Friday, 13 November 2026

2026/27 UEFA Nations League - Referee Appointments MD5

Matchday 5 of 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, referee assignments.



Thursday 12 November 2026


League A, Group 1
18:00 CET - Izmir (ISONEM Park Gürsel Aksel Spor ve Sağlıklı Yaşam Merkezi)
TÜRKIYE vs. BELGIUM
Referee: Sandro Schärer SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Stéphane De Almeida SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Jonas Erni SUI
Fourth Official: Mirel Turkes SUI
Video Assistant Referee: Lukas Fähndrich SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Luca Cibelli SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Domagoj Vučkov CRO
UEFA Delegate: Duško Grabovac CRO

League C, Group 2
18:00 CET - Yerevan (Republican Stadium after Vazgen Sargsyan)
ARMENIA vs. CYPRUS
Referee: Orel Grinfeld ISR
Assistant Referee 1: Roi Hassan ISR
Assistant Referee 2: Idan Yarkoni ISR
Fourth Official: Gal Leibovitz ISR
Video Assistant Referee: Daniel Bar Natan ISR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Eli Hakmon ISR
UEFA Referee Observer: Dimitar Mečkarovski MKD
UEFA Delegate: Ilona Tkač BLR

League A, Group 1
20:45 CET - Milan (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza)
ITALY vs. FRANCE
Referee: Istvan Kovacs ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Mihai Marius Marica ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Ferencz Tunyogi ROU
Fourth Official: Szabolcs Roland Kovacs ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Cătălin Sorin Popa ROU
UEFA Referee Observer: Kóstas Kapitanís CYP
UEFA Delegate: Charles Schaack LUX

League A, Group 1
20:45 CET - London (Wembley)
ENGLAND vs. CROATIA
Referee: Morten Krogh Hansen DEN
Assistant Referee 1: Victor Skovbæk Skytte DEN
Assistant Referee 2: Steffen Beck Bramsen DEN
Fourth Official: Jens Grabski Maae DEN
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jakob Kehlet DEN
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Nobs SUI
UEFA Delegate: Peadar Ryan IRL

League A, Group 3
20:45 CET - Prague (epet ARENA)
CZECHIA vs. SPAIN
Referee: Nikola Dabanović MNE
Assistant Referee 1: Srđan Jovanović MNE
Assistant Referee 2: Vladan Todorović MNE
Fourth Official: Nikola Cvijović MNE
Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Volodymyr Petrov UKR
UEFA Delegate: Christian Kofoed DEN

League C, Group 1
20:45 CET - Tirana (Air Albania Stadium)
ALBANIA vs. FINLAND
Referee: João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro POR
Assistant Referee 1: Luciano António Gomes Maia POR
Assistant Referee 2: Hugo Manuel Freire Marques POR
Fourth Official: João António Ferreira Gonçalves POR
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bruno Alexandre da Silva Esteves POR
UEFA Referee Observer: Sascha Amhof SUI
UEFA Delegate: Peter Palenčík SVK

League C, Group 1
20:45 CET - Serravalle (San Marino Stadium)
SAN MARINO vs. BELARUS
Referee: Goga Kikacheishvili GEO
Assistant Referee 1: Davit Akhvlediani GEO
Assistant Referee 2: Davit Gabisonia GEO
Fourth Official: Irakli Kherkhadze GEO
Video Assistant Referee: Koba Revazashvili GEO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ángelos Evangélou GRE
UEFA Referee Observer: Ante Vučemilović CRO
UEFA Delegate: Hayri Çavuşoğlu TUR

League C, Group 2
20:45 CET - Podgorica (Gradski stadion Podgorica)
MONTENEGRO vs. LATVIA
Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Fourth Official: Bastien Dechepy FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Nicolas Rainville FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Luc Wouters BEL
UEFA Delegate: Milan Janković BIH

Friday 13 November 2026

League C, Group 3
18:00 CET - Chișinău (Stadionul Zimbru)
MOLDOVA vs. KAZAKHSTAN
Referee: Andrea Colombo ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Daniele Bindoni ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Giovanni Baccini ITA
Fourth Official: Kevin Bonacina ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Federico La Penna ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Yevhen Aranovsʹkyy UKR
UEFA Delegate: Sergei Hohlov-Simson EST

League A, Group 2
20:45 CET - Amsterdam (Johan Cruijff ArenA)
NETHERLANDS vs. GREECE
Referee: Rohit Saggi NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Anders Olav Dale NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Ole Andreas Skogsrud Haukåsen NOR
Fourth Official: Stian Røvig Sletner NOR
Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Valentín Pizarro Gómez ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefan Meßner AUT
UEFA Delegate: Maurice Johnston NIR

League A, Group 2
20:45 CET - Belgrade (Stadion Rajko Mitić)
SERBIA vs. GERMANY
Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Alfredo Rodríguez Moreno ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Carlos Álvarez Fernández ESP
Fourth Official: Víctor García Verdura ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Javier Iglesias Villanueva ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Chaim Ya'akov ISR
UEFA Delegate: Metin Kazancıoğlu TUR

League B, Group 1
20:45 CET - Glasgow (Hampden Park)
SCOTLAND vs. NORTH MACEDONIA
Referee: Michal Očenáš SVK
Assistant Referee 1: Adam Jekkel SVK
Assistant Referee 2: Tobiáš Pacák SVK
Fourth Official: Boris Marhefka SVK
Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Harald Lechner AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: László Vágner HUN
UEFA Delegate: Danny Meenan IRL

League B, Group 1
20:45 CET - Maribor (Stadion Ljudski vrt)
SLOVENIA vs. SWITZERLAND
Referee: Jasper Vergoote BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Michele Seeldraeyers BEL
Assistant Referee 2: Martijn Tiesters BEL
Fourth Official: Kevin Van Damme BEL
Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jonas Hedegaard Hansen DEN
UEFA Referee Observer: Paweł Gil POL
UEFA Delegate: Claude Runavot FRA

League C, Group 3
20:45 CET - Košice (Košická Futbalová Aréna)
SLOVAKIA vs. FAROE ISLANDS
Referee: Mohammad Al-Emara FIN
Assistant Referee 1: Turkka Joonas Valjakka FIN
Assistant Referee 2: Mika Lamppu FIN
Fourth Official: Peiman Simani FIN
Video Assistant Referee: Gianluca Aureliano ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Michael Fabbri ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Martin Atkinson ENG
UEFA Delegate: Oleg Harlamov EST

League C, Group 4
20:45 CET - Luxembourg (Stade de Luxembourg)
LUXEMBOURG vs. ESTONIA
Referee: Ishmael Barbara MLT
Assistant Referee 1: Luke Portelli MLT
Assistant Referee 2: Duncan Spencer MLT
Fourth Official: Slobodan Petrovic MLT
Video Assistant Referee: Paweł Malec POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Kornel Paszkiewicz POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Fredy Fautrel FRA
UEFA Delegate: Mario Đuran BIH

League C, Group 4
20:45 CET - Plovdiv (Hristo Botev Stadium)
BULGARIA vs. ICELAND
Referee: Florian Badstübner GER
Assistant Referee 1: Christof Günsch GER
Assistant Referee 2: Philipp Hüwe GER
Fourth Official: Robin Braun GER
Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Benjamin Cortus GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Sokol Jareci ALB
UEFA Delegate: Renáta Tomášová SVK

League D, Group 1
20:45 CET - Encamp (Estadi de la FAF)
ANDORRA vs. GIBRALTAR
Referee: Robert Hennessy IRL
Assistant Referee 1: Dermot Broughton IRL
Assistant Referee 2: Emmett Dynan IRL
Fourth Official: Damien MacGraith IRL
Video Assistant Referee: Kevin Clancy SCO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: John Beaton SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: Alieh Čykun BLR
UEFA Delegate: Engli Kokona ALB

League D, Group 2
20:45 CET - Vaduz (Rheinpark Stadion)
LIECHTENSTEIN vs. AZERBAIJAN
Referee: Kristo Tohver EST
Assistant Referee 1: Silver Kõiv EST
Assistant Referee 2: Sander Saga EST
Fourth Official: Joonas Jaanovits EST
Video Assistant Referee: Marko Liiva EST
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juri Frischer EST
UEFA Referee Observer: Þóroddur Hjaltalín ISL
UEFA Delegate: Fróði Danielsen FRO

Saturday 14 November 2026

League B, Group 3
15:00 CET - Pristina (Stadiumi “Fadil Vokrri”)
KOSOVO vs. ISRAEL 
Referee: Ivan Kružliak SVK
Assistant Referee 1: Branislav Hancko SVK
Assistant Referee 2: Ján Pozor SVK
Fourth Official: Peter Kráľovič SVK
Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Martin Dohál SVK
UEFA Referee Observer: Sergejus Slyva LTU
UEFA Delegate: Kris Bellon BEL 

League A, Group 4
18:00 CET - Oslo (Ullevaal Stadion)
NORWAY vs. WALES 
Referee: Oleksii Derevinsʹkyy UKR
Assistant Referee 1: Oleksiy Myronov UKR
Assistant Referee 2: Svitlana Hrushko UKR
Fourth Official: Dmytro Panchyshyn UKR
Video Assistant Referee: Jan Boterberg BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Denys Shurman UKR
UEFA Referee Observer: Peter Sippel GER
UEFA Delegate: Gerard Kennedy IRL

League B, Group 2
18:00 CET - Tbilisi (Mikheil Meskhi Stadium)
GEORGIA vs. HUNGARY 
Referee: Ondřej Berka CZE
Assistant Referee 1: Matěj Vlček CZE
Assistant Referee 2: Kamil Hájek CZE
Fourth Official: Ondřej Pechanec CZE
Video Assistant Referee: Sascha Stegemann GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Miroslav Zelinka CZE
UEFA Referee Observer: Edward Foley IRL
UEFA Delegate: Ronit Glasman ISR

League A, Group 4
20:45 CET - Braga (Estádio Municipal de Braga)
PORTUGAL vs. DENMARK 
Referee: Rade Obrenovič SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Jure Praprotnik SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Grega Kordež SVN
Fourth Official: David Šmajc SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Matej Jug SVN 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alen Borošak SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Markus Strömbergsson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Jonathan Leese ENG

League B, Group 2
20:45 CET - Belfast (Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park)
NORTHERN IRELAND vs. UKRAINE
Referee: François Letexier FRA 
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Jérémy Stinat FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Robert Schröder GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Éric Wattellier FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: René Temmink NED
UEFA Delegate: Jacques Antenen SUI

League B, Group 3
20:45 CET - Linz (Raiffeisen Arena)
AUSTRIA vs. REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 
Referee: Irfan Peljto BIH
Assistant Referee 1: Senad Ibrišimbegović BIH
Assistant Referee 2: Davor Beljo BIH
Fourth Official: Miloš Gigović BIH
Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dario Bel CRO
UEFA Referee Observer: Andrejs Sipailo LVA
UEFA Delegate: Jiří Novák CZE

League B, Group 4
20:45 CET - Solna (Strawberry Arena) 
SWEDEN vs. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 
Referee: Simone Sozza ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Stefano Alassio ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Davide Imperiale ITA 
Fourth Official: Giovanni Ayroldi ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Valerio Marini ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Rosario Abisso ITA 
UEFA Referee Observer: Luis Medina Cantalejo ESP
UEFA Delegate: Neil Morrow NIR 

League B, Group 4
20:45 CET - Bucharest (Arena Națională)
ROMANIA vs. POLAND
Referee: Sebastian Gishamer AUT
Assistant Referee 1: Roland Riedel AUT 
Assistant Referee 2: Santino Schreiner AUT
Fourth Official: Walter Altmann AUT
Video Assistant Referee: Manuel Schüttengruber AUT
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Josef Spurny AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Bernardino González Vázquez ESP
UEFA Delegate: Hristo Zapryanov BUL
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127 comments:

  1. Referee FIFA10 November 2026 at 10:05

    Some very insignificant observers appointed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. HChip10 November 2026 at 10:08

    Orel Grinfeld has the Cyprus game as per his social media post

    ReplyDelete
  3. Referee FIFA10 November 2026 at 10:12

    Kovacs for Italy v France

    ReplyDelete
  4. Philipp S10 November 2026 at 11:00

    Normal appointments for Schärer and Kovacs, surprising ones for Krogh and Dabanovic.
    Pinheiro's appointment confirms the impression, that he is heavily out of favour.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abdiaziz ahmed yousuf10 November 2026 at 11:45

      Mr phillip do you think there is promlem for pinheiro or they are preparing for him in big game in nations league or champions league

      Delete
    2. Mikael W10 November 2026 at 12:24

      About Pinheiro: "heavily" might be a bit harsh? I would have said that Albania-Finland is comfortably the most delicate League C tie in this November window and, due to the Euro 2028 qualification rules, I expected a pretty big name to referee it.

      Delete
    3. Philipp S10 November 2026 at 14:07

      OK, maybe I underestimated the importance, but being the first Elite referee (together with Grinfeeld) used in league C this year still stands out - especially if you did a WC QF and a CL SF in the same year...
      I don't see how that would be preparation for something. But if he performs well, better appointments should follow of course. I would expect a medium CL game (e.g. Inter-Stuttgart) next.

      Delete
    4. sr.info10 November 2026 at 23:54

      I’m with Philipp here. Pinheiro is still No. 4 in our UEFA referee ranking over the last 9 months, but over the last 3 months he’s down to No. 39. https://schiedsrichter.info/statistik/ranking/uefa-schiedsrichter/

      Since the CL semi-final Bayern–PSG he has hardly had a big game. Bodø–Lille was the exception, and now Albania–Finland in League C. Delicate or not, that’s a bitter appointment for someone at his level.

      Delete
  5. Edinrovic1910 November 2026 at 11:49

    A big assignment for Morten. Sandro Schärer usually worked together with Fedayi San. Instead of him, Lukas will be in the VAR room, which is quite interesting

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HB230010 November 2026 at 12:16

      Because Fedayi San is of Turkish origin.

      Delete
    2. Chefren10 November 2026 at 14:06

      Well, this seems to be the fate for Schaerer, having always to change teammates due to origins! It already happened with De Almeida many times. Didn't know that San is of Turkish origins.

      Delete
    3. HB230010 November 2026 at 14:29

      Fedayi San is of Turkish origin..
      When Sandro officiates Turkish team matches, the VAR referee is always Fähndrich . Additionally, Fedayi San has also been a VAR many times in the Turkish League, and he is generally the VAR referee in matches officiated by Umut Meler in Europe

      Delete
    4. HB230010 November 2026 at 15:12

      I found a video.. Mourinho walking around the pitch the day before the match. After greeting Sandro Schärer and his team, he was teasing Almeida in Portuguese 😂

      Delete
    5. HB230010 November 2026 at 15:13

      video.:
      https://x.com/ajansfenercom/status/1892250887059316789?a=Xys8JQjh-_bu2w8CbCk&s=46

      Delete
    6. Edinrovic1910 November 2026 at 15:32

      İ love mourinho and the video is funny, but is it legal for a manager to speak with the referees the day before the match ?

      Delete
    7. Swiss_reffan10 November 2026 at 18:09

      Why shouldn't it be legal? A good connection between the participants in the game is always advantageous, especially for a referee. Perhaps a manager hopes this will give him an advantage with the referee, but I really hope that referees on that level don't bother that.

      Delete
    8. HB230010 November 2026 at 18:24

      Mourinho always does this. When he was Fenerbahçe manager, he went to Turpin and Vinčić’s dressing rooms after the match, and both let him in. Referees with that level of experience won't be influenced by it

      Delete
    9. sr.info10 November 2026 at 23:56

      For Schärer this is a clear vote of confidence. He’s No. 16 in our UEFA ref ranking and now gets Türkiye–Belgium. A Swiss crew in Türkiye always has a certain flavour after the 2005 Istanbul play-off, so UEFA clearly isn’t worried about that, and the VAR swap to Fähndrich shows they’ve thought it through.

      Delete
  6. Chefren10 November 2026 at 14:10

    The most interesting assignment is Krogh in ENG - CRO, but they do that only because it's Nations League. Thinking about a path for the Danish seems rather a wrong prediction, at least according to how committee worked so far. However, we hope that a Danish referee can do that soon. We need a strong referee from that country.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren10 November 2026 at 14:13

      And let me add, a different name is assigned to a rather "big game", and here immediately a trusted VAR. Dankert, the best for UEFA. You can see that now officiating in UEFA top games has become a circle as result of how Rosetti has worked in recent years, they have all "tracked" in CL with trusted VARs and they follow closely referees, outside of that, one could even say "who cares?". OK, maybe I'm exaggerating the concept, but that's what one can clearly see from outside.
      Also, no trust once again for Romanian VAR in Italy - France, only AVAR. This is not an argument against Higler, but can we say the Dutch was always faultless? No.. so Sometimes they could even try. But they don't.

      Delete
    2. HB230010 November 2026 at 14:36

      If I'm not mistaken, England won 7-1 the last time they played Croatia. That's why I think they made this kind of appointment.
      They probably expect an easy game.

      Delete
    3. Chefren10 November 2026 at 17:20

      Current form of Croatia is surely another argument, indeed.
      Not the England - Croatia of some years ago.
      So, putting all clues together we can see how much trust they have in him.
      That's the aspect I don't like. Referees are used according to committee's point of views, not because they are good enough by themselves for a game.
      There is a huge gap in terms of consideration between the Elite / Trusted referees and all the others.
      It seems things couldn't have been done better, at least so far.

      Delete
    4. Philipp S10 November 2026 at 17:36

      Krogh should still have good chances for progress given his age and no other Danish referee reaching his level so far. But of course, he needs to use those chances well.

      Delete
    5. Chefren10 November 2026 at 17:46

      Philipp, you are right that he has still chances ahead, however how long has the Danish been under committee's focus?
      Time has passed, at a certain point one must draw at least an early conclusion, that doesn't seem to have been reached.
      Good enough or not to start a path? Referee 38 years old.
      It seems more because they have to appoint him, but not because they really trust in him. And that they are more worried about potential mistakes, than being firm in the assignment, giving credit.
      I can hardly change idea. We see always such management that seems to put the referee in limbo.

      Delete
    6. Swiss_reffan10 November 2026 at 18:00

      What do you mean with "they have to appoint him"? Why do they appoint him on such a game when they don't trust him and don't seem to have a path for him?

      Delete
    7. HB230010 November 2026 at 18:02

      I have high expectations for the Danish referee Mikkel Redder. He'll definitely be good.

      Delete
    8. David P10 November 2026 at 18:47

      I watched Mikkel Redder recently in Brighton in the UECL Group Stage. Appeared as a very talented and gifted young referee. I’d wager we’ll see much more of him.

      Delete
    9. Blogger10 November 2026 at 22:56

      Rumours suggest that Danish referee Morten Krogh received an impressive 8.6 rating for his performance in the Europa League clash between Juventus and Rennes.

      It was reportedly a highly challenging match, but Krogh delivered an excellent refereeing performance, getting all the key match-defining decisions correct, including penalty incidents and the appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

      As a result of this outstanding performance, Krogh has reportedly been appointed to referee the highly anticipated international clash between England and Croatia. This appointment would be a clear sign of the confidence in his abilities and recognition of his strong performances on the European stage.

      A huge achievement for the Danish referee 👏

      Delete
    10. sr.info10 November 2026 at 23:58

      Chefren, I think you’re spot on. Dankert is the clear No. 1 in our UEFA VAR ranking, so he’s exactly the safety net you’d pick for a surprise appointment. https://schiedsrichter.info/statistik/ranking/uefa-video-assistenten/

      Krogh is only No. 104 in our UEFA referee ranking, so Wembley is a big step for him, but it’s a step with a seatbelt attached.

      Delete
    11. Chefren11 November 2026 at 04:56

      @Swiss_reffan
      It's difficult to explain my point of view.
      Let's say that I have a different opinion.
      Next steps for Krogh will say more!

      Delete
    12. sr.info11 November 2026 at 14:06

      @Chefren, your point about trusted VARs holds well beyond Krogh. All four First Category referees in League A this window get a top VAR:
      – Krogh (No. 104 in our ranking) with Dankert (No. 1 VAR)
      – Alberola Rojas (No. 48) with del Cerro Grande (No. 5)
      – Dabanović (No. 54) with Kwiatkowski (No. 6)
      – Saggi (No. 27) with Cuadra Fernández (No. 15)

      Delete
    13. Fabrii64738812 November 2026 at 16:54

      Sr.info sorry, how do you know which VAR is in which position in UEFA?

      Delete
  7. Bgymn10 November 2026 at 20:36

    4th official of turkiye belgium is of turkish descent. Potential issue?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peter10 November 2026 at 21:17

      Mirel’s family is from Bosnia and Herzegovina, not Turkey.

      Delete
    2. HB230010 November 2026 at 21:34

      He isn't of Turkish origin, like Fedayi San, but he has a Turkish surname. :)

      Delete
  8. HB230011 November 2026 at 11:01

    Another good assignment for Saggi... Can we say he's Norway's number one referee right now ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren11 November 2026 at 11:44

      The question is rather another, before that: what happened with Eskas?

      Delete
    2. sr.info11 November 2026 at 14:04

      Not yet, at least by appointments. Eskås is still No. 9 in our ranking, Saggi is No. 27, though he’s the one moving up (33 → 27 this week). The momentum is clearly with Saggi: two CL league-phase games (Inter–Brügge, Lens–Como) and now Netherlands–Greece. Eskås’s last CL game was Sporting–Galatasaray in September. So let’s see where Eskås ends up.

      Delete
    3. Nerazzuri11 November 2026 at 14:07

      I think also Saggi has delivered when I watched him, he was solid, though I don't know what is happening with Eskas..

      Delete
    4. RefGERcologne11 November 2026 at 20:00

      I dont understand the harsh punishment on Eskas after the Sporting-Gala match. After his strong wc he deserves more trust IMO

      Delete
  9. sr.info11 November 2026 at 14:08

    Badstübner to Bulgaria–Iceland is an interesting one from a German perspective. He’s currently No. 2 among all Second Category referees in our ranking, behind Sam Barrott, and No. 66 overall, just one place behind First Category colleague Harm Osmers. https://schiedsrichter.info/statistik/uefa-schiedsrichter/ Another UEFA appointment strongly suggests the 35-year-old will move up to First in the winter.

    The bigger German question is the Elite group after Tobias Stieler’s announced retirement: will Germany keep four Elite referees in 2027?
    By our numbers, Osmers would be the closest candidate, but like Sascha Stegemann he’s already 41. Daniel Schlager (36), just promoted to First, looks like the long-term option, but probably not this winter.

    And for a tenth German FIFA badge, Florian Exner is seen as the frontrunner. He’s No. 7 in our DFB ranking. https://schiedsrichter.info/statistik/ranking/dfb-schiedsrichter/

    ReplyDelete
  10. Referee fifa11 November 2026 at 15:25

    Is Atkinson an important observer?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Edinrovic1911 November 2026 at 16:16

      He was a legendary referee, but I think he just recently started as an observer.

      Delete
    2. grumpy-ref13 November 2026 at 16:52

      the main question is: what makes an observer "important"? his vita as a referee? his position within an association? his personal ties to uefa commission members? what are the criteria to make an observer important? It is fascinating for me how many people speculate here if somebody is an important observer or not... a 8.2 with an "unimportant" observer could be worse, than a 7.9 with an "important" one...as unimportant and important observers use the same marking system...

      Delete
  11. Ref Fif11 November 2026 at 17:41

    Ref, are we looking at a potential new promotion to the elite level for Alberola?
    He’s increasingly gaining prominence and the committee’s attention.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Blindspot11 November 2026 at 18:35

    The sr.info rankings show how strange the current situation in Dutch refereeing has become. 🇳🇱

    Makkelie is #7 over the last nine months, but only #82 over the last three months. Meanwhile, Gözübüyük is suddenly #4 (!!) over the last three months. Does that really mean he’s a top 5 referee in Europe? Of course not.

    For me, this raises a more general question: how much can UEFA appointments influence our perception of a referee’s quality?

    Give a referee a few attractive, relatively low-risk CL and Nations League matches and suddenly he looks like a top referee. Meanwhile, others are given more difficult matches, with clubs in trouble (e.g. Makkelie with Zrvena and Besiktas), where the risk of complaints is much higher.

    We saw something similar with Mariani last season. A few nice appointments and suddenly he was presented as “the” leading Italian referee, although he only made it to the World Cup after Guida and Massa had failed. Or take Jablonski now in Germany. Top appointment after top appointment. Is he ahead of Siebert and Zwayer, who have far more experience in genuinely difficult matches at the highest level?

    The same questions can be asked about Gözübüyük. His recent appointments may look good, but I still have doubts about his match management, flexibility and disciplinary control, as we saw in Dortmund–Betis.

    Michael Oliver, on the other hand, really does stand out at the moment.

    Of course, UEFA needs to develop new referees. Nothing wrong with that. But match difficulty should be taken much more seriously when evaluating performances. A solid performance in a very difficult match can be worth more than an excellent one in an easy straightforward game where the referee can stay in the background.

    And perhaps Rosetti, and the Dutch representative within UEFA’s refereeing structure should also keep this in mind. Promoting new names is important, but experienced referees who regularly accept difficult, sometimes thankless assignments deserve recognition too. Especially when those matches carry a much higher risk of complaints.

    Ultimately, appointments can help build a reputation, but they don’t necessarily prove who the better referee is. And good referee management should be about finding the right balance between developing new talent and respecting veterans.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S11 November 2026 at 20:12

      Gözübüyük got 3 CL games, 1 CL play-off and 2 NL league A appointments. That's better than most other referees and put him on place 4.
      And yes, on the other hand, there is Makkelie with no games in those competitions this season.
      It doesn't show quality, but who is quite trusted by UEFA currently and who is not (unless there are unknown other reasons).
      So, when predicting following appointments (+ chances for finals and tournaments), this seems to a good indicator.
      Quality is a different factor, but one that is more subjective and harder to analyze.

      Delete
    2. Blindspot11 November 2026 at 21:33

      There is a big difference between giving referees opportunities and really trusting them in the toughest matches.

      Early season appointments don’t tell us much about trust imo. With 8 league-phase matches, UEFA has plenty of room to develop and promote new referees, and build their profiles. The real test comes in MD7–8, when qualification is at stake. That’s when I expect Rosetti to rely on proven referees like Turpin, Marciniak and Oliver.

      And that’s exactly my point about Mariani, Jablonski and Gözübüyük. Give them a few attractive, relatively easy CL matches and suddenly they can *look* like top referees. But looking good in a match with a natural flow and fair teams is very different from handling a difficult match full of KMIs, tension and pressure. I still have serious doubts about their ability to handle those games.

      Even sending a RefCom member to observe Jablonski in a one-sided Barcelona–Feyenoord match looks more like building his profile than seriously testing his abilities. 🤔

      And then there’s Gözübüyük getting 3 CL matches while Makkelie gets none. Does that really mean Gözübüyük is suddenly *miles* ahead? Makkelie had a UCL semi-final, the Italy play-off and a World Cup just a few months ago. I find that hard to believe. And while there is a big difference in their appointments,
      I don’t see the same difference in their “actual” refereeing level.

      To me, it’s quite clear who the UEFA RefCom (incl. Kuipers) wants to promote: Jablonski, Alberola Rojas and Gözübüyük. Last season it was obviously Mariani for political reasons.

      Early appointments show us who UEFA wants to push forward (with political agenda’s) - it says nothing about quality, or who UEFA really trust when the stakes are high.

      Delete
    3. sr.info11 November 2026 at 22:29

      Thanks for your thoughts, @Blindspot. Fair points. A ranking based on appointments is always backward-looking and can never fully reflect the quality of a performance or of a referee. That’s why we say clearly on the page that it measures who gets which games, not how they handle them.

      But it’s not meaningless either. We tested it on last season: the points would have predicted 5 of the 6 promotions from First to Elite in January 2026. So it does show who has momentum with UEFA, as Philipp says.

      And yes, a few less prominent games still move someone up quite a bit. But for the referees those games are valuable too: every international appointment is a chance to qualify for more. That’s why there are two views, 9 and 3 months. The 3-month list shows where someone’s path may be heading, and who might currently be getting a break or a bit of protection.

      Makkelie is a good example: only two games this season, both tricky ones (Pilsen–Red Star, Beşiktaş–Palace). His No. 7 over 9 months is mostly last season.

      On Gözübüyük, I’d be a bit more nuanced, Blindspot. His red card for Hjulmand in Stuttgart–Atlético was a good example of strong on-field decision-making: slightly delayed, but then clear and convincing. Dortmund–Betis didn’t go well, though. For me there were a few weak calls that led to eight cautions, several of them unnecessary (e.g. Bensebaini after clearly playing the ball). So it’ll be interesting to see which games he gets until the winter break, and how that changes if Makkelie gets going again.

      Delete
  13. Christ Mattelin11 November 2026 at 19:41

    Good appointment for Jasper Vergoote, who will become sooner than later Belgian Number 1 UEFA referee (he is already 2 at the moment). He is Elite material, but the Belgians have no influence whatsoever on Roberto and his team. It is a matter of time though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Euro Soccer Ref11 November 2026 at 19:52

      He is a very good manager but I still remember his nightmare performance in the Lech Poznań vs. Breiðablik UCL qualifier in 2025. I guess that game severely interfered with a potential quick progress through UEFA ranks. However, I hope he's finally back on the right track.

      Delete
    2. HB230011 November 2026 at 20:33

      What about Lothar D'hondt? After that famous incident in the Champions League qualifying round, he wasn't assigned by the UEFA committee for months. How is his performance in the Belgian League?

      Delete
    3. Castrilliman11 November 2026 at 22:36

      This for me is the huge problem in 2026 for UEFA/FIFA the new generation coming through are no match for the last 2 generations being:

      Generation 1: 2000-2010 - Collina (ITA) Merk (GER) Fandal (GER) Webb (ENG) Clattenburg (ENG) Michel (SLO) Meier (SWI) Busacca (SWI) Poll (ENG) Rossetti (ITA) Larrionda (URG) Pitana (ARG) Simon (BRZ)

      Generation 2: 2010-2022 - Brych (GER)
      Marcinak (POL) P.Loustou (ARG) Turpin (FRA) Vincic (SLO) Taylor (ENG) Oliver (ENG) Kassai (HUN) Makikele (HOL) Rizzoli (ITA) Faghani (IRA/AUS) Cakir (TUR)

      There are so many more …. But looking to the future this is my list 3 for 2026- and some are due to retire it’s pretty bare some are not yet elite fifa either.

      Faghani (AUS) Barton *****(SLV) Ramirez (ARG) Herrera (ARG) Oliver (ENG) Turpin + Letexiea (FRA) Kroij (HOL) Sander (SWI) Rivas (USA)

      But with the new fifa young ones there is a huge gap if you look back 10-15 years ago, I struggle especially in fifa to see trust in any new ones coming through… who can handle a big tough violation game where you would expect a referee to show extreme strength I struggle to see it. BARTON EL SALVDORE is my saving grace, without doubt he has it and he has it in ample ability… if he maintains 90 minutes of concentration he is someone I think will go on to become the worlds best. But fifa have a huge problem next 10 years.

      Delete
    4. Chefren11 November 2026 at 22:38

      Still not clear situation among Belgian referees, several have tried to stand out, but things went somewhat wrong for many of them. We know that Lambrechts has reached the Elite category. A year has already passed, but just a little can be said: for many reasons, it is as if he has remained at the point of his promotion, initially due to a conservative management by committee, along with other referees promoted with him, and then a medium-long-term injury that stopped him.
      In 2027, I think he should come out more.
      Following that, an attempt was made this summer with D'Hondt, but the project following that famous match seems to be in stand-by, we will see if it can resume or if they have shifted to other names.
      Previously, Visser had been unable to gain Rosetti trust due to too many OFRs in his games and a very negative specific match in the Champions League years ago, involving Real Madrid, if I remember correctly. In any case, we will see what Belgian refereeing will show in 2027.

      Delete
  14. Mouiz bousiouda11 November 2026 at 22:58

    My friends, following the appointment of István Kovács to officiate the marquee match of the fifth round between Italy and France, what are your predictions for the referees for the final round? Who will take charge of these major, decisive encounters: Spain vs. England, Belgium vs. Italy, and Germany vs. the Netherlands?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ref Fif12 November 2026 at 01:40

    Now that I’ve taken a closer look at Colombo’s assignment,
    I find it rather modest for such a promising Italian referee.
    I was expecting something more for him at this stage—
    something on par with what Alberola gets in the league A.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Edgar12 November 2026 at 10:19

    Across the first four rounds of the Nations League, a total of 10 Elite or Category 1 referees have not been appointed to any matches. Five of them received appointments this round, while the remaining five are Danny Makkelie, John Brooks, Damian Sylwestrak, Jakob Kehlet and Tamás Bognár. The lack of appointments for Kehlet and Bognár is understandable given their age, while Sylwestrak was always going to miss out this round due to his involvement in the U17 World Cup. That leaves the other two, whose situations are much more complicated.

    There has already been plenty of discussion about Makkelie. It is certainly puzzling that a referee who took charge of a Champions League semi-final last season has yet to officiate a single Champions League or Nations League match this season.Brooks' situation, however, is even more complicated.

    Following Taylor's retirement, the committee has seemingly assessed almost every English referee. First, during the September Nations League fixtures, Gillett was observed by Šajn; then, in October's Conference League, Barrott was observed by De Bleeckere. Last week, Kuipers also observed Kavanagh. But what about Brooks?

    In the summer of 2024, Brooks refereed the UEFA Youth League final, but he has been plagued by injuries ever since. First, an injury ruled him out of the Community Shield, which he had originally been appointed to referee. Then, he suffered another injury in the summer of 2025, forcing him to miss out on the opportunity to officiate at the U21 European Championship. In February this year, he was once again replaced by Kavanagh for a Conference League knockout-stage match that he had originally been assigned. This season, however, he has not been injured, yet he is still waiting for his Champions League debut and has not received a single Nations League appointment either. The whole situation is genuinely puzzling, particularly given the current shortage of English referees.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Referee fifa12 November 2026 at 11:04

    I would expect Kavanagh at some point next week….

    ReplyDelete
  18. HB230012 November 2026 at 12:21

    What happened to the assistant referees who worked with Vinčić for many years? Does anyone know? If I'm not mistaken, one of them was young.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sr.info12 November 2026 at 13:34

      Both of them – Tomaž Klančnik (born 1982, currently 43) and Andraž Kovačič (born 1985, currently 41) – haven't officially retired alongside Vinčić, though neither of them is particularly "young" anymore by international standards.
      However, you're spot on regarding their assignments: neither of them has received a single UEFA appointment since the World Cup final in July. As you already noted, the other top Slovenian FIFA referees like Rade Obrenović (who usually teams up with Jure Praprotnik and Grega Kordež) and Martin Matoša (often with Aleksandar Kasapovič and Matej Žunič) have their own established assistant teams.
      Without a regular main referee at the UEFA Elite/First level to team up with, Klančnik and Kovačič seem to have quietly stepped back from the international stage – or at least they are currently left without a spot in the active rotation.

      Delete
    2. HB230012 November 2026 at 13:54

      41 is still a young age for a referee.
      That's the worst part about being an assistant referee. Both of them were truly top-level assistant referees.

      Delete
    3. Skominafan12 November 2026 at 15:54

      As I know ar1 from Vincic Tomaz Klancnik has retired after final WC, the ar2 Kovacic as i can see from appointments in Slovenia has only been appointed as AVAR in domestic league. I have heard from other referees in Slovenia thah he has been injured sincer final or tje WC.

      Delete
    4. HB230012 November 2026 at 16:37

      Thanks for the info. Skomi

      Delete
  19. Philipp S12 November 2026 at 12:43

    Letexier is the first referee with a third appointment in this Nations League, again in a league B game.
    Derevinskyi another surprise in league A - apparently refereeing Juventus in EL is a good steppingstone...
    Second Ukrainian in that group after Balakin in DEN-POR.
    The rest of the Saturday set looks normal.

    ReplyDelete
  20. HB230012 November 2026 at 18:27

    Schärer awarded a soft free-kick, and following that call, Güler scored an unbelievable free-kick goal

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. adiro12 November 2026 at 22:00

      HB2300 didn't mention the perfect application of the advantage rule in a complicated situation (18') which enabled the attack mentioned above. In the first half there were a handful of great cases like this one - 7', 26'and 33' are the best examples. A wonderful performance in the first half. The second half was less convincing. Some dubious cases of foul detection (free-kick not given/given to the wrong side, etc. - 57', 70', 72', 83' are the most obvious examples), a mistaken call by the ref. for a goal-kick to Turkiye instead of a clear corner-kick to Belgium (89') and a wrong offside call by AR2, Erni (58'). However, the final conclusion should be clear- a very good performance by the Swiss ref. generally well assisted by both ARs.

      Delete
  21. Chefren12 November 2026 at 21:27

    Dabanovic OFR, handball penalty in CZE - ESP:
    https://streamin.me/v/ec83bde7

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. guest12 November 2026 at 21:46

      impossible to forsee and see.

      Delete
    2. RefNewGen13 November 2026 at 00:28

      + Dabanovic CZE - ESP 69' (OFR) (RC):
      https://streamable.com/attqgr

      Delete
    3. sr.info13 November 2026 at 10:04

      Thanks for the links. No blame for the handball penalty, that was a rare piece of stupidity by the player. The length of the review could have been shorter, though, in my view.

      The DOGSO situation was unfortunately a poor on-field decision by the very well positioned Nikola Dabanović (No. 54 in our UEFA ranking). The position was fairly central, and the other defenders were at least five metres away. A pity for the experienced Montenegrin.

      Delete
  22. Chefren12 November 2026 at 21:29

    So far, a quiet game for Kovacs, he could have shown a YC earlier but OK. Card shown now for kicking ball away. Italian commentator: "Correct by book, but very harsh referee". That's how they understand refereeing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Edinrovic1912 November 2026 at 21:50

      😅

      Delete
    2. Referee analyst12 November 2026 at 21:52

      Quite easy match but good Kovacs at all. Two correct YC IMO. No issue during first half in Milano.

      Delete
  23. Edinrovic1912 November 2026 at 21:49

    how was Sandro

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Swiss_reffan12 November 2026 at 22:14

      I think adiro replied to you some comments above. I only watched the second half and had the same feeling that Schärer wasn‘t as convincing as usual in this half. But no problems in keeping control of the game overall and apparently the first half was very good according to adiro.

      Delete
  24. Referee fifa12 November 2026 at 21:56

    Easy pickings for Krogh. Hardly heard his whistle all game.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Ex Eng Ref12 November 2026 at 22:00

    As I have said previously England games, in the main, are very easy to referee. Especially if you are getting the decisions you have to make right

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cassius12 November 2026 at 22:04

    kovacs looks quite fit. fast moving and often close to the action.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Chefren12 November 2026 at 22:05

    Correct penalty by Kovacs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RefNewGen13 November 2026 at 00:16

      Kovacs ITA - FRA 58' (PEN):
      https://streamable.com/zkgc48

      Delete
  28. Referee analyst12 November 2026 at 22:05

    Good Pk spot on by Kovacs live. Quite very obvious decision.

    ReplyDelete
  29. VG12 November 2026 at 22:06

    Interesting 1-1 by Croatia. Arm leads to a pass. But not unnaturally bigger and not deliberate. Then deemed as a deliberate play with control by the defender which cancelled offside. Despite being close to the goal, it should be seen as being in control of the ball since he clearly made a deliberate header with the possibility of playing to the goalkeeper.

    And correct penalty to England later.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Ex Eng Ref12 November 2026 at 22:06

    Good VAR involvement at Wembley. Defender never looks at the ball, holding is sustained and impactful. Not as obvious live so I don't blame the ref

    ReplyDelete
  31. Målilla12 November 2026 at 22:07

    Easy, nothing is easy. Now missed penalty but good intervention by VAR!

    ReplyDelete
  32. HB230012 November 2026 at 22:08

    Slavko Vincic received an award before the İtaly-France match at San Siro..

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Dfp9F3RFU98/?cplk=MWZhcHd3MXNpajVsaA%3D%3D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HB230012 November 2026 at 22:16

      Chefren, what is the story behind this award?

      Delete
    2. Chefren12 November 2026 at 22:18

      The "Giulio Campanati" International Award was established by the "Amici di Giulio Campanati" Association, together with the AIA "Meazza-Campanati" Milan Section, under the patronage of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and La Gazzetta dello Sport.

      The award, now in its seventh edition, will be presented on the San Siro pitch in the presence of FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, AIA President Francesco Massini, AIA Milan Section President Jacopo Ceccarelli, and the President of the "Amici di Giulio Campanati" Association, Giorgio Campanati.

      The Associationm founded in memory of "Presidentissimo" Giulio Campanati, a referee and international official for FIFA and UEFA who led the Italian Referees Association from 1972 to 1990, appointed a distinguished panel composed of refereeing executives, prominent former referees, media representatives, and football officials to elect the best referee of each WC.

      Delete
    3. Edinrovic1912 November 2026 at 22:18

      Rosetti is there too.

      Delete
  33. Chefren12 November 2026 at 22:17

    A very evident holding, but my wish is always the same, all VARs should call it, and this doesn't happen.
    https://streamin.me/v/fc517643

    ReplyDelete
  34. Referee analyst12 November 2026 at 22:18

    Two consecutive missed YC by Kovacs for Italy with a clear elbow on face and a big foul from behind on ankle. Furthermore, free kick for…Italy after that. Chaotic management here !

    ReplyDelete
  35. Chefren12 November 2026 at 22:20

    Second penalty whistled by Kovacs, clear contact, exaggerated reaction by attacker, but still correct and mandatory call.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Referee analyst12 November 2026 at 22:23

      Good call too. Yes.

      Delete
    2. RefNewGen13 November 2026 at 00:20

      Kovacs ITA - FRA 74' (PEN):
      https://streamable.com/8bs1ot

      Delete
    3. sr.info13 November 2026 at 10:11

      Two straightforward penalty calls for Kovács. But hey, look at his position for the second one! He’s practically on the players’ heels. That always makes me nervous, but in the end it’s brilliant, of course: when the whistle comes from three metres away, nobody protests anymore.

      Delete
    4. Unknown13 November 2026 at 10:38

      Correct penalty, of course, also close to action, but what disturbed me was movement of AR2 after decision. What did he suggest by it? Goal kick??

      Delete
  36. Ex Eng Ref12 November 2026 at 22:29

    Good offside AR2, whilst easy showed concentration of a player coming back

    ReplyDelete
  37. HB230012 November 2026 at 22:32

    Kovacs is not wearing his cool green boots today.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ex Eng Ref12 November 2026 at 22:33

    Just so wrong that a corner given incorrectly can be changed but not vice versa.
    Poor miss by on field officials for a corner to Eng. Surely VAR should be allowed to come on, especially as it very much clear and obvious

    ReplyDelete
  39. Philipp S12 November 2026 at 22:41

    Correct RC for SFP by Pinheiro in ALB-FIN - tackle from behind and hitting point on the knee pit.

    2nd YC by for dissent by Brisard in MNE-LVA. Just from the visuals maybe a bit harsh, but combined with the shouting it might be quite justified.

    Another OFR for Dabanovic for a clear DOGSO RC in CZE-ESP. Should have gotten it right directly, I think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S12 November 2026 at 22:43

      And a late 2nd YC for a reckless foul by Kikacheishvili in SMR-BLR: Correct decision

      Delete
    2. RefNewGen13 November 2026 at 00:44

      Pinheiro 67' (RC):
      https://streamable.com/1yobrm

      Brisard 57' (2YC) (!):
      https://streamable.com/635hg5

      Dabanović 69' (OFR):
      https://streamable.com/attqgr

      Kikacheishvili 90+3' (2YC):
      https://streamable.com/qag2m6

      Delete
    3. Chefren13 November 2026 at 04:20

      Excellent decision by Pinheiro.
      Brisard looking a bit aggressive with that second YC.
      Dabanovic, not a good game, two OFRs, the second for DOGSO very clear and red card should have been given live. Perfect direction of the ball for assessing that attacker would have had an OGSO.
      Good by the Georgian in San Marino with the second YC.

      Delete
    4. Hans13 November 2026 at 07:26

      More than a bit. The most positive way to put this is that this does not help to de-escalate the situation.

      Delete
    5. HB230013 November 2026 at 08:25

      He is trying to be like Turpin.

      Delete
    6. crn.ple13 November 2026 at 21:17

      I get what ur saying even if for me he is not doing that much to deserve those comments but the player coming head to head to a ref is unacceptable

      Delete
  40. Filip_MNE12 November 2026 at 23:25

    Brisard tonight showed why he was never close to elite. Horrible management of the game

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown13 November 2026 at 11:00

      I didn't see the match but in the situation mentioned above it was very bad. From starting point - no DFK given for offence of LAT player in central circle (possible YC) - to the end - clear mobbing by more MNE players including captain solved only by one YC but in this situation solving by the book didn't exist. Not a good image of two 1-st group Frenchmen (I only recently saw clips from BIH - POL).

      Delete
    2. Filip_MNE13 November 2026 at 12:26

      His foul detection was inconsistent throughout the game, two YC worthy fouls of Latvia players not given at all, YC for Krstovic in 1h for dissent just for asking why he made decision, first YC in 6th minute which set the tone for whole game could have been just a warning, it wasn't mandatory. He also didn't count seconds for throw ins, Sometimes it took over 10-15 seconds before ball was in play and he wouldn't even have started countdown.

      Delete
  41. HB230013 November 2026 at 08:40

    Brisard is successful as a VAR referee, but he doesn't show the same success on the pitch. Michael Oliver, on the other hand, is a poor VAR referee, but he is one of the best referees on the pitch. It would be best if everyone focused on what they specialize in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TC02100213 November 2026 at 22:10

      Quite a few of the ENG fifa officials haven't done VAR for a while now like Madley, Kavanagh,Jones and I don't think Barrott has ever been the main VAR since his promotion so it's interesting that Oliver still does it every few weeks.

      Delete
  42. crn.ple13 November 2026 at 21:20

    Good decision by VAR to disallow the greece goal but weird to do it without OFR, i think it's great to see it but not really sure if it respect the protocol, handball just before scoring a goal, it's a factual decision but here, he is not scoring with it, which most of the times don't deserve OFR but here the greece attacker is scoring it with his foot couple of seconds after.
    And btw if he falls from the contact it's a PK and maybe even a RC, so weird choice here imo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren13 November 2026 at 22:30

      I'm against the decision to allow VAR to overrule pitch referee for handball. Since handball is always controversial and there are many discussions, forme it would be good to invite referee to monitor. Factual decisions on the pitch are offside or not, goal or not and so on.

      Delete
    2. crn.ple13 November 2026 at 22:39

      Agree with that, the only exception for handball will be if the attacker scores directly with the hand in that case it's not necessary to recommend OFR but in the case of tonight game i think OFR was necessary.

      Delete
  43. Referee fifa13 November 2026 at 22:17

    OFR for a pen in SCO MKD by Očenáš.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren13 November 2026 at 22:29

      A classic situation in which keeper tries a save, but there is contact with attacker, referee should have whistled something live, even simulation if he thought about that.
      However, in this situation in my opinion an attacker can always create a contact if he wants. It's very hard to see a 100% penalty.

      Delete
    2. RefNewGen14 November 2026 at 00:00

      Očenáš SCO - MKD 72' (OFR) (PEN):
      https://streamable.com/iy34jn

      Delete
  44. Chefren13 November 2026 at 22:35

    Some OFRs I read about:
    Serbia - Germany Alberola Rojas, changing YC to RC, very common situation with a low contact that is not well seen / misjudged by officials.
    Slovakia - Far Oer Al Emara: awarding a penalty.
    To add, I didn't watch it, but it's reported about a very soft penalty by Badstubner in Bulgaria for the 0-1 by Iceland.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RefNewGen14 November 2026 at 00:20

      Badstübner BUL - ISL 16' (PEN) (!):
      https://streamable.com/vkct0p

      (Im sorry, I agree, this is a very soft penalty...)

      Delete
    2. RefNewGen14 November 2026 at 00:36

      Al-Emara SVK - FRO 27' (OFR) (PEN):
      https://streamable.com/n62n4e

      Delete
    3. Chefren14 November 2026 at 04:51

      Thanks for all clips.
      About Bulgaria - Iceland, WOW at first glance it looked to me even possible foul by attacker, putting the leg there, but now I understand why VAR supported. Very soft.
      In reality the penalty should have been removed.
      Also the penalty by Al Emara, the defender is already making his action, then attacker comes suddenly there, and you have contact. Those are never very clear penalties for me, and regarding VAR, they are in a very grey area, but in a competition like Nations League, we don't have the "strict" protocol by UEFA like in Champions like, so VAR are free to call what they see...

      Delete
  45. RefNewGen13 November 2026 at 23:06

    Colombo MDA - KAZ FT (RC):
    https://streamable.com/b47b2s

    ReplyDelete
  46. TC02100213 November 2026 at 23:11

    As well as the red mentioned above there was another red for Serbia late for something the Serbian player said to Alberola Rojas (I wasn't watching at this point so I think that was the reason) there was also a correct offside given on-field for Havertz jumping over a shot that ended up in the net while in an offside position.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Euro Soccer Ref13 November 2026 at 23:28

    SRBGER

    74' [OFR] RC for SFP
    https://streama.in/jIXJIid9PpkyCA4/watch

    89' RC for abusive language
    https://streama.in/J68SwvLAJWv3Iaq/watch

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  48. adiro13 November 2026 at 23:34

    Vergoote had a very easy onegame to handle. The Sloyvenia-Switzerland encounter was a show-piece of scrappy football but friendly behaviour with no malicious fouls. The ref. seems to have a good-natured personality which contributedto the peaceful atmosphere. Actually, the refereeing abilities of Mr. Vergoote were not tested in this match. Two small caveats: he and his ARs didn't react properly to the blatant hand-after-hand throw-ins used by Drkusic (Slovenia); and the ref. had just one "black-out minute (39')", where he didn't react to infringements by members of both teams. However, I liked his manner handling the game and conversing with the players.

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  49. RefNewGen14 November 2026 at 00:44

    Hennessy AND - GIB 63' (PEN):
    https://streamable.com/8gtd54

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