see France v Morocco match first before appointing Turpin - if France loses then Turpin could referee the other semis .
DeleteDoes anyone know what happened to Kovacs? I never hear his name mentioned anymore
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a bit strange, that he wasn't appointed as 4th official yet. So there is a very small chance, that we misunderstood his status and he could still get a game.
DeleteIf I am seeing it correctly, Kovacs, Mohamed, Marciniak and Ramos are the only referees without appearance in the KO stage so far.
Marciniak and Ramos are expected to get another game, Mohamed might get a SF 4th for some CAF representation, but the plan for Kovacs is unclear.
I won't be surprised if the final will go to Vincic or Mariani
ReplyDeleteVery good appointment for Oliver
ReplyDeleteBy now everything in this competition has become so absurdly weird (including referee performances and appointments) I have big trouble justifying myself to continue watching it.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that is also importnat. We will se will Brisard be appointed again in VAR Room. If that happend,meaning the good job!
ReplyDelete+1 usually the way that the Referee Committee show they are happy wth performances.
DeleteBy the way, some flowers to me called it will be Oliver for Spain Belgium after full time at USA BEG ,
ReplyDeleteFor your information Oliver has the best outstanding ref from UEFA along . but all I saw down play his performances with EASY MATCH nonsense
How can say easy game at the biggest stage of the ALL and U all look surprised as I repeatedly mentioned Taylor is among the best and given a Derby KO
Even though Iván Barton is only 34 years old, he was one of the best referees in this tournament. It seems impossible for him to be assigned to a final match due to his age, but I think he will be appointed to the bronze medal match.
ReplyDeleteIMO, what should happen is, that the best performers from each confederation are used for the final 4 games.
ReplyDeleteI.e. Valenzuela for CONMEBOL, Barton for CONCACAF and Makhadmeh for AFC.
For UEFA it's more difficult, because the best performers might be hindered by their national teams and after that it's tight (between Pinheiro, Nyberg and Vincic in my opinion). I would wait for the exact games before taking a decision there (e.g. Pinheiro for ESP and Nyberg for NOR also seems quite unlikely).
The permutation between those 4 last referees also should depend on the pairings, that happen.
For this to be plausible, Ramos in ARG-SUI and Marciniak NOR-ENG would supply those referees, who probably also need another game.
Sampaio would be out in that case, but he had three nice appointments and wasn't among the top10 performers IMO, so I would deem that acceptable.
That is more my wish than a prediction. :)
If FIFA CHOOSE CONFEDRATION NEUTRALITY IN FINAL ,AND NO UEFA, I WILL GO WITH FAGHANI AS FIRST AND ELFATH AS SECOND.
DeleteOn the topic of Barton:
ReplyDeleteOne must say that for each and every game involving the "dark arts" (Argentina and Paraguay in particular from what I've seen), the performance of Barton in PAR - TUR rises in esteem. During the match I did find his style and presence on the pitch somewhat excessive, bordering on aggressive. I now completely retract any such opinions.
What later games have shown IMO, in particular Jayed and Tantashev with Paraguay and Letexier to some extent yesterday, is that the "Barton way" perhaps has been the only way. I now wonder how many of the Uefa referees we would describe as "the best" could have kept such games under control in a similar way to what Barton accomplished in his debut.
If the ARG-SUI become another tight affair with Argentina then it will be interesting to see if it can be handled differentely. Perhaps Ramos is the best fit, speaking broadly I do feel an CONCACAF appointment is the preferred possibility.
+1
DeleteSure that Mariani will get a game . Perhaps, Norway - England or a semifinal. And Pinheiro will be the 4O of that game. Also Eskas will be in one game like 4O. And Marciniak will be the main referee of one semi final. And i think Kovac or Faghani will be in the final.
ReplyDeleteUnless Kovacs in final, all the rest you guessed is possible.
DeleteWell, Oliver is liked by Collina and the assignment is simply explained, giving him a possible last game, before he has to end WC due to England involvement. Same for Tello, maybe last game, but they could have waited a few hours more to be sure befiore releasing assignment.
ReplyDeleteAbout the rest, my idea is Mariani for Norway - England, he would be very good option for this game.
To follow, a very delicate match involving Argentina once again: there are several options, one could expect Ramos only because he still didn't get another game, but if Collina wants ro reward Barton, and he doesn't think the referee from El Salvador could get more, then he can appoint him again in quarterfinal for this game. He would repeat Switzerland in short time, but we know Collina broke several times this rule in past. Coming to AFC, the other possible options, Faghani must be listed, but maybe bigger plans for him?
Marciniak at this point can be expected in semifinal, knowing Collina (giving the Polish the maximum possible after 2022 final).
In the end we can draw conclusion that Collina is absolutely very comfortable in appointing the referees he likes and in this aspect maybe the technical assessments of previous games are not considered as first criterion!
And what exactly has Mariani done to deserve a 4th match ahead of proven(!) referees like Makkelie, Turpin and Vinčić, all of whom were already at the World Cup in Qatar four years ago?
DeleteLet’s face it: it would be another political appointment. He’s wasn’t on FIFA’s radar a year ago, only benefiting from Italy’s reshuffle after Guida and Massa failed, and he didn’t attend the Club World Cup.
It is possible that the referees you mentioned could officiate another match. I mentioned Mariani because he had performed very well in his last game, but if Collina decides that what the Italian referee has shown is enough, then that's perfectly fine and others can step in instead. Among the names, I think one could have doubts about Vincic given the current UEFA - FIFA conflict, yes, they shouldn't care, but you know how it can work sometimes. It will also be interesting to see whether the confederation criterion is kept including for the fina. Personally, I think that is the most likely scenario, but I wouldn't consider it 100% certain.
DeletePredictions
ReplyDeleteNorway England - Marciniak
Argentina Switzerland - Ramos
IIRC that was my prediction too somewhere
DeleteThe information is incorrect; there was no "support VAR," but rather stand-by VAR and AVAR officials who were on reserve duty at the stadium.
ReplyDeleteThis news has to be some kind of joke.
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/i/status/2074870914110439560
Do we really think if Argentina reach SF that Marciniak is an option fo their match after he handled 2 very talked about Argentina matches(France 22 and Algeria 26 where he failed to produce card for Messi)?
ReplyDeleteI dont think so,but given the fact that Fifa is running things with their incompetent decisions,nothing would surprise me...
My predictions: Mariani and Ramos for the remaining QF. Marciniak and Faghani in SF and Kovacs for the final
ReplyDeleteSo no KO games for Kovac straight to final from GS - has that ever happened before
Deletekovacs for the final mark my words.
ReplyDeletefaghani is a trash ref he will be sent home with marciniak. mariani will get european semi
ReplyDeletePlease with such terrible exclamations
DeleteFor me:
ReplyDeleteENG-NOR Turpin
ARG-SWI. Faghani
SFs: Ramos- Marciniak
FINAL: Makkelie
Are all CAF referees out of the picture? Maybe the 3rd place game could be an option.for one of them. Overall decent performance except for Ghorbal who was very disapponting.
ReplyDeleteElfath or Ramos for Final or 3rd place.
ReplyDeleteHosts have to get something.
Or maybe everything.
Ramos- after Sco-Bra? Final not even in dreams for him.
Delete@Ref Fot - We'll see. I think you might be in for a shock.
DeleteWell,it would be totaly unfair to Elfath,and especially Barton that Ramos led the final. And they are not only!
DeleteWell after Balogun's RC being rescinded and all of Argentina's favorable calls,I would not be surprised by anything anymore.
DeleteMy impression is that the appointments made so far — at least from a UEFA perspective — broadly reflect the referees’ standing within the European hierarchy in the recent season. Several officials who have generally received favourable evaluations but either played a limited role in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League or were involved in controversial performances (including Eskås, Nyberg, Pinheiro and Zwayer) have likewise not been appointed to any Round of 16 or quarter-final matches at this World Cup to date.
ReplyDeleteIn that regard, it is difficult to argue that UEFA’s and FIFA’s assessments of these referees differ fundamentally at present. More generally, FIFA appears to be favouring experienced officials for the tournament’s decisive stages. Indeed, the quarter-final appointments announced so far exactly mirror those made at the 2022 World Cup.
Prediction:
ReplyDeleteENG-NOR: Vincic
ARG-SWI: Faghani
SFs: Sampaio & Marciniak
FINAL: Makkelie
Faghani would be one of those most likely to officiate fairly with no favours so I'd be surprise if they assign Faghani to Argentina.
DeleteThe controversy surrounding Argentina v Egypt continues to rage.
ReplyDeleteNow former FIFA Fernando Guerrero from Mexico has spoken out. This man knows a thing or two about VAR. As he was selected as a VAR for Qatar 2022. Where he was even designated to the Final.
He stated the following
“The referee and VAR made a mistake by disallowing Salah's goal for @EgyptNT_EN.
There was no foul on the Argentine player; even if a foul *was* deemed to have occurred, it did not take place during the APP (Attacking Possession Phase). The Argentine team had plenty of time and space, and their defenders were well-positioned; they had three opportunities to regain possession but failed to do so. Therefore, this decision completely contradicts the VAR protocol, which dictates intervention only when there is a clear attack and the team that lost the ball has virtually no chance of winning it back.
Both VAR and the referee erred; they disadvantaged Egypt, resulting in their elimination.”
With all due respect. This opinion carries a lot more weight than any opinion stated here. This man had been there and done it. He definitely knows a whole lot more than any of us here.
My mind was already made up that the French led by Letexier had screwed up. Fernando Guerrero’s comment eliminates any and all doubt. The French crew led by Letexier got it wrong and the only just thing is to end their World Cup participation.
“””
DeleteFor decisions/incidents relating to goals, penalty/no penalty and red cards for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), it may be necessary to review the attacking phase of play which led directly to the decision/incident; this may include how the attacking team gained possession of the ball in open play.
“””
IFAB VAR PROTOCOL (https://www.theifab.com/laws/latest/video-assistant-referee-var-protocol/#principles)
With all myrespect for new forme a FIFA Fernando Guerrero, his opinion is clearly wrong, for ‘current’ IFAB VAR Protocol.
It's entirely understandable that a team (like Egypt) losing 2-3 in a match they were leading 2-0 with fifteen minutes remaining would be upset: it's understandable.
DeleteIt's unacceptable, however, to blame the defeat on the decision of the French Referee Team, a decision that was correct. It's a deplorable habit, present at all latitudes in any league, but just because it's commonplace, it shouldn't be considered acceptable.
We are referees, not journalists or players: our assessments must be based on facts and the rules, not on fan chatter, nor on a priori positions to attack or support one referee or another with no objectivity, balance or regulatory motivation at all.
Well,there must be some sorr of criterium that is the same for everyone, then you will have no theories and everything would be great.
DeleteInstead we have the world where Argetina scores vs Austria and no foul was given.
Completely different from what we saw yesterday.
You have questionable penalties that go far beyond this WC,even in Qatar where Argentina benefited from some questionable penalties.
And on top of that you have Messi that did not even get a card for his challenge against Algeria.
So yes,whenever Argetina plays a match there will be theories and some questions.
But let's be real:these questions and theories are not for nothing,this WC especially;after every Argentinian game,focus is only on ref and refereeing that allows countries like Argentina and Paraguay to be untouchable and to do whatever they like.
That's why I see them as number 1 favourites.
Cause this lenient style that every ref is instructed to have is benefited them so they almost have license to kill.
We talk about Paraguay not getting a card vs France,what about Argentina yesterday?
How many fouls,complaints,tackles and 0 cards.
So yes,when you look at history and calls that favoured them;fans,players,former players,refs and former refs have evry right to call them out.
Was it a foul? YES. Was it during a build-up to a goal? YES. He is factually wrong. They followed the VAR-protocol.
Delete@M:
ReplyDeleteI think you're mixing apples and pears.
Let's stick to the facts: according to the IFAB VAR Protocol, Letexier's decision was absolutely correct.
Then one can debate whether setting a high bar in this match was correct or not, both from a technical and disciplinary perspective. But this has nothing to do with Letexier's decision in ARG-EGY, a decision that may not be popular, but which, according to the rules, was correct.
As for the allegations of presumtivr favoritisms in favor of Argentina and South American teams, sorry but tbh they seem so offensive not to deserve a comment, especially if they are expressed in a blob of referees like this.
setting a high bar in this match was correct = setting a high bar in these WC matches was correct
DeleteSorry for taping mistake
You missed something: showing fewer cards to some teams = wrong
DeleteI dont know why you think that's offensive.
DeleteIs it really for you offensive to say that they have license to kill and they can do whatever they want?
Cause they can...
Did Paraguay do whatever they wanted cause ref applied lenient style vs France?Yes.
Does Argentina have freedom and uses WC lenient to their advantage whenever they make dangerous fouls flying tackles and with mobbing the ref in every match? Yes.
So where did you find offense in what I wrote?
And noone said Letexier decision was not correct.
But not the same criterium is seen in someof this matches and Argentina is perfect example.
Goal against Austria?
Yes and no VAR check.
Goal against them vs Egypt?
No,but after VAR check.
A day later, it becomes clear that everything is even more serious than it initially seemed. A poor, flawed performance by a referee is usually forgotten within a few days. But there are instances that are etched in the memory forever. You might not remember who won the final 10 or 20 years from now, but still remember an incident from a minor match. It seems the story of the Egyptian heist will be remembered for a very, very long time. Letexier will never be able to wash this stain off his reputation.
ReplyDeleteHe will have CL final in future,he had Euro Final.
DeleteBut I agree with you,he will forever be deemed as Argentina's ref or Egypt's thief.
Maybe time will heal wounds and people may forget but in this case I dont think so.
When you mention Rossetti,some will remember that he was great Italian ref.
But most of them will have minds on that famous no offside call 2010 when Argentina and Mexico played.
Some examples are there from the past like Ovrebo,Webb,Poll,Hanson that are remembered by 1 game.
Maybe this is Letexier 1 game that everyone will point finger.
And I have sympathy for Letexier . It's clear that he is just a puppet for the higher ups but he has to now shoulder the responsibility
DeleteMaybe, Valenzuela (with Mariani 4o) and Marciniak (with Sampaio 4o) for semifinals makes sense to me.
ReplyDeleteFinal/3rd-place will be handled by
Barton (available for any tie) / Turpin (no FRA, ARG, MAR) / Makhadmeh (no ENG) / Faghani (no ENG, FRA) / Sampaio (no ARG).
No restrictions with ESP, BEL, NOR, SWI.
My prediction for Final is
X (excluding FRA) - ARG: Faghani
FRA - ARG: Makhadmeh
X (ESP or BEL) - Y (non ARG): Turpin
X (FRA or MAR) - Y (non ARG): Barton
According to former FIFA referee Lahoz, speaking on RTVE, disallowing Egypt’s goal was the wrong decision.
ReplyDelete“For me, there was no clear foul. It was only a slight step on the side of the opponent’s foot, something for which we would not even award a penalty.
We saw a very similar incident involving Mohamed Salah inside the penalty area in the build up to Argentina’s winning goal and there was no intervention. That is exactly why consistency is so important.
If you disallow a goal for a foul in the attacking phase and go that far back in the sequence of play, the offence should be at least reckless or clearly impactful. Throughout this World Cup, the threshold for allowing physical challenges has been deliberately high. In that context, disallowing this goal for such minimal contact simply does not fit the spirit of the game.
According to ex FIFA referee and chair man of referees commission Pierluigi Collina this was the right decision. When you remember refereeing from this guy at Argentina - Netherlands…quite ridiculous comment !
DeleteInterestingly, in the predictions, Makkelie is either left out or tipped to officiate the final.
ReplyDeleteSorry if this has been asked already but is there any info on when there's going to be a list of some referees released?
ReplyDeleteArbitro Internacional reports, that only the support referees have returned home, but everybody else is staying until after the QFs.
Deletehttps://x.com/fifamedia/status/2075075333246574778?s=46&t=Ok5OCp_U1mZPFDKlm4EOGQ Pierluigi Collina himself tells Letexier and Brisard decisions are the good ones. « A foul is a foul ».
ReplyDeleteFinally. Bravo Collina!
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DeleteRidiculous yet predictable statement. He was never going to say otherwise. Anyways these VAR interventions for fouls in the APP make no sense. You can’t have a high threshold for what constitutes a foul except when it results in a goal. The line has to be the same. It was the same in the DRC-Uzbekistan match a goal got disallowed for a “foul” that wasn’t being called all match by Zwayer. This is just re-refereeing the game.
DeleteBravo Collina and Bravo Letexier 👏👏
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ReplyDelete*** Interview with Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer ***
ReplyDeleteThe Round of 16 ties have now concluded, and we are 96 matches into the FIFA World Cup™. What is your overall assessment?
Let’s start by saying that we have now played 50% more matches than at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and there are still eight more huge games to be played.
Overall, we are happy. However, with such a high number of matches played in a relatively short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as expected. When that happens, they are ready to work even harder to ensure they are fully prepared for the next match.
Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport. Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.
Equally, nobody can claim that FIFA Refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even by the FIFA President [Gianni Infantino]. He has always shown his full support for FIFA Team One while trusting us to work with complete independence. Match officials make honest decisions and, just like players and coaches, they always try to do their best.
Usually, during a competition, we prefer not to focus on specific incidents. However, as we recently clarified what match officials would be looking for when attacking players try to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from moving and being able to defend the goal, we also wanted to clarify another topic that has generated debate.
After every goal is scored, the VAR checks the attacking possession phase (APP). If a foul is identified in the build-up and is deemed to have had an impact on the goal, the VAR will recommend an on-field review. There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal.
An example of this came in the Argentina v Egypt game where Egypt No. 19 Marwan Attia clearly treads on the foot of Argentina No. 6 Lisandro Martínez.
We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears 'obvious', if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene.
Equally, if no foul is identified in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will advise the referee accordingly. Stepping on an opponent's foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul. Again, an example of this came at the end of the same game. The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt No. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina No. 10 Julián Alvarez.
Of course, there will always be an element of subjectivity in some decisions, but we are happy with how this principle has been applied throughout the tournament.
From link:
https://inside.fifa.com/refereeing/news/pierluigi-collina-we-are-not-influenced
So what if the foul of Egypt against Argentina would happen in the penaltybox would the result be a PK? And what if the incident with Argentina player against Salah at the end of the game was outside the box would it be easier to intervene. So what I mean is it is all very subjective. Maybe the team should appeal for a VAR decision and if you are wrong you lost your appeal.
ReplyDeleteExactly. Of course Collina is going to support Letexier, who’s being attacked from all sides right now. But this statement just reads: the decision taken by the referee was the correct one, the one they called a foul was a clear foul and the one they waved away was just “normal football contact”. These decisions were a lot more subjective than he’s making it seem, he even admits as much at the end. Especially when they have been trying to “let the game flow” and apply a high line for fouls.
Delete"Stepping on an opponent's foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul."
DeleteThat is the sentence, which explains, why the one situation was a foul and the other was not.
Also
"Regardless of whether the foul appears 'obvious', if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene."
makes clear, that we still have the "missed incident" condition for VAR intervention. If Letexier had seen the step on the foot, but evaluated it as no foul, VAR could have remained silent. But if the referee completely misses it, it is correct to let him decide in an OFR.
Also I think, that the potential pulling/holding penalty immediately before the Salah incident is the more critical situation. That must have been very close to a VAR intervention and probably only ignored, because the fouled player was deemed unlikely to get involved in play.
DeleteLetexier isn’t attacked from « all sides » as you mentioned Yk. We have understand you dislike him but stop to say non true facts. Neutral people are a lot to consider right decisions were made. As Pierluigi Collina said.
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