UEFA Champions League 2022/2023 – Group Stage (Matchday 6)

1 November 2022

FC Porto – Atletico de Madrid
Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Giallatini (ITA)
Fourth Official: Davide Massa (ITA)
VAR: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
AVAR: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Referee Observer: Michael Ross (NIR)

Bayer Leverkusen – Club Brugge
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Fabiano Preti (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Daniele Bindoni (ITA)
Fourth Official: Francesco Fourneau (ITA)
VAR: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
AVAR: Jerôme Brisard (FRA)
Referee Observer: Sokol Jareci (ALB)

Liverpool FC – SSC Napoli
Referee: Tobias Stieler (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Christian Gittelmann (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Mark Borsch (GER)
Fourth Official: Martin Petersen (GER)
VAR: Bastian Dankert (GER)
AVAR: Fedayi San (SUI)
Referee Observer: Kyros Vassaras (GRE)

Rangers – Ajax
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1: Mahbod Beigi (SWE)
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Söderqvist (SWE)
Fourth Official: Joakim Östling (SWE)
VAR: Marco Fritz (GER)
AVAR: Stuart Atttwell (ENG)
Referee Observer: Neale Barry (ENG)

Bayern München – Inter Milano
Referee: Ivan Kružliak (SVK)
Assistant Referee 1: Branislav Hancko (SVK)
Assistant Referee 2: Jan Pozor (SVK)
Fourth Official: Michal Ocenaš (SVK)
VAR: Dennis Higler (NED)
AVAR: Benoît Millot (FRA)
Referee Observer: Björn Kuipers (NED)

Viktoria Plzen – FC Barcelona
Referee: Radu Petrescu (ROU)
Assistant Referee 1: Radu Ghinguleac (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Mircea Grigoriu (ROU)
Fourth Official: Marcel Birsan (ROU)
VAR: Marco Di Bello (ITA)
AVAR: Ovidiu Haţegan (ROU)
Referee Observer: Matteo Trefoloni (ITA)

Olympique Marseille – Tottenham Hotspur
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Assistant Referee 1: Pawel Sokolnicki (POL)
Assistant Referee 2: Tomasz Listkiewicz (POL)
Fourth Official: Tomasz Musial (POL)
VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
AVAR: Bartosz Frankowski (POL)
Referee Observer: Martin Ingvarsson (SWE)

Sporting CP – Eintracht Frankfurt
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (SVN)
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič (SVN)
Fourth Official: David Smajc (SVN)
VAR: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
AVAR: Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
Referee Observer: Jon Skjervold (NOR)

2 November 2022
Real Madrid – Celtic FC
Referee: Stephanie Frappart (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Mikael Berchebru (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Pages (FRA)
Fourth Official: Johan Hamel (FRA)
VAR: Benoît Millot (FRA)
AVAR: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Referee Observer: Vlado Svilokos (CRO)

Shakhtar Donetsk – RB Leipzig
Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Simon Bennett (ENG)
Fourth Official: Darren England (ENG)
VAR: Christopher Kavanagh (ENG)
AVAR: David Coote (ENG)
Referee Observer: David Fernandez Borbalan (ESP)

Chelsea – Dinamo Zagreb
Referee: François Letexier (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni (FRA)
Fourth Official: Jeremy Stinat (FRA)
VAR: Jerôme Brisard (FRA)
AVAR: Marco Fritz (GER)
Referee Observer: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)

AC Milan – FC Salzburg
Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
Assistant Referee 1: Pau Cebrian Devis (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Roberto Diaz Perez (ESP)
Fourth Official: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (ESP)
VAR: Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
AVAR: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Referee Observer: Dejan Filipović (SRB)

Manchester City – Sevilla FC
Referee: Orel Grinfeeld (ISR)
Assistant Referee 1: Roy Hassan (ISR)
Assistant Referee 2: Idan Yarkoni (ISR)
Fourth Official: Gal Leibovitz (ISR)
VAR: Roi Reinshreiber (ISR)
AVAR: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Referee Observer: Nuno Castro (POR)

FC Copenhagen – Borussia Dortmund
Referee: Aliyar Aghayev (AZE)
Assistant Referee 1: Zeynal Zeynalov (AZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Akif Amirali (AZE)
Fourth Official: Kamal Umudlu (AZE)
VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
AVAR: Bartosz Frankowski (POL)
Referee Observer: Vladimir Šajn (SVN)

Juventus FC – Paris St. Germain
Referee: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (ESP)
Assistant Referee 1: Diego Barbero Sevilla (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso (ESP)
Fourth Official: Jose Munuera Montero (ESP)
VAR: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
AVAR: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Referee Observer: Emil Božinovski (MKD)

Maccabi Haifa – Benfica
Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Adam Nunn (ENG)
Fourth Official: Robert Jones (ENG)
VAR: Stuart Attwell (ENG)
AVAR: Dennis Higler (NED)
Referee Observer: Bernardino Gonzalez Vazquez (ESP)

Concacaf League Final 2022 (Second Leg)

2 November 2022

Alajuelense – Olimpia
Referee: Adonai Escobedo (MEX, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Enrique Bustos (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Jorge Sanchez (MEX)
Fourth Official: Bryan Lopez (GUA)

UEFA Youth League 2022/2023 – Domestic Champions Path (Round 2, Second Leg)

1 November 2022

Crvena Zvezda – AZ Alkmaar
Referee: David Fuxman (ISR, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Omer Barbiro (ISR)
Assistant Referee 2: Israel Feldman (ISR)
Fourth Official: Nikola Đorđević (SRB)
Referee Observer: Clayton Pisani (MLT)

2 November 2022
FK Rukh Lviv – Galatasaray
Referee: Nenad Minaković (SRB)
Assistant Referee 1: Nikola Rijavec (SRB)
Assistant Referee 2: Marko Živković (SRB)
Fourth Official: Jacek Małyszek (POL)
Referee Observer: Robert Malek (POL)

KRC Genk – Coleraine FC
Referee: Viktar Šymusik (BLR)
Assistant Referee 1: Siarhiej Kasaviec (BLR)
Assistant Referee 2: Siarhiej Firynovič (BLR)
Fourth Official: Simon Bourdeaud’hui (BEL)
Referee Observer: Calum Murray (SCO)

Hajduk Split – KF Apolonia
Referee: Yigal Frid (ISR)
Assistant Referee 1: Matityahu Yakobov (ISR)
Assistant Referee 2: Valentyn Kuzhevski (ISR)
Fourth Official: Ante Terzić (CRO)
Referee Observer: Draženko Kovačić (CRO)

MTK Budapest – Ashdod SC
Referee: Evangelos Manouchos (GRE)
Assistant Referee 1: Konstantinos Nikolaidis (GRE)
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Fotopoulos (GRE)
Fourth Official: Peter Zierkelbach (HUN)
Referee Observer: Vencel Toth (HUN)

AS Trenčin – Panathinaikos
Referee: Chrysovalandis Theouli (CYP)
Assistant Referee 1: Lambros Lambrou (CYP)
Assistant Referee 2: Georgios Charalambous (CYP)
Fourth Official: Balint Kiss (SVK)
Referee Observer: Ladislav Gadosi (SVK)

FC Nantes – Hibernian FC
Referee: Kari Havdanum (FRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Jorleif Djurhuus (FRO)
Assistant Referee 2: Jogvan Klakstein (FRO)
Fourth Official: Romain Lissorgue (FRA)
Referee Observer: Pascal Garibian (FRA)

AIK – Young Boys
Referee: Oleksiy Derevinskyy (UKR)
Assistant Referee 1: Dmytro Zaporozhenko (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Volodymyr Vysotskyy (UKR)
Fourth Official: Erik Mattsson (SWE)
Referee Observer: Stefan Johannesson (SWE)

UEFA Youth League 2022/2023 – Group Stage (Matchday 6)

1 November 2022

Viktoria Plzen – FC Barcelona
Referee: Visar Kastrati (KOS, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Granit Hyseni (KOS)
Assistant Referee 2: Lumturije Muhadri (KOS)
Fourth Official: Ladislav Szikszay (CZE)
Referee Observer: Matteo Trefoloni (ITA)

FC Porto – Atletico de Madrid
Referee: Andrei Chivulete (ROU)
Assistant Referee 1: Marius Badea (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Mihăiță Necula (ROU)
Fourth Official: Joao Afonso (POR)
Referee Observer: Michael Ross (NIR)

Liverpool FC – SSC Napoli
Referee: Thomas Owen (WAL)
Assistant Referee 1: Daniel Beckett (WAL)
Assistant Referee 2: Ceri Williams (WAL)
Fourth Official: Benjamin Speedie (ENG)
Referee Observer: Kyros Vassaras (GRE)

Rangers FC – AFC Ajax
Referee: Jan Machalek (CZE)
Assistant Referee 1: Marek Podany (CZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Petr Likar (CZE)
Fourth Official: Ross Hardie (SCO)
Referee Observer: Neale Barry (ENG)

Olympique de Marseille – Tottenham Hotspur
Referee: Saiat Qarabaev (KAZ)
Assistant Referee 1: Evgenii Belskii (KAZ)
Assistant Referee 2: Samat Tergeysizov (KAZ)
Fourth Official: Faouzi Benchabane (FRA)
Referee Observer: Sven Bindels (LUX)

Bayern München – Inter Milano
Referee: Damian Sylwestrzak (POL)
Assistant Referee 1: Adam Karasewicz (POL)
Assistant Referee 2: Bartosz Kaszynski (POL)
Fourth Official: Wolfgang Haslberger (GER)
Referee Observer: Björn Kuipers (NED)

Sporting CP – Eintracht Frankfurt
Referee: Pavel Orel (CZE)
Assistant Referee 1: Dan Vodražka (CZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Michal Volf (CZE)
Fourth Official: Hugo Silva (POR)
Referee Observer: Alan Sant (MLT)

2 November 2022
Shakhtar Donetsk – RB Leipzig
Referee: Luka Bilbija (BIH)
Assistant Referee 1: Goran Dujak (BIH)
Assistant Referee 2: Amir Kadić (BIH)
Fourth Official: Piotr Urban (POL)
Referee Observer: David Fernandez Borbalan (ESP)

Real Madrid – Celtic FC
Referee: Daniiar Sahi (KAZ)
Assistant Referee 1: Sergei Vasiytin (KAZ)
Assistant Referee 2: Denıs Labashov (KAZ)
Fourth Official: Manuel Perez Hernandez (ESP)
Referee Observer: Vlado Svilokos (CRO)

Bayer Leverkusen – Club Brugge
Referee: Miloš Bošković (MNE)
Assistant Referee 1: Srdjan Jovanović (MNE)
Assistant Referee 2: Nikola Radulović (MNE)
Fourth Official: Florian Exner (GER)
Referee Observer: Ferenc Szekely (HUN)

Chelsea FC – GNK Dinamo
Referee: Iwan Griffith (WAL)
Assistant Referee 1: Lewiss Edwards (WAL)
Assistant Referee 2: Johnathon Bryant (WAL)
Fourth Official: Carl Brook (ENG)
Referee Observer: Stephen Tanner (ENG)

AC Milan – FC Salzburg
Referee: Igor Pajač (CRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Ivan Mihalj (CRO)
Assistant Referee 2: Vedran Djurak (CRO)
Fourth Official: Daniele Minelli (ITA)
Referee Observer: Domenico Messina (ITA)

Manchester City – Sevilla FC
Referee: Martin Dohal (SVK)
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaš Vorel (SVK)
Assistant Referee 2: Milan Štrbo (SVK)
Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse (ENG)
Referee Observer: David Malcolm (NIR)

Maccabi Haifa – SL Benfica
Referee: Bolat Sariev (KAZ)
Assistant Referee 1: Dmitrii Belogradov (KAZ)
Assistant Referee 2: Yurii Tihoniyk (KAZ)
Fourth Official: Niv Shteif (ISR)
Referee Observer: Alon Yefet (ISR)

FC Copenhagen – Borussia Dortmund
Referee: Balazs Berke (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Balazs Szert (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Norbert Bornemissza (HUN)
Fourth Official: Jonas Hansen (DEN)
Referee Observer: Vadims Direktorenko (LVA)

Juventus FC – Paris St. Germain
Referee: Joey Kooij (NED)
Assistant Referee 1: Rogier Honig (NED)
Assistant Referee 2: Roy de Nas (NED)
Fourth Official: Lorenzo Maggioni (ITA)
Referee Observer: Alfredo Trentalange (ITA)

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Final 2022: Garcia (MEX)

30 October 2022

Final
Colombia – Spain
Referee: Katia Garcia (MEX, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Enedina Caudillo (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Mijensa Rensch (SUR)
Fourth Official: Bouchra Karboubi (MAR)
VAR: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)

AVAR: Casey Reibelt (AUS)

Match for Third Place
Nigeria – Germany
Referee: Anahi Fernandez (URU)
Assistant Referee 1: Nataly Arteaga (COL)
Assistant Referee 2: Supawan Hinthong (THA)
Fourth Official: Edita Mirabidova (UZB)
VAR: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)

AVAR: Shirley Perello (HON)

Makkelie’s red card appears to have a photo of himself on it

According to RefSix, the red card recently used by FIFA referee Danny Makkelie (NED) in the UEFA Champions League appears to have a photo of himself on it

American dream on display: Elfath ready for World Cup

From competitions around the world to MLS All-Star games, Ismail Elfath had made a name for himself as a soccer referee. “What attracted me to it is the competitive nature of it," said the 40-year-old Elfath. "Refereeing has huge competition in terms of moving up the ladder and getting into the next grade.” Elfath was selected for Major League Soccer in 2012. After hundreds of matches, and thousands of hours working on his craft, Elfath is now at the top of his profession: he was one of 36 referees selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. "Immediately some names and some faces flashed between my eyes," Elfath said. "People that helped me with that first appointment, with that first how to put on your badge, with that first where to go shopping for referee uniforms, where to put your cards. Things as small as that.”

Elfath had a much different title in 2001: American immigrant. He'd won a lottery to come to America from his home country of Morocco. “They don't tell you where to go, they don't choose anything for you. You have to look at a place to land," said Elfath, who had distant relatives in Austin and Indianapolis at the time. "I got on my dial up internet and tried to load up weather and pictures and a little bit of research. Austin kept checking boxes." Elfath pursued a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Texas. He started refereeing youth soccer for some extra cash. “The enjoyment part was instantaneous," Elfath said. "You feel like you're part of something that you love, and you see the passion and joy in the players.” Seventeen years later, after his first gig, Elfath is preparing for soccer's biggest stage. With the World Cup selection comes a specific training regimen monitored by FIFA. “Through electronic GPS units that track many parts of our physical training," Elfath said. "Monitor the load, monitor the distances, the speeds, the change of direction.”

Elfath will become just the eighth American to referee a World Cup. He was also recently named the 2022 MLS Referee of the Year. "He doesn't get frazzled on the field," said PRO referee director of senior match officials Mark Geiger. "He's stern. He's confident, but he also is very approachable, and I think that's a quality and a trait that the players truly appreciate." Geiger is the only American in history that's refereed two World Cups. “This is the pinnacle of soccer," Geiger said. "To get selected for a World Cup is the very highest honor that you can achieve." And now that he's standing out on a global level through the beautiful game, Elfath hopes his story resonates with others. “Maybe I'll try his path. Maybe I'll try his method. Maybe I'll try his approach to things," said Elfath about his journey. "For me, that's a big privilege and opportunity but also a responsibility to continue and not quit.” A man creating a legacy far away from home, in his new home. The American dream on full display. "You come in, you put in the work, and the opportunity is there. It’s not gonna be easy. Yes, there are stereotypes. Yes, people move up faster than others because of circumstances they can't control," Elfath said. "But that's known. So what? What are you doing about it? Don't worry, go put into work. Make it hard for people to say no to you.”

Source: SpectrumNews

CONMEBOL Women’s Libertadores Final 2022: Calderas (VEN)

28 October 2022

Final
Boca Juniors – Palmeiras
Referee: Emikar Calderas (VEN, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Migdalia Rodriguez (VEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Thaity Dugarte (VEN)
VAR: Maria Carvajal (CHI)

Match for Third Place
Deportivo Cali – America de Cali
Referee: Laura Fortunato (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Mariana Almeida (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Daiana Milone (ARG)

Bobby Madley returns to Premier League four years after sacking

Referee Bobby Madley will return to Premier League action at the weekend more than four years after being sacked for apparently mocking a disabled person. The 37-year-old will take charge of Saturday's clash between Brentford and Wolves, his first top-flight assignment since he lost his job as a result of what he later described as a "dark-humoured joke".

Madley, then 32, had officiated in 91 Premier League matches when the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) announced that he had left his job and "decided to relocate due to a change in his personal circumstances" in August 2018. He later revealed he had been sacked after sending a video to someone he "trusted" after being ribbed about a parents' race at his daughter's school and a newspaper article written by former referee Mark Halsey claiming he was making mistakes because he was overweight. In a post on therefereesword.blogspot.com in December 2019, he said: "The full page and headline of 'Blobby Bobby' may seem funny to some but, trust me, being fat shamed in a national newspaper is not a nice feeling. As I sat in my car with my phone in hand, a person walked past my car in front of me who had a walking impairment. The next part I am ashamed of. I took a six-second film, I said nothing. I did this in Snapchat, which is where I take all of my films that I intend to save to my phone. On the video I wrote, 'F**k me, I have a chance of winning the parents race this year.' Out of context I accept this reads shamefully. I accept that. However, my intention was that the joke was aimed at myself. Had I have sent this to anyone on Snapchat, then I would accept the decision that later came as a result. I didn't do that, though. I saved it to my phone. I sent it as a private text to somebody who I trusted. Somebody who understood the context of previous sports day comments and was aware of the fat shaming I had received. I regret taking the video, I regret sending that video and, whilst it was a dark-humoured joke, it was just that. A joke. It was not intended to shame anyone, it was not intended to be seen by anyone other than the person I sent it privately to in a text message on my own personal phone."

Madley, who regained his love for refereeing while living in Norway, announced in February 2020 that he was returning to the English game after accepting an opportunity to be a National List referee once again operating in League One and League Two. He took charge of Morecambe's 1-0 League Two win over Port Vale on October that year and has refereed 10 Sky Bet Championship games to date this season, the most recent Watford's 4-0 victory over Luton on Sunday.

Source: The Independent

UEFA Europa Conference League 2022/23 – Group Stage (Matchday 5)

27 October 2022

AC Fiorentina – Istanbul Başakşehir
Referee: Allard Lindhout (NED, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Mario Diks (NED)
Assistant Referee 2: Charles Schaap (NED)
Fourth Official: Edwin Van De Graaf (NED)
Referee Observer: Stefan Johannesson (SWE)

Anderlecht – FCSB
Referee: Manfredas Lukjančukas (LTU)
Assistant Referee 1: Vytenis Kazlauskas (LTU)
Assistant Referee 2: Mangirdas Mirauskas (LTU)
Fourth Official: Robertas Šmitas (LTU)
Referee Observer: Gylfi Orrason (ISL)

Villarreal – Hapoel Beer Sheva
Referee: Juxhin Xhaja (ALB)
Assistant Referee 1:Nertil Bregasi (ALB)
Assistant Referee 2: Dojando Myftari (ALB)
Fourth Official: Kreshnik Barjamaj (ALB)
Referee Observer: Miroslav Liba (CZE)

Austria Wien – Lech
Referee: Darren England (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Harry Lennard (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring (ENG)
Fourth Official: Nicholas Walsh (SCO)
Referee Observer: Laurent Duhamel (FRA)

Slovacko – FC Köln
Referee: Giorgi Kruashvili (GEO)
Assistant Referee 1: Levan Varamishvili (GEO)
Assistant Referee 2: Zaza Pipia (GEO)
Fourth Official: Davit Kharitonashvili (GEO)
Referee Observer: Ante Vučemilović-Šimunović (CRO)

OGC Nice – FK Partizan
Referee: Istvan Vad (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Vencel Toth (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Istvan Albert (HUN)
Fourth Official: Adam Farkas (HUN)
Referee Observer: Robert Schörgenhofer (AUT)

FC Vaduz – AZ Alkmaar
Referee: Donald Robertson (SCO)
Assistant Referee 1: Aln Mulvanny (SCO)
Assistant Referee 2: Ross MacLeod (SCO)
Fourth Official: Grant Irvine (SCO)
Referee Observer: Stavros Tritsonis (GRE)

Heart of Midlothian – RFS
Referee: Bram Van Driessche (BEL)
Assistant Referee 1: Yves De Neve (BEL)
Assistant Referee 2: Kevin Monteny (BEL)
Fourth Official: Kevin Van Damme (BEL)
Referee Observer: Cyril Zimmermann (SUI)

West Ham – Silkeborg
Referee: Joni Hyytiä (FIN)
Assistant Referee 1: Sami Nykänen (FIN)
Assistant Referee 2: Veli-Matti Leppänen (FIN)
Fourth Official: Antti Munukka (FIN)
Referee Observer: Gerard Perry (IRL)

Dnipro – Apollon Limassol
Referee: Antonio Nobre (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: Pedro Ribeiro (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Nelson Pereira (POR)
Fourth Official: Ricardo Baixinho (POR)
Referee Observer: Igor Pristovnik (CRO)

Molde – Djurgarden
Referee: Urs Schnyder (SUI)
Assistant Referee 1: Marco Zürcher (SUI)
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Zürcher (SUI)
Fourth Official: Sven Wolfensberger (SUI)
Referee Observer: Stephen Lodge (ENG)

Shamrock Rovers – KAA Gent
Referee: Julian Weinberger (AUT)
Assistant Referee 1: Maximilian Weiss (AUT)
Assistant Referee 2: Sara Telek (AUT)
Fourth Official: Alexander Harkam (AUT)
Referee Observer: Nicolae Grigorescu (ROU)

Ballkani – Slavia Praha
Referee: Morten Krogh (DEN)
Assistant Referee 1:Dennis Rasmussen (DEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Jesper Dahl (DEN)
Fourth Official: Mikkel Redder (DEN)
Referee Observer: Joao Ferreira (POR)

Sivasspor – CFR Cluj
Referee: Rohit Saggi (NOR)
Assistant Referee 1: Geir Isaksen (NOR)
Assistant Referee 2: Morten Jensen (NOR)
Fourth Official: Mohammad Aslam (NOR)
Referee Observer: Levan Paniashvili (GEO)

Basel – Zalgiris
Referee: Ali Palabiyik (TUR)
Assistant Referee 1: Serkan Olguncan (TUR)
Assistant Referee 2: Serkan Cimen (TUR)
Fourth Official: Ümit Öztürk (TUR)
Referee Observer: Thoroddur Hjaltalin (ISL)

Slovan Bratislava – Pyunik
Referee: Manuel Schüttengruber (AUT)
Assistant Referee 1: Roland Brandner (AUT)
Assistant Referee 2: Robert Steinacher (AUT)
Fourth Official: Sebastian Gishamer (AUT)
Referee Observer: Michael Johansen (DEN)

UEFA Europa League 2022/2023 – Group Stage (Matchday 5)

27 October 2022

Lazio – Midtjylland
Referee: Daniel Stefanski (POL, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Dawid Golis (POL)
Assistant Referee 2: Michal Obukowicz (POL)
Fourth Official: Damian Sylwestrzak (POL)
VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
AVAR: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Referee Observer: Bariş Şimşek (TUR)

Zürich – Bodo Glimt
Referee: Yevhenii Aranovskiy (UKR)
Assistant Referee 1: Semen Shlonchak (UKR)
Assistant Referee 2: Oleksandr Berkut (UKR)
Fourth Official: Vitaliy Romanov (UKR)
VAR: David Coote (ENG)
AVAR: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Referee Observer: Manuel Díaz Vega (ESP)

PSV – Arsenal
Referee: Marco Di Bello (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Alberto Tegoni (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Davide Imperiale (ITA)
Fourth Official: Antonio Rapuano (ITA)
VAR: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
AVAR: Abdulkadir Bitigen (TUR)
Referee Observer: Thomas Einwaller (AUT)

Fenerbahçe – Rennes
Referee: Novak Simović (SRB)
Assistant Referee 1: Nikola Djorovic (SRB)
Assistant Referee 2: Miloš Simovic (SRB)
Fourth Official: Andrija Stojanovic (SRB)
VAR: Matej Jug (SVN)
AVAR: Nejc Kajtazovic (SVN)
Referee Observer: Raymond Ellingham (WAL)

AEK Larnaca – Dynamo Kyiv
Referee: John Beaton (SCO)
Assistant Referee 1: Daniel McFarlaine (SCO)
Assistant Referee 2: Douglas Potter (SCO)
Fourth Official: Steven McLean (SCO)
VAR: Jarred Gillett (ENG)
AVAR: Peter Bankes (ENG)
Referee Observer: Miroslav Tulinger (CZE)

Ludogorets – Real Betis
Referee: Harald Lechner (AUT)
Assistant Referee 1: Andreas Heidenreich (AUT)
Assistant Referee 2: Maximilian Kolbitsch (AUT)
Fourth Official: Markus Hameter (AUT)
VAR: Sören Storks (GER)
AVAR: Christian Gittelmann (GER)
Referee Observer: Karen Nalbandyan (ARM)

Malmö – Union St. Gilloise
Referee: Roi Reinshreiber (ISR)
Assistant Referee 1: David Bitton (ISR)
Assistant Referee 2: Sagy Metzamber (ISR)
Fourth Official: Snir Levy (ISR)
VAR: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
AVAR: Jerôme Brisard (FRA)
Referee Observer: Leslie Irvine (NIR)

Union Berlin – Braga
Referee: Craig Pawson (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Lee Betts (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Daniel Cook (ENG)
Fourth Official: Simon Hooper (ENG)
VAR: Stuart Attwell (ENG)
AVAR: Christopher Kavanagh (ENG)
Referee Observer: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (ESP)

Sturm Graz – Feyenoord
Referee: Espen Eskas (NOR)
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Engan (NOR)
Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Bashevkin (NOR)
Fourth Official: Kristoffer Hagenes (NOR)
VAR: Harm Osmers (GER)
AVAR: Katrin Rafalski (GER)
Referee Observer: Haim Yakov (ISR)

Manchester United – Sheriff
Referee: Anastasios Sidiropoulos (GRE)
Assistant Referee 1: Polychroinis Kostaras (GRE)
Assistant Referee 2: Lazaros Dimitriadis (GRE)
Fourth Official: Aristotelis Diamantopoulos (GRE)
VAR: Marco Fritz (GER)
AVAR: Willy Delajod (FRA)
Referee Observer: Marian Ružbarsky (SVK)

Omonia – Real Sociedad
Referee: Tamas Bognar (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Balazs Buzas (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Peter Kobor (HUN)
Fourth Official: Balazs Berke (HUN)
VAR: Piotr Lasyk (POL)
AVAR: Pawel Pskit (POL)
Referee Observer: William Young (SCO)

HJK Helsinki – AS Roma
Referee: Tiago Martins (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: Rui Tavares (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Luis Campos (POR)
Fourth Official: Helder Carvalho (POR)
VAR: Luis Godinho (POR)
AVAR: Hugo Miguel (POR)
Referee Observer: Lutz-Michael Fröhlich (GER)

Freiburg – Olympiakos
Referee: Kristo Tohver (EST)
Assistant Referee 1: Karolin Kaivoja (EST)
Assistant Referee 2: Sten Klaasen (EST)
Fourth Official: Juri Frischer (EST)
VAR: Fedayi San (SUI)
AVAR: Dennis Higler (NED)
Referee Observer: Marinus Koopman (GER)

Nantes – Qarabag
Referee: Jakob Kehlet (DEN)
Assistant Referee 1: Lars Hummelgaard (DEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Victor Skytte (DEN)
Fourth Official: Jorgen Burchardt (DEN)
VAR: Jeroen Manschot (NED)
AVAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
Referee Observer: Peter Sippel (GER)

Crvena Zvezda – Trabzonspor
Referee: Joao Pinheiro (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Jesus (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano Maia (POR)
Fourth Official: Bruno Costa (POR)
VAR: Marco Guida (ITA)
AVAR: Fabio Maresca (ITA)
Referee Observer: Roberto Rosetti (ITA)

Ferencvaros – AS Monaco
Referee: Enea Jorgji (ALB)
Assistant Referee 1: Denis Rexha (ALB)
Assistant Referee 2: Ridiger Çokaj (ALB)
Fourth Official: Florian Lata (ALB)
VAR: Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
AVAR: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
Referee Observer: Fritz Stuchlik (AUT)

UEFA Futsal Champions League 2022/2023 – Main Round

25-29 October 2022

Group 1 – Roosdaal (BEL)

Referees
1. Grigori Ošomkov (EST, photo)
2. Kirill Naishouler (FIN)
3. Josip Barton (MKD)
4. Filipe Duarte (POR)
Timekeeper
Jiri Bergs (BEL)

Group 2 – Makarska (CRO)
Referees
1. Ondřej Černy (CZE)
2. Cedric Pelissier (FRA)
3. Dario Pezzuto (ITA)
4. Denys Kutsyi (UKR)
Timekeeper
Dino Kramar (CRO)

Group 3 – Gzira (MLT)
Referees
1. Stefan Vrijens (BEL)
2. Nicola Manzione (ITA)
3. Done Ristovski (MKD)
4. Miguel Castilho (POR)
Timekeeper
Andrea Naudi (MLT)

Group 4 – Galati (ROU)
Referees
1. Vedran Babic (CRO)
2. Vasilios Christodoulis (GRE)
3. Petar Radojcic (SRB)
4. Kamil Çetin (TUR)
Timekeeper
Valeriu Daianu (ROU)

Group 5 – Mostar (BIH)
Referees
1. Jan Kresta (CZE)
2. David Urdanoz Apezteguia (ESP)
3. Victor Chaix (FRA)
4. Lukaš Peško (SVK)
Timekeeper
Farik Keco (BIH)

Group 6 – Pristina (KOS)
Referees
1. Chiara Perona (ITA)
2. Vlad Ciobanu (ROU)
3. Admir Zahovič (SVN)
4. Daniel Matkovic (SUI)
Timekeeper
Besart Ismajli (KOS)

Group 7 – Prienai (LTU)
Referees
1. Nikola Jelić (CRO)
2. Javier Moreno Reina (ESP)
3. Marjan Mladenovski (MKD)
4. Cristiano Santos (POR)
Timekeeper
Šarunas Tamulynas (LTU)

Group 8 – Skopje (MKD)
Referees
1. Peter Nurse (ENG)
2. Eduardo Coelho (POR)
3. Ruben Santos (POR)
4. Aleš Mocnik Peric (SVN)
Timekeeper
Nikola Kostencev (MKD)

Ishimwe, first woman to referee at Beach Soccer AFCON

Burundi-born Cynthia Ishimwe has made history by being the first woman to referee a match at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations. Ishimwe was one of the match officials at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Mozambique 2022 fixture between Senegal and Madagascar in Vilankulo on 24 October 2022.

The moment was a major milestone for the advancement of women match officials in Africa and comes at the back of another historic feat achieved earlier this year at the Africa Cup of Nations whereby Salima Mukansanga, who led the first ever team of women match officials at Africa’s flagship event. The rise of Ishimwe is not incidental. For the last 18 months, CAF has accelerated its programs in advancing women match officials in Africa. CAF Head of Refereeing and Football Technology, Noumandiez Doue, said: “We are all proud of what Cynthia has achieved. It is a massive step in the right direction. This is a significant moment because it not only opens doors for other women match officials in Beach Soccer in Africa; it also sets the trend globally. But this moment is not achieved by luck; there has been a lot of work that has been happening behind the scenes to prepare match officials in Africa. The workshops, the training camps and the mentorship program has ensured that quality rises to the top. We are now seeing the positive trajectory and emergence of quality young referees and quality women match officials. This is thanks to the investment of CAF and FIFA in improving the standards.”

Ishimwe said it was the support and the CAF programs that have prepared her for such moment. “When I found out that I was going to officiate at the Beach Soccer AFCON, I couldn't hide my excitement. It is a great privilege to be chosen for the finals of an Africa Cup of Nations and this adventure has been nothing else than enriching. Moreover, I am surrounded by experienced referees who do not hesitate to share their knowledge. They push me to improve myself and give the best of me. I feel totally integrated and the atmosphere is very good within the group.”

Source: CAF

UEFA Women’s Champions League 2022/23 – Group Stage (Matchday 2)

26 October 2022

Real Madrid – Paris St. Germain
Referee: Jana Adamkova (CZE, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Maria Sukenikova (SVK)
Assistant Referee 2: Nikol Šafrankova (CZE)
Fourth Official: Veronika Kovarova (CZE)
Referee Observer: Ana Minić (SRB)

SKN St. Pölten – AS Roma
Referee: Tess Olofsson (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1: Almira Spahić (SWE)
Assistant Referee 2: Jilan Taher (SWE)
Fourth Official: Henrikke Nervik (NOR)
Referee Observer: Antonia Kokotou (GRE)

Chelsea FCW – KFF Vllaznia
Referee: Sabina Bolić (CRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Maja Petravić (CRO)
Assistant Referee 2: Gordana Katušić (CRO)
Fourth Official: Jelena Pejković (CRO)
Referee Observer: Ausra Kance (LTU)

Slavia Praha – VfL Wolfsburg
Referee: Katalin Sipos (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Judit Kulcsar (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Kristine Grigoryan (ARM)
Fourth Official: Sofik Torosyan (ARM)
Referee Observer: Kirsi Heikkinen (FIN)

27 October 2022
Juventus – Olympique Lyonnais
Referee: Marta Huerta de Aza (ESP)
Assistant Referee 1: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Eliana Fernandez Gonzalez (ESP)
Fourth Official: Zulema Gonzalez Gonzalez (ESP)
Referee Observer: Irina Mirt (ROU)

FC Rosengard – FC Barcelona
Referee: Lorraine Watson (SCO)
Assistant Referee 1: Vikki Allan (SCO)
Assistant Referee 2: Emily Carney (ENG)
Fourth Official: Kirsty Dowle (ENG)
Referee Observer: Silvia Spinelli (ITA)

Arsenal WFC – FC Zürich Frauen
Referee: Lina Lehtovaara (FIN)
Assistant Referee 1: Heini Hyvönen (FIN)
Assistant Referee 2: Tonja Weckström (FIN)
Fourth Official: Minka Vekkeli (FIN)
Referee Observer: Ivana Vlaić (BIH)

 
SL Benfica – Bayern München
Referee: Eleni Antoniou (GRE)
Assistant Referee 1: Chrysoula Kourompylia (GRE)
Assistant Referee 2: Georgia Komisopoulou (GRE)
Fourth Official: Anastasia Mylopoulou (GRE)
Referee Observer: Galina Doneva (BUL)

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 – Semi-finals

26 October 2022

Nigeria – Colombia
Referee: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Mihaela Țepușă (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Anita Vad (HUN)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
VAR: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA)
AVAR: Maika Vanderstichel (FRA)

Germany – Spain
Referee: Rebecca Welch (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Natalie Aspinall (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Franca Overtoom (NED)
Fourth Official: Maria Ferrieri Caputi (ITA)
VAR: Salome Di Iorio (ARG)
AVAR: Felisha Mariscal (USA)

Concacaf League Final 2022 (First Leg)

26 October 2022

Olimpia – Alajuelense
Referee: Drew Fischer (CAN, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Michael Barwegen (CAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Christopher Wattam (CAN)
Fourth Official: Rubiel Vazquez (USA)

UEFA Champions League 2022/2023 – Group Stage (Matchday 5)

25 October 2022

FC Salzburg – Chelsea
Referee: Sandro Schärer (SUI, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Stephane de Almeida (SUI)
Assistant Referee 2: Bekim Zogaj (SUI)
Fourth Official: Alessandro Dudic (SUI)
VAR: Fedayi San (SUI)
AVAR: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
Referee Observer: Lucilio Batista (POR)

FC Sevilla – FC Copenhagen
Referee: Benoît Bastien (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Aurelien Berthomieu (FRA)
Fourth Official: Jeremie Pignard (FRA)
VAR: Willy Delajod (FRA)
AVAR: Jerôme Brisard (FRA)
Referee Observer: Francesco Bianchi (SUI)

Dinamo Zagreb – AC Milan
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Assistant Referee 1: Pawel Sokolnicki (POL)
Assistant Referee 2: Tomasz Listkiewicz (POL)
Fourth Official: Tomasz Musial (POL)
VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)
AVAR: Bartosz Frankowski (POL)
Referee Observer: Alain Hamer (LUX)

Celtic – Shakhtar Donetsk
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük (NED)
Assistant Referee 1: Joost van Zuilen (NED)
Assistant Referee 2: Johan Balder (NED)
Fourth Official: Jeroen Manschot (NED)
VAR: Dennis Higler (NED)
AVAR: Pol van Boekel (NED)
Referee Observer: Markus Nobs (SUI)

RB Leipzig – Real Madrid
Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Giallatini (ITA)
Fourth Official: Daniele Doveri (ITA)
VAR: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
AVAR: Stuart Attwell (ENG)
Referee Observer: Vladimir Antonov (MDA)

Borussia Dortmund – Manchester City
Referee: Davide Massa (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Filippo Meli (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Stefano Alassio (ITA)
Fourth Official: Rosario Abisso (ITA)
VAR: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
AVAR: Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
Referee Observer: Alexandru Deaconu (ROU)

Paris St. Germain – Maccabi Haifa
Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Stefan Lupp (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller (GER)
Fourth Official: Sven Jablonski (GER)
VAR: Christian Dingert (GER)
AVAR: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Referee Observer: Vitor Melo Pereira (POR)

Benfica – Juventus
Referee: Srdjan Jovanović (SRB)
Assistant Referee 1: Uroš Stojković (SRB)
Assistant Referee 2: Milan Mihajlović (SRB)
Fourth Official: Momčilo Marković (SRB)
VAR: Marco Fritz (GER)
AVAR: Christopher Kavanagh (ENG)
Referee Observer: Martin Hansson (SWE)

26 October 2022
Club Brugge – Porto
Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Simon Bennett (ENG)
Fourth Official: Andrew Madley (ENG)
VAR: Christopher Kavanagh (ENG)
AVAR: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)
Referee Observer: Pascal Garibian (FRA)

Inter Milano – Viktoria Plzen
Referee: Andreas Ekberg (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1: Mehmet Culum (SWE)
Assistant Referee 2: Niklas Nyberg (SWE)
Fourth Official: Fredrik Klitte (SWE)
VAR: Bastian Dankert (GER)
AVAR: Christian Dingert (GER)
Referee Observer: Darko Čeferin (SVN)

SSC Napoli – Rangers
Referee: Halil Umut Meler (TUR)
Assistant Referee 1: Mustafa Eysoy (TUR)
Assistant Referee 2: Cevdet Komurcuoglu (TUR)
Fourth Official: Arda Kardeşler (TUR)
VAR: Abdulkadir Bitigen (TUR)
AVAR: Marco Fritz (GER)
Referee Observer: Terje Hauge (NOR)

Ajax – Liverpool
Referee: Jose Sanchez Martinez (ESP)
Assistant Referee 1: Raul Cabanero Martinez (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Inigo Prieto Lopez (ESP)
Fourth Official: Cesar Soto Grado (ESP)
VAR: Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez (ESP)
AVAR: Fedayi San (SUI)
Referee Observer: Costas Kapitanis (CYP)

Atletico de Madrid – Bayer Leverkusen
Referee: Clement Turpin (FRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos (FRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Cyril Gringore (FRA)
Fourth Official: Ruddy Buquet (FRA)
VAR: Jerôme Brisard (FRA)
AVAR: Willy Delajod (FRA)
Referee Observer: Tomasz Mikulski (POL)

FC Barcelona – Bayern München
Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Adam Nunn (ENG)
Fourth Official: Robert Jones (ENG)
VAR: Stuart Attwell (ENG)
AVAR: David Coote (ENG)
Referee Observer: Stefan Messner (AUT)

Tottenham Hotspur – Sporting CP
Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED)
Assistant Referee 1: Hessel Steegstra (NED)
Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries (NED)
Fourth Official: Jochem Kamphuis (NED)
VAR: Pol vanBoekel (NED)
AVAR: Dennis Higler (NED)
Referee Observer: Itchko Lozev (BUL)

Eintracht Frankfurt – Olympique de Marseille
Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano (ESP)
Assistant Referee 1: Diego Barbero Sevilla (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Angel Nevado Rodriguez (ESP)
Fourth Official: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez (ESP)
VAR: Juan Martinez Munuera (ESP)
AVAR: Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Referee Observer: Michael Riley (ENG)

FIFA World Cup 2022 Referee Fees

In 2018, at the World Cup in Russia, FIFA paid all referees a lump sum (salary) plus match fees. The referees were paid 57,000 euros for participation plus 2,500 euros per match. The assistant referees were paid 20,000 euros plus 1,600 euros for each match.

It seems that the payment system will change for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The referees will be paid $5,000 per match in the group stage and $10,000 per match in the knock-out rounds. The assistant referees and fourth officials will receive $2,500 per game in the group stage and $5,000 per game in the knock-out stage. For their part, the video assistant referees (VARs) will be paid $3,000 per match in the group stage and $5,000 per match in the elimination rounds.

Source: Diez

CONMEBOL Libertadores Final 2022: Loustau (ARG)

29 October 2022

Flamengo – Athletico Paranaense
Referee: Patricio Loustau (ARG, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Diego Bonfa (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Ezequiel Brailovsky (ARG)
Fourth Official: Facundo Tello (ARG)
Reserve AR: Facundo Rodriguez (ARG)
VAR: Mauro Vigliano (ARG)
AVAR 1: German Delfino (ARG)
AVAR 2: Juan Belatti (ARG) 

AVAR 3: Nicolas Gallo (COL)
Referee Assessor: Dario Ubriaco (URU)

UEFA Youth League 2022/2023 – Domestic Champions Path (Round 2, First Leg)

25 October 2022 

AZ Alkmaar – Crvena Zvezda
Referee: David Munro (SCO, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Sean Carr (SCO)
Assistant Referee 2: Craig Ferguson (SCO)
Fourth Official: Richard Martens (NED)
Referee Observer: Ruud Bossen (NED)

26 October 2022
Galatasaray – Rukh Lviv
Referee: Sander van der Eijk (NED)
Assistant Referee 1: Rogier Honig (NED)
Assistant Referee 2: Rens Bluemink (NED)
Fourth Official: Mehmet Türkmen (TUR)
Referee Observer: Orhan Erdemir (TUR)

KF Apolonia – Hajduk Split
Referee: Ishmael Barbara (MLT)
Assistant Referee 1: Roberto Vella (MLT)
Assistant Referee 2: James Muscat (MLT)
Fourth Official: Kreshnik Cjapi (ALB)
Referee Observer: Plarent Kotherja (ALB)

Coleraine FC – KRC Genk
Referee: Mohammed Al-Emara (FIN)
Assistant Referee 1: Turkka Valjakka (FIN)
Assistant Referee 2: Juuso Mantere (FIN)
Fourth Official: Shane Andrews (NIR)
Referee Observer: John Ferry (NIR)

FC Ashdod – MTK Budapest
Referee: Amine Kourgheli (BLR)
Assistant Referee 1: Juryj Chomčanka (BLR)
Assistant Referee 2: Viktar Hiecikaŭ (BLR)
Fourth Official: Nael Odeh (ISR)
Referee Observer: Shmuel Shteif (ISR)

BSC Young Boys – AIK
Referee: Marian Barbu (ROU)
Assistant Referee 1: Ferencz Tunyogy (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Imre Bucsi (ROU)
Fourth Official: Luca Piccolo (SUI)
Referee Observer: Andreas Schluchter (SUI)

Panathinaikos – AS Trenčín
Referee: Gustavo Correia (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: Tiago da Costa (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Paulo Bras (POR)
Fourth Official: Lazaros Rendifis (GRE)
Referee Observer: Georgios Bikas (GRE)

Hibernian – Nantes
Referee: Joonas Jaanovits (EST)
Assistant Referee 1: Aron Härsing (EST)
Assistant Referee 2: Neeme Neemlaid (EST)
Referee Observer: Kenneth Clark (SCO)

UEFA Youth League 2022/2023 – Group Stage (Matchday 5)

25 October 2022

Sevilla FC – FC Copenhagen

Referee: Vitor Ferreira (POR, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Luis Costa (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Nelson Cunha (POR)
Fourth Official: Jose Sanchez Villalobos (ESP)
Referee Observer: Francesco Bianchi (SUI)

RB Leipzig – Real Madrid
Referee: Matthew De Gabriele (MLT)
Assistant Referee 1: Jurgen Spiteri (MLT)
Assistant Referee 2: Edward Spiteri (MLT)
Fourth Official: Max Burda (GER)
Referee Observer: Vladimir Antonov (MDA)

FC Salzburg – Chelsea FC
Referee: Miloš Milanović (SRB)
Assistant Referee 1: Nikola Borović (SRB)
Assistant Referee 2: Boško Božović (SRB)
Fourth Official: Stefan Ebner (AUT)
Referee Observer: Robert Schörgenhofer (AUT)

GNK Dinamo – AC Milan
Referee: Ivar Kristjansson (ISL)
Assistant Referee 1: Birkir Sigurdarson (ISL)
Assistant Referee 2: Gudmundur Bjarnason (ISL)
Fourth Official: Ante Čuljak (CRO)
Referee Observer: Alain Hamer (LUX)

Celtic FC – Shakhtar Donetsk
Referee: James Robinson (NIR)
Assistant Referee 1: Andrew Nethery (NIR)
Assistant Referee 2: Ryan Kelsey (NIR)
Fourth Official: Peter Stuart (SCO)
Referee Observer: Markus Nobs (SUI)

Paris St. Germain – Maccabi Haifa
Referee: Kaspar Sjöberg (SWE)
Assistant Referee 1: Mark Josef (SWE)
Assistant Referee 2: Per Rehnlund (SWE)
Fourth Official: Romain Lissorgue (FRA)
Referee Observer: Luc Wouters (BEL)

Borussia Dortmund – Manchester City
Referee: Ondřej Berka (CZE)
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Vaňa (CZE)
Assistant Referee 2: Lukaš Machač (CZE)
Fourth Official: Florian Heft (GER)
Referee Observer: Jorn-West Larsen (DEN)

Benfica – Juventus
Referee: Genc Nuza (KOS)
Assistant Referee 1: Fatlum Berisha (KOS)
Assistant Referee 2: Bujar Selimaj (KOS)
Fourth Official: Flávio Dinis de Lima (POR)
Referee Observer: Joao Ferreira (POR)

26 October 2022
Club Brugge – FC Porto
Referee: Luca Cibelli (SUI)
Assistant Referee 1: Vital Jobin (SUI)
Assistant Referee 2: Bastien Lengacher (SUI)
Fourth Official: Jordy Vermeire (BEL)
Referee Observer: Andrejs Sipailo (LVA)

SSC Napoli – Rangers FC
Referee: Jasmin Sabotic (LUX)
Assistant Referee 1: Dani Balsa (LUX)
Assistant Referee 2: Rafael Morim (LUX)
Fourth Official: Federico Dionisi (ITA)
Referee Observer: Terje Hauge (NOR)

Inter Milano – Viktoria Plzen
Referee: Sandi Putros (DEN)
Assistant Referee 1: Rene Risum (DEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Deniz Yurdakul (DEN)
Fourth Official: Francesco Meraviglia (ITA)
Referee Observer: Sergejus Slyva (LTU)

FC Barcelona – Bayern München
Referee: Gergő Bogar (HUN)
Assistant Referee 1: Balazs Szalai (HUN)
Assistant Referee 2: Theodoros Georgiou (HUN)
Fourth Official: David Lopez Jimneez (ESP)
Referee Observer: Stefan Messner (AUT)

Eintracht Frankfurt – Olympique de Marseille
Referee: Michal Očenaš (SVK)
Assistant Referee 1: Adam Jekkel (SVK)
Assistant Referee 2: Andrej Hrmo (SVK)
Fourth Official: Nicolas Winter (GER)
Referee Observer: Michael Riley (ENG)

Tottenham Hotspur – Sporting CP
Referee: Vitalijs Spasjonņikovs (LVA)
Assistant Referee 1: Raimonds Tatriks (LVA)
Assistant Referee 2: Martiņš Svipsts (LVA)
Fourth Official: David Rock (ENG)
Referee Observer: Ichko Lozev (BUL)

AFC Ajax – Liverpool FC
Referee: Christian Ciochirca (AUT)
Assistant Referee 1: Michael Obritzberger (AUT)
Assistant Referee 2: Martin Höfler (AUT)
Fourth Official: Erwin Blank (NED)
Referee Observer: Rene Temmink (NED)

Atletico de Madrid – Bayer Leverkusen
Referee: David Šmajc (SVN)
Assistant Referee 1: David Gabrovec (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Tomaž Černe (SVN)
Fourth Official: Alvaro Rodriguez Recio (ESP)
Referee Observer: Bernardino Gonzalez Vazquez (ESP)

World Cup final referee Pitana retires

Throughout the entire 2022 Paraguayan football season, which is very close to coming to an end, one of the biggest regular topics of discussion has again been refereeing. The Referees Committee of the Paraguayan Football Association is currently headed by the Argentine Horacio Elizondo, who is accompanied by his compatriot Pablo Silva, but the contract of both Argentines comes to an end this year. It seems imminent that Elizondo will no longer be at the head of Paraguayan refereeing, despite the fact that President Robert Harrison, who will be re-elected on November 3, assured that at the end of the season the work of the Argentine will be evaluated and then will take a decision. Harrison was consulted about the possibility of Pitana's arrival in Paraguay and, although he praised his great career, he said that there is nothing decided in this regard.

While all this is happening, in Argentina referee Nestor Pitana, who is mentioned as the main candidate to replace Elizondo in the APF, slowly begins to say goodbye to professional refereeing. According to information from the journalist Gustavo del Puerto, from the Nacion Media group, Pitana has already said goodbye to his colleagues from Conmebol with an emotional message. In addition, Pitana’s last match in Argentina will be between Platense and Lanus, next Tuesday, October 25.

Throughout his career, Pitana refereed 320 games in the First Division of Argentina. He made history refereeing in all FIFA tournaments, including the World Cups in Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018, having much prominence in the latter, where he was in charge of the opening match and the final between France and Croatia.

Source: Versus

AFC Cup Final 2022

22 October 2022

Kuala Lumpur City – Al Seeb Club
Referee: Shaun Evans (AUS, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: George Larkindis (AUS)
Assistant Referee 2: Owen Goldrick (AUS)
Fourth Official: Jonathan Barreiro (AUS)
Reserve AR: Ryan Gallagher (AUS)
VAR: Christopher Beath (AUS)
AVAR 1: Kate Jacewicz (AUS)
AVAR 2: Alex King (AUS)

Bizarre conversation that led to Mateu Lahoz sending off Sergio Canales

Cadiz secured a surprising draw against Real Betis on Wednesday evening and, if anything, the hosts will have been disappointed not to have taken more from their 0-0 draw. It was a frustrating night for Manuel Pellegrini’s outfit, only made worse by Sergio Canales’ sending off in the dying moments. As Cadiz lined up a corner, Canales was engaged in conversation with referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz. The incident took place in the 96th and final minute of stoppage time. Without much apparent aggression, Mateu Lahoz brandished a yellow card and then another one and sent Canales off.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Canales’ first yellow was reported in the referee’s report as “making observations about the refereeing” and the second yellow card as “repeating observations about the refereeing after being cautioned”. The conversation between the two seems to have made it into the public space:

Canales: “Would you add one more minute?”

Mateu Lahoz: “If you keep talking to me, I’ll send you off.”

Canales: “If I can’t speak, then don’t ask me any more about personal matters.”

After which Canales plodded off without further remonstrations. It was Canales first red card in 450 matches and rules him out of Betis‘ home fixture with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, which could have significant ramifications on the race for European football. While the referee is entitled to enforce discipline on the pitch and this is likely only one account of the conversation, it does seem a little overzealous from Mateu Lahoz. Ultimately, fans will miss out on one of the best players in La Liga in one of the biggest games for what was a marginal call.

Source: Football Espana

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 – Quarter-finals

21 October 2022

USA – Nigeria
Referee: Iuliana Demetrescu (ROU, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Mihaela Țepușă (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Anita Vad (HUN)
Fourth Official: Edita Mirabidova (UZB)
VAR: Frida Klarlund (DEN)
AVAR: Maika Vanderstichel (FRA)

Germany – Brazil
Referee: Oh Hyeon-Jeong (KOR)
Assistant Referee 1: Fang Yan (CHN)
Assistant Referee 2: Xie Lijun (CHN)
Fourth Official: Pansa Chaisanit (THA)
VAR: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
AVAR: Shirley Perello (HON)

 
22 October 2022
Colombia – Tanzania
Referee: Ivana Martinčić (CRO)
Assistant Referee 1: Staša Špur (SVN)
Assistant Referee 2: Paulina Baranowska (POL)
Fourth Official: Maria Ferrieri Caputi (ITA)
VAR: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA)
AVAR: Lucie Ratajova (CZE)

Japan – Spain
Referee: Katia Garcia (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Enedina Caudillo (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Mijensa Rensch (SUR)
Fourth Official: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
VAR: Salome Di Iorio (ARG)
AVAR: Felisha Mariscal (USA)

CAF Women’s Champions League 2022

With just over 10 days left before kick-off of the second edition of CAF Women's Champions League in Morocco, CAF today announced the final list of match officials that have been selected for the competition. The tournament scheduled from 30 October to 13 November in the cities of Rabat and Marrakech, will see the technical contribution of 10 referees, 12 assistant referees and seven video referees. The selected referees are from 23 nationalities - giving a good spread across the continent. CAF Head of Refereeing and Football Technology, Noumandiez Doue said: “Relying on the quality and experience of the referees is essential to ensure a successful competition, especially after the resounding success and excitement during WAFCON 2022. Before each of our major tournaments, potential referees are regularly monitored physically, technically and medically, both at the country and zone level. This allows us to keep a constant eye on health, fitness, performance and to ensure that each candidate arrives ready to compete. In the last 12 months, we have held several workshops, training camps and other interventions focusing specifically on the advancement of women referees in Africa. This has resulted in 230 international women officials evaluated and the best make up the gist of the Women's Champions League. We are particularly proud of the women referees from Africa who are doing amazing work at FIFA level - from the FIFA Women's U-17 and the group that is preparing for the FIFA World Cup.” Under the guidance of experienced experts and quality assessors, the selected referees will be training in Morocco from 25 to 29 October. (Source: CAF)

Referees
1. Akona Makalima (RSA, photo)
2. Ndidi Madu (NGA)
3. Vincentia Amedome (TOG)
4. Shahenda El-Maghrabi (EGY)
5. Mame Faye (SEN)
6. Shamira Nabadda (UGA)
7. Sonia Kore (CIV)
8. Suavis Iratunga (BDI)
9. Antsino Twanyanyukwa (NAM)
10. Fatima El Ajjani (MAR)

Assistant Referees
1. Carine Atezambong (CMR)
2. Lidwine Rakotozafinoro (MAD)
3. Bernadettar Kwimbira (MWI)
4. Diana Chikotesha (ZAM)
5. Houda Afine (TUN)
6. Fanta Kone (MLI)
7. Mona Atallah (EGY)
8. Kanjinga Mujanayi (CGO)
9. Mariem Chedad (MTN)
10. Nafissatou Yekini (BEN)
11. Asma Ouahab (ALG)
12. Ihsane Nouajli (MAR)

Video Assistant Referees
1. Haythem Guirat (TUN)
2. Ahmed El-Ghandour (EGY)
3. Samir Guezzaz (MAR)
4. Dahane Beida (MTN)
5. Ahmad Heerallal (MRI)
6. Daniel Lareya (GHA)

Assistant Video Assistant Referee
1. Zakaria Brindisi (MAR)

Webb to start overhaul of Premier League refereeing in December

Howard Webb will be in charge of English football referees by the time the Premier League resumes on Boxing Day after its six-week pause for the World Cup finals. The new chief refereeing officer for Professional Game Match Officials will be in post from Dec 1 and will oversee the selection of match officials for the 17th round of fixtures on the bank holiday. The PGMOL managing director Mike Riley will hand over to Webb during the league’s hiatus but will continue to have some involvement until the end of the season. Telegraph Sport revealed in June that Webb would be coming back to take over one of the most high-profile and difficult roles in English football, the head of PGMOL which is co-funded and owned by the Premier League Football League and Football Association. Webb is currently general manager of the equivalent organisation in Major League Soccer. His contract in the United States comes to an end once the season finishes there next month with the MLS Cup final on November 5.

Webb, who refereed the 2010 World Cup final as well as the Champions League final that year, will come in with a wide-ranging remit to improve standards of officiating and Video assistant referee. His appointment is part of a major push for change at PGMOL and with the FA in how it develops the referees and assistants who it hopes will eventually move up to the select group one. Webb, 51, is expected to be a more public-facing leader of the organisation than his predecessors. He is expected to overhaul the preparation, coaching and assessment of referees and officials and try to raise the standard across the board. The Premier League clubs have thrown their weight behind the elite referee development plan which will fast-track the best officials through the pyramid much more rapidly than in the past. Webb will be assisted in the select group one by former referee Jon Moss, who was appointed manager of the group by Riley this summer. Martin Atkinson, who also retired in the summer from on-field duties, is the select group one coach. It was another high-pressure weekend for PGMOL after criticism from both Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp for Anthony Taylor’s decisions during Liverpool’s home win over Manchester City. Klopp was sent off for his aggression towards assistant Gary Beswick.

Source: The Telegraph

UEFA Women’s Futsal Euro 2023 Qualifiers – Main Round

19-23 October 2022

Group 1 – Vantaa (Finland)

Referees
1. Dominykas Norkus (LTU)
2. Stephen Vella (MLT)
3. Viktor Bugenko (MDA)
4. Fatma Tursun (TUR, photo)
Timekeeper
Eetu Silen (FIN)

Group 2 – Poznan (Poland)
Referees
1. Juan Boelen (BEL)
2. Norbert Szilagyi (HUN)
3. Cristiano Santos (POR)
4. Ugur Cakmak (TUR)
Timekeeper
Damian Grabowski (POL)

Group 3 – Fafe (Portugal)
Referees
1. Yiangos Yiangou (CYP)
2. Ibrahim El Jilali (NED)
3. David Schaerli (SUI)
4. Ozan Soykan (TUR)
Timekeeper
Ruben Santos (POR)

Group 4 – Brno (Czechia)
Referees
1. Moshe Bohbot (ISR)
2. Chiara Perona (ITA)
3. Monika Czudzinowicz (POL)
4. Dejan Veselic (SVN)
Timekeeper
Radim Cep (CZE)

World Cup referee Matonte involved in fraud complaints

Uruguayan referee Andres Matonte, who was appointed by FIFA to the World Cup 2022, appears to be involved in a series of fraud complaints. The referee of the controversial Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg match between Estudiantes de La Plata and Athletico Paranaense, was denounced by six victims who point to his brother, Marcelo, as the main person responsible and implicate him as a "participant" in the fraud.

According to the lawyer of the victims, Diego Murguia, "There are 6 victims. Andres Matonte acted as a necessary participant, inspiring confidence in the fictitious business involving the alleged victims, and his brother invoked him as a partner and guarantor." The amount of the scam amounts to 200,000 dollars. According to MVD Noticias, one of the victims mentioned that Marcelo borrowed money to set up a business. However, the return was never made, and the supply company does not exist. Aware of the situation, the Uruguayan Football Association is currently observing the case, but has not established any internal investigation nor has FIFA intervened in the case.

Source: Doble Amarilla

UEFA Women’s Champions League 2022/23 – Group Stage (Matchday 1)

19 October 2022

FC Zürich Frauen – Juventus
Referee: Ainara Acevedo Dudley (ESP, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Matilde Esteves-Garcia (ESP)
Assistant Referee 2: Rita Cabanero Mompo (ESP)
Fourth Official: Zulema Gonzalez Gonzalez (ESP)
Referee Observer: Esther Azzopardi Farrugia (MLT)

Bayern München – FC Rosengard
Referee: Jelena Cvetković (SRB)
Assistant Referee 1: Danijela Stojanović (SRB)
Assistant Referee 2: Ivana Jovanović (SRB)
Fourth Official: Milica Milovanović (SRB)
Referee Observer: Eleni Kyriou (GRE)

Olympique Lyonnais – Arsenal WFC
Referee: Ivana Projkovska (MKD)
Assistant Referee 1: Elena Soklevska-Ilievski (MKD)
Assistant Referee 2: Vjolca Izeiri (MKD)
Fourth Official: Irena Velevačkoska-Ristevski (MKD)
Referee Observer: Marta Bonaria Atzori (ITA)

FC Barcelona – SL Benfica
Referee: Alina Peșu (ROU)
Assistant Referee 1: Petruța Iugulescu (ROU)
Assistant Referee 2: Daniela Constantinescu (ROU)
Fourth Official: Cristina Trandafir (ROU)
Referee Observer: Sofia Karagiorgi (CYP)

20 October 2022
KFF Vllaznia – Real Madrid
Referee: Catarina Campos (POR)
Assistant Referee 1: Vanessa Gomes (POR)
Assistant Referee 2: Ana Silva (POR)
Fourth Official: Sara Alves (POR)
Referee Observer: Emilia Wnuk (POL)

VfL Wolfsburg – SKN St. Pölten
Referee: Abigail Byrne (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Melissa Burgin (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Georgia Ball (ENG)
Fourth Official: Louise Saunders (ENG)
Referee Observer: Lilach Asulin (ISR)

Paris St. Germain – Chelsea FCW
Referee: Ewa Augustyn (POL)
Assistant Referee 1: Katarzyna Wojs (POL)
Assistant Referee 2: Aleksandra Ulanowska (POL)
Fourth Official: Monika Mularczyk (POL)
Referee Observer: Jelena Banjeglav (SRB)

AS Roma – Slavia Praha
Referee: Volha Blockaja (BLR)
Assistant Referee 1: Nastassia Dančanka (BLR)
Assistant Referee 2: Darja Fiedčanka (BLR)
Fourth Official: Maryja Bujko (BLR)
Referee Observer: Paloma Quintero Siles (ESP)

Vasquez Franco, the triplets of Colombian refereeing

They were born on the same day, they think the same, they study the same and have the same goal: to be professional referees. Diana Isabel, Manuela and Maria Camila Vasquez Franco were born in Pennsylvania (Caldas) 19 years ago. Their passion for refereeing was inherited from Don Felipe, their father, a football, mini-football and basketball referee in the Caldense municipality and the entire region. Before becoming referees, they played volleyball and basketball.

All three sisters study Sports and Recreation Sciences at the Technological University of Pereira. They are in fifth, first and second semester, respectively. They have suffered in their own flesh the issue of machismo. “Refereeing in Colombia is still very sexist. It has happened to us that when we go to a field to whistle, they tell us that we have nothing to do there because we are women”, confessed Maria Camila. The triplets are identical genetically. A condition that has been in the lives of the Vasquez Franco sisters since they were babies, when their parents put different colored pacifiers on them so as not to confuse them. "For people who do not know us, we are the same, but for us we do see ourselves very differently," added Diana Isabel. On several occasions the three sisters have been together on the same playing field, a fact that has given rise to curious situations. "Here in Pennsylvania, we have had to make up the same trio with the three of us," said Manuela. They have been confused even at half-time, commented Maria Camila. “It has already happened to us that when the break ends and we go out for the second half, they ask us if the same bad one is going to referee the second half (laughs). We had to clarify it with the coaches, "explained Maria Camila.

“Our dream is to become referees with a FIFA badge”, added Diana Isabel. In their short, but ascending, career in amateur refereeing, they have had the opportunity to referee matches in both men's and women's tournaments. Although it seems a paradoxical fact, the triplets consider that it is more difficult to manage women. “Men are sometimes more respectful of our decisions. However, the responsibility is the same in any match, whether it is for men or women,” Manuela said. The crystallization of the Women's League in the country, beyond the fact that its duration is not ideal, is an opportunity for these young referees to aspire to be in the professional branch very soon. They want to walk the path of great Colombian referees who have marked history. One of their referents at the national level is Nicolas Gallo, also from Caldas, a member of a professional panel, international referee, regarded as one of the best in the continent, especially in the subject of VAR. “For all three of us, what Nicolas has done is a benchmark. We really like what his career has been. We recently had the opportunity to meet him. My sisters had the chance to assist him in a match. The path that he has had inspired us”, said Maria Camila. Although they have different personalities, the triplets would like to be together in a Women's World Cup. “We would love to participate in a World Cup. We don't know what destiny is going to bring us, but we are working towards that goal," said Diana Isabel. For the moment, the Vasquez Franco sisters will continue to gain experience in departmental and national competitions, hoping that very soon they will be able to make the leap to professional refereeing.

Source: El Pais

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 – Group Stage (Matches 17-24)

17 October 2022

USA – Morocco
Referee: Anahi Fernandez (URU, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Luciana Mascarana (URU)
Assistant Referee 2: Mihaela Țepușă (ROU)
Fourth Official: Susana Corella (ECU)
VAR: Sivakorn Pu-Udom (THA)
AVAR: Lucie Ratajova (CZE)

Brazil – India
Referee: Myriam Marcotte (CAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Ivett Santiago (CUB)
Assistant Referee 2: Mijensa Rensch (SUR)
Fourth Official: Dorsaf Ganouati (TUN)
VAR: Carol Anne Chenard (CAN)
AVAR: Lidia Tafesse (ETH)

New Zealand – Germany
Referee: Bouchra Karboubi (MAR)
Assistant Referee 1: Fatiha Jermoumi (MAR)
Assistant Referee 2: Soukaina Hamdi (MAR)
Fourth Official: Maria Daza (COL)
VAR: Letticia Viana (ESW)
AVAR: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA)

Nigeria – Chile
Referee: Maria Ferrieri Caputi (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Francesca Di Monte (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Elodie Coppola (FRA)
Fourth Official: Dorsaf Ganouati (TUN)
VAR: Lara Lee (AUS)
AVAR: Casey Reibelt (AUS)

18 October 2022
China – Spain
Referee: Odette Hamilton (JAM)
Assistant Referee 1: Stephanie Yee Sing (JAM)
Assistant Referee 2: Jassett Kerr-Wilson (JAM)
Fourth Official: Oh Hyeon-Jeong (KOR)
VAR: Tatiana Guzman (NCA)
AVAR: Felisha Mariscal (USA)

Colombia – Mexico
Referee: Rebecca Welch (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: Natalie Aspinall (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: Franca Overtoom (NED)
Fourth Official: Bouchra Karboubi (MAR)
VAR: Frida Klarlund (DEN)
AVAR: Omar Al Ali (UAE)

Tanzania – Canada
Referee: Pansa Chaisanit (THA)
Assistant Referee 1: Supawan Hinthong (THA)
Assistant Referee 2: Nuannid Donjangreed (THA)
Fourth Official: Edita Mirabidova (UZB)
VAR: Salome Di Iorio (ARG)
AVAR: Shirley Perello (HON)

France – Japan
Referee: Maria Rivet (MRI)
Assistant Referee 1: Queency Victoire (MRI)
Assistant Referee 2: Yara Abdelfattah (EGY)
Fourth Official: Susana Corella (ECU)
VAR: Sivakorn Pu-Udom (THA)
AVAR: Ekaterina Koroleva (USA)