Viktor Kassai has left the position of professional manager of referees of the Russian Football Association, announced RFS. The Hungarian specialist was appointed chief of the Russian referees on 9 January 2020 and his contract was valid until 2022.
“Ever since we were appointed, we have developed a new strategy and system to improve Russian refereeing, and our goal has been to enable our referee to work and develop to the highest European standards and conditions”, the Russian association’s statement quotes Kassai who said that he is proud of the results and is confident that the work he has started will be continued by his colleagues. “Since January 2020, six referees have emerged at the forefront of Russian football, young and talented referees have been promoted in the second division, and we have also launched training for female referees. Proof of the high standard of Russian refereeing is that we sent a referee to the European Championship, the Olympics, the World Cups for futsal and beach soccer. Russian referees led the European Super Cup match and the women's final of the Olympics".
Asot Hacsaturjanc, chairman of the Russian Referees Committee, thanked the Hungarian specialist for his work and the reforms he has begun, which will have an impact on Russian refereeing for a long time to come. Kassai's successor has not yet been appointed.
According to NS information, György Ring, a Hungarian who worked along with Kassai and who has retired as FIFA assistant referee due to his Moscow assignment, is also leaving the Russian Football Association, as he and his boss sent a farewell message to the Russian referees. In the spring, after the death of Sandor Puhl, news emerged that Kassai will return to Hungary to work in the MLSZ.
Source: Nemzeti Sport
