World Cup referee Raphael Claus and three other Brazilian FIFA match officials failed the FIFA fitness test during the pre-season course organized by CONMEBOL, at its headquarters in Luque, Paraguay. The information was verified by ESPN.
In addition to Claus, referee Ramon Abatti and assistants Fabrício Vilarinho and Fabrini Bevilaqua also failed the fitness test, held on the first day of the CONMEBOL seminar, which brings together referees from all member associations. All four match officials are part of the current FIFA List.
The event, which took place between January 13 and 18, included courses, training and other activities, aimed at the start of the new South American football season. Despite failing the test, the Brazilian quartet remained on Paraguayan soil carrying out these activities but will not be able to officiate matches in competitions organized by CONMEBOL, including CONMEBOL Libertadores and CONMEBOL Sudamericana, until they pass the fitness test. It is expected that CONMEBOL will organize a new test by the end of January. As the local championships are organized by each state's own federations, the quartet will be able to officiate in these competitions that open the national calendar. Claus, Fabrini and Vilarinho are already scheduled for games over the weekend. Ramon Abatti, in turn, was not selected in the Catarinense Championship.
Source: ESPN
