Proud referee Vinčić ready for Champions League final 'goosebumps'

For a referee, just like a player, there is no greater stage in club football than the UEFA Champions League final. To take part in such an occasion is an experience reserved for the luckiest few, a tiny percentage whose hard work and determination has led them to the top. On Saturday, Slovenia's Slavko Vinčić will become the latest official to have been bestowed the honour. "When I received the news, it was a very emotional moment and I am still feeling these big emotions as I talk about it, it's a very difficult thing to describe," says the 44-year-old. "I'm proud for myself and my team because we work very hard together.”

Vinčić, a father of two, also took charge of the 2022 UEFA Europa League final and is among the selected referees for UEFA EURO 2024. There is no doubt though, that the Champions League final will be the highlight so far of a career that began almost 25 years ago. "If I am honest, when I started refereeing, I am not sure my dreams went so far as the Champions League final, so it's really a big thing," he smiles. "I can't remember my first match because it's so long ago, but I started in my home city, Maribor when I was 20 years old, and every step, from the third division in 2007 to the second, to the first and then to becoming an international referee in 2010 has felt like a big success. The time has passed so quickly, but it will only be later that I can stop and reflect on the journey."

For now, full focus is on Saturday's assignment, but just how does it feel to be at the centre of a UEFA Champions League game? "Before the match, just like anybody else when you hear the iconic music, the heart rate rises and you feel the goosebumps," Vinčić' says. "It happens every time, and I still feel proud and happy, but on the other hand, we are also focused on our obligations and ready to return the trust placed in us. Of course, the final is a huge occasion, but I will prepare for the game in the same way as any other match. We know the teams well anyway, but we will refresh our knowledge, speak to our football analysts and be as ready as we can. It's important that we stay concentrated because we have an important job." (Source: UEFA)

1 June 2024

Borussia Dortmund – Real Madrid

Referee: Slavko Vinčić (SVN)

Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik (SVN)

Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič (SVN)

Fourth Official: François Letexier (FRA)

Reserve AR: Cyril Mugnier (FRA)

VAR: Nejc Kajtazović (SVN)

AVAR: Rade Obrenović (SVN)

SVAR: Massimiliano Irrati (ITA)

Referee Observer: Roberto Rosetti (ITA)

Concacaf Champions Cup Final 2024: Barton (SLV)

New records have been set in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, and another will be penned when referee Ivan Barton blows the whistle to kick off the Final between CF Pachuca and Columbus Crew on Saturday at the Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. Barton will officiate a Concacaf Champions Cup final match for the third time, surpassing the record of Mexican referee Benito Archundia, and become the referee with the most finals in the tournament's history. The Salvadoran referee will also become the Central American official with the most matches as the main referee in the tournament. Barton has been the referee in 15 matches across six different editions of the Champions Cup. His first match, a Round of 16 match between Club Atletico Independiente and Toronto FC on February 19, 2019, was at the age of 28 years and 21 days. In the current edition, Ivan Barton and Oshane Nation from Jamaica are the referees with the most matches, with four each. (Source: Concacaf)

1 June 2024

CF Pachuca – Columbus Crew

Referee: Ivan Barton (SLV)

Assistant Referee 1: David Moran (SLV)

Assistant Referee 2: Henri Pupiro (NCA)

Fourth Official: Ismael Cornejo (SLV)

Reserve AR: Raymundo Feliz (DOM)

VAR: Daneon Parchment (JAM)

AVAR: Said Martinez (HON)

Europa Conference League final referee Dias' long journey to the top

One of either Olympiacos or Fiorentina will end their wait for European silverware at Wednesday’s UEFA Europa Conference League final, but the occasion has also been a long time coming for match referee Artur Soares Dias. It will be the first time Soares Dias has taken charge of a UEFA club final, the culmination of a refereeing journey that began almost three decades ago. "I have worked for 28 years to reach a major final like this – being a referee is the same as a player, a final is a final and we all want to be there," said the Portuguese official. "It was an unbelievable phone call to receive because we all work hard to reach this level. My reaction was a mix of nervousness, responsibility, honour and the feeling of achieving a dream. Of course, once you digest the news, you have to focus yourself because like any match, you need to be fit and ready, psychologically calm and stable."

Soares Dias has been refereeing since he was 17, making his debut in Portugal’s top division within eight years and becoming a FIFA international referee at 30 in 2010. This summer, he will officiate at his second UEFA EURO and was also among the referees at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but Wednesday will be his first experience as the man in the middle of a major European final. The moment takes on extra poignance for the 44-year-old, whose father Manuel was also a referee prior to his passing in 2009. "The first person I called when I heard the news was my mother, because it's a moment to remember my father and the advice he gave me," Soares Dias explained. "He was one of the reasons that I wanted to be a referee and I am sure he is very proud of me considering this achievement." Soares Dias is also eager to recognise others in the game who have helped him on his journey. "It is very important to underline that this achievement is not just one for myself, there is a big team behind me who works with me to reach this level," he explained. "There are my assistant referees, of course, but also fourth officials, the VARs, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and referees committee, and our physios, for example. All of those people help me to reach this final, so this success is for many people, not just myself."

Over the past year, the FPF has led the way in attracting new referees as part of UEFA's 'Be a Referee!' campaign, which aims to recruit 40,000 new officials across Europe each season. As he prepares for Wednesday night's assignment in Athens, Soares Dias reflects on his own path and considers the qualities needed to be a top official in the modern game. "Referees need a lot of qualities to reach the highest level. Integrity, a strong personality, leadership and communication are all important for managing a game, as well as a thick skin," he said. "To be at the centre of a match as a referee is a brilliant honour, but I remember my first game, being afraid to go onto the pitch. I was nervous and worried about making decisions, but everything improved over time, and I became more confident. As a young referee, if you have a big dream and you can define your objectives and targets, how to get there, and then work hard and don't give up, you can go a long way." The journey to the top has been a long one for Soares Dias, but on Wednesday at the AEK Arena, his hard work and patience will receive their long-awaited reward. (Source: UEFA)

29 May 2024

Olympiakos FC – AC Fiorentina

Referee: Artur Soares Dias (POR)

Assistant Referee 1: Paulo Soares (POR)

Assistant Referee 2: Pedro Ribeiro (POR)

Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg (SWE)

Reserve AR: Mahbod Beigi (SWE)

VAR: Tiago Martins (POR)

AVAR: Christian Dingert (GER)

SVAR: Marco Fritz (GER)

Referee Observer: Carlos Velasco Carballo (ESP)

CONMEBOL Libertadores 2024 – Group Stage (Matchday 6)

28-30 May 2024

Junior – Botafogo
Referee: Jesus Valenzuela VEN (photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego VEN
Assistant Referee 2: Tulio Moreno VEN
Fourth Official: Jose Uzcategui VEN
VAR: German Delfino ARG
AVAR: Hernan Mastrangelo ARG
Referee Assessor: Abraham Gonzalez COL
VAR Supervisor: Wilson Avila ECU

Liga de Quito – Universitario
Referee: Darío Herrera ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Pablo Gonzalez ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Jose Savorani ARG
Fourth Official: Sebastian Zunino ARG
VAR: Jorge Balino ARG
AVAR: Paulo Acevedo ARG
Referee Assessor: Cleidy Riveiro BRA
VAR Supervisor: Christian Schiemann CHI

Atletico Mineiro – Caracas
Referee: Guillermo Guerrero ECU
Assistant Referee 1: Dennys Guerrero ECU
Assistant Referee 2: Danny Avila ECU
Fourth Official: Robert Cabrera ECU
VAR: Benjamin Saravia CHI
AVAR: Marcia Castillo CHI
Referee Assessor: Ricardo Marques BRA
VAR Supervisor: Jorge Mercado PAR

Penarol – Rosario Central
Referee: Piero Maza CHI
Assistant Referee 1: Jose Retamal CHI
Assistant Referee 2: Alejandro Molina CHI
Fourth Official: Manuel Vergara CHI
VAR: Juan Lara CHI
AVAR: Gabriel Ureta CHI
Referee Assessor: Miguel Nievas URU
VAR Supervisor: Pericles Cortes BRA

Bolivar – Palestino
Referee: Andres Merlos ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Cristian Navarro ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Maximiliano Del Yesso ARG
Fourth Official: Fernando Espinoza ARG
VAR: Mauro Vigliano ARG
AVAR: Paulo Dovalo ARG
Referee Assessor: Oscar Maldonado BOL
VAR Supervisor: Wilson Lamouroux COL

Flamengo – Millonarios
Referee: Facundo Tello ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Ezequiel Brailovsky ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Chade ARG
Fourth Official: Yael Falcon ARG
VAR: Hector Paletta ARG
AVAR: Salome Di Iorio ARG
Referee Assessor: Giulliano Bozzano BRA
VAR Supervisor: Carlos Pastorino URU

Estudiantes – Huachipato
Referee: Andres Rojas COL
Assistant Referee 1: John Gallego COL
Assistant Referee 2: Richard Ortiz COL
Fourth Official: Bismarks Santiago COL
VAR: Antonio Garcia URU
AVAR: Mathias de Armas URU
Referee Assessor: Hector Baldassi ARG
VAR Supervisor: Myriam Melgarejo PAR

Gremio – The Strongest
Referee: Andres Matonte URU
Assistant Referee 1: Carlos Barreiro URU
Assistant Referee 2: Horacio Ferreiro URU
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez URU
VAR: Carlos Orbe ECU
AVAR: Daniel Vacacela ECU
Referee Assessor: Marcelo Rogerio BRA
VAR Supervisor: Barbra Bastias CHI

Cerro Porteno – Colo Colo
Referee: Wilmar Roldan COL
Assistant Referee 1: Alexander Guzman COL
Assistant Referee 2: John Leon COL
Fourth Official: John Hinestroza COL
VAR: Leonard Mosquera COL
AVAR: David Rodriguez COL
Referee Assessor: Manuel Bernal PAR
VAR Supervisor: Gustavo Rossi ARG

Fluminense – Alianza Lima
Referee: Esteban Ostojich URU
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Taran URU
Assistant Referee 2: Pablo Llarena URU
Fourth Official: Yender Herrera VEN
VAR: Leodan Gonzalez URU
AVAR: Agustin Berisso URU
Referee Assessor: Jose Buitrago COL
VAR Supervisor: Carlos Pastorino URU

Sao Paulo – Talleres
Referee: John Ospina COL
Assistant Referee 1: David Fuentes COL
Assistant Referee 2: Mayra Sanchez COL
Fourth Official: Maria Daza COL
VAR: Nicolas Gallo COL
AVAR: Mauricio Perez COL
Referee Assessor: Jorge Antequera BOL
VAR Supervisor: Juan Cardellino URU

Barcelona – Cobresal
Referee: Joel Alarcon PER
Assistant Referee 1: Enrique Pinto PER
Assistant Referee 2: Alberth Alarcon PER
Fourth Official: Edwin Ordonez PER
VAR: Diego Haro PER
AVAR: Jonny Bossio PER
Referee Assessor: Juan Corozo ECU
VAR Supervisor: Cesar Escano PER

Independiente Del Valle – Liverpool
Referee: Carlos Ortega COL
Assistant Referee 1: Miguel Roldan COL
Assistant Referee 2: Cristian Aguirre COL
Fourth Official: Carlos Betancur COL
VAR: Yadir Acuna COL
AVAR: Heider Castro COL
Referee Assessor: Jose Carpio ECU
VAR Supervisor: Emerson de Carvalho BRA

Palmeiras – San Lorenzo
Referee: Felipe Gonzalez CHI
Assistant Referee 1: Claudio Urrutia CHI
Assistant Referee 2: Juan Serrano CHI
Fourth Official: Michael Espinoza PER
VAR: Fernando Vejar CHI
AVAR: Leslie Vasquez CHI
Referee Assessor: Ednilson Corona BRA
VAR Supervisor: Luis Vera ECU

River Plate – Deportivo Tachira
Referee: Kevin Ortega PER
Assistant Referee 1: Michael Orue PER
Assistant Referee 2: Jesus Sanchez PER
Fourth Official: Jesus Cartagena PER
VAR: Augusto Menendez PER
AVAR: Coty Carrera PER
Referee Assessor: Dario Ubriaco URU
VAR Supervisor: Patricio Polic CHI

Libertad – Nacional
Referee: Wilton Sampaio BRA
Assistant Referee 1: Rodrigo Correa BRA
Assistant Referee 2: Guilherme Camilo BRA
Fourth Official: Paulo Zanovelli BRA
VAR: Rodolpho Toski BRA
AVAR: Paulo Goncalves BRA
Referee Assessor: Ubaldo Aquino PAR
VAR Supervisor: Gustavo Rossi ARG

CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2024 – Group Stage (Matchday 6)

28-30 May 2024

Corinthians – Racing
Referee: Roberto Perez PER (photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Stephen Atoche PER
Assistant Referee 2: Leonard Soto PER
Fourth Official: Michael Espinoza PER
VAR: Nicolas Gallo COL
AVAR: Mauricio Perez COL
Referee Assessor: Silvia Regina BRA
VAR Supervisor: Luis Vera ECU

Argentinos Juniors – Nacional
Referee: Jose Cabero CHI
Assistant Referee 1: Miguel Rocha CHI
Assistant Referee 2: Carlos Poblete CHI
Fourth Official: Cristian Garay CHI
VAR: Francisco Gilabert CHI
AVAR: Edson Cisternas CHI
Referee Assessor: Hector Baldassi ARG
VAR Supervisor: Claudio Rios CHI

Coquimbo Unido – Red Bull Bragantino
Referee: Alex Cajas ECU
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Aguiar ECU
Assistant Referee 2: Mauricio Lozada ECU
Fourth Official: Christian Aleman BOL
VAR: Andres Cunha URU
AVAR: Jonathan Fuentes URU
Referee Assessor: Julio Bascunan CHI
VAR Supervisor: Juan Lugones BOL

Racing Club – Sportivo Luqueno
Referee: Bismarks Santiago COL
Assistant Referee 1: John Gallego COL
Assistant Referee 2: Richard Ortiz COL
Fourth Official: Andres Rojas COL
VAR: Leonard Mosquera COL
AVAR: David Rodriguez COL
Referee Assessor: Sabrina Lois ARG
VAR Supervisor: Oswaldo Segura ECU

Internacional – Belgrano
Referee: Alexis Herrera VEN
Assistant Referee 1: Lubin Torrealba VEN
Assistant Referee 2: Alberto Ponte VEN
Fourth Official: Alejandro Velasquez VEN
VAR: Fernando Vejar CHI
AVAR: Leslie Vasquez CHI
Referee Assessor: Hilton Moutinho BRA
VAR Supervisor: Juan Cardellino URU

Delfin – Real Tomayapo
Referee: Edwin Ordonez PER
Assistant Referee 1: Enrique Pinto PER
Assistant Referee 2: Alberth Alarcon PER
Fourth Official: Joel Alarcon PER
VAR: Diego Haro PER
AVAR: Jonny Bossio PER
Referee Assessor: Juan Corozo ECU
VAR Supervisor: Cesar Escano PER

Lanus – Cuiaba
Referee: Gery Vargas BOL
Assistant Referee 1: Jose Antelo BOL
Assistant Referee 2: Edwar Saavedra BOL
Fourth Official: Dilio Rodriguez BOL
VAR: Bryan Loayza ECU
AVAR: Juan Garcia BOL
Referee Assessor: Ricardo Casas ARG
VAR Supervisor: Victor Carrillo PER

Metropolitanos – Deportivo Garcilaso
Referee: Alberto Feres URU
Assistant Referee 1: Andres Nievas URU
Assistant Referee 2: Hector Bergalo URU
Fourth Official: Yerson Zambrano ECU
VAR: Franklin Congo ECU
AVAR: Jefferson Macias ECU
Referee Assessor: Jairo Romero VEN
VAR Supervisor: Juan Restrepo COL

Defensa y Justicia – Universidad Cesar Vallejo
Referee: Bruno Arleu BRA
Assistant Referee 1: Rafael Alves BRA
Assistant Referee 2: Nailton Sousa BRA
Fourth Official: Ramon Abatti BRA
VAR: Francisco Gilabert CHI
AVAR: Edson Cisternas CHI
Referee Assessor: Sergio Viola ARG
VAR Supervisor: Claudio Rios CHI

Independiente Medellin – Always Ready
Referee: Gustavo Tejera URU
Assistant Referee 1: Martin Soppi URU
Assistant Referee 2: Santiago Fernandez URU
Fourth Official: Jose Burgos URU
VAR: Christian Ferreyra URU
AVAR: Richard Trinidad URU
Referee Assessor: Oscar Ruiz COL
VAR Supervisor: Rodney Aquino PAR

Boca Juniors – Nacional Potosi
Referee: Cristian Garay CHI
Assistant Referee 1: Miguel Rocha CHI
Assistant Referee 2: Carlos Poblete CHI
Fourth Official: Jose Cabero CHI
VAR: Rodrigo Carvajal CHI
AVAR: Juan Sepulveda CHI
Referee Assessor: Dario Ubriaco URU
VAR Supervisor: Patricio Polic CHI

Fortaleza – Sportivo Trinidense
Referee: Augusto Aragon ECU
Assistant Referee 1: Christian Lescano ECU
Assistant Referee 2: Ricardo Baren ECU
Fourth Official: Anthony Diaz ECU
VAR: Juan Andrade ECU
AVAR: Edison Vazquez ECU
Referee Assessor: Pedro Saucedo BOL
VAR Supervisor: Roberto Silvera URU

Athetico Paranaense – Sportivo Ameliano
Referee: Leandro Rey ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Facundo Rodriguez ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Gisella Trucco ARG
Fourth Official: Nazareno Arasa ARG
VAR: Francisco Gilabert CHI
AVAR: Edson Cisternas CHI
Referee Assessor: Hilton Moutinho BRA
VAR Supervisor: Oswaldo Segura ECU

Danubio – Rayo Zuliano
Referee: Manuel Vergara CHI
Assistant Referee 1: Jose Retamal CHI
Assistant Referee 2: Alejandro Molina CHI
Fourth Official: Piero Maza CHI
VAR: Juan Lara CHI
AVAR: Gabriel Ureta CHI
Referee Assessor: Marcelo de Leon URU
VAR Supervisor: Pericles Cortes BRA

Cruzeiro – Universidad Catolica
Referee: Maximiliano Ramirez ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Belatti ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Daiana Milone ARG
Fourth Official: Maria Fortunato ARG
VAR: Antonio Garcia URU
AVAR: Mathias de Armas URU
Referee Assessor: Ricardo Marques BRA
VAR Supervisor: Myriam Melgarejo PAR

Union La Calera – Alianza
Referee: Christian Aleman BOL
Assistant Referee 1: Ruben Flores BOL
Assistant Referee 2: Juan Montaño BOL
Fourth Official: Ivo Mendez BOL
VAR: Andres Cunha URU
AVAR: Jonathan Fuentes URU
Referee Assessor: Julio Bascunan CHI
VAR Supervisor: Juan Lugones BOL

AFC Champions League Final 2024 (Second Leg)

25 May 2024

Al Ain – Yokohama Marinos
Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev (UZB, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Andrei Tsapenko (UZB)
Assistant Referee 2: Timur Gaynullin (UZB)
Fourth Official: Akhrol Riskullaev (UZB)
VAR: Fu Ming (CHN)
AVAR: Sivakorn Pu-Udom (THA)

PGMOL referee observer banned for racist comment

A former FIFA and Premier League referee has been sacked as a senior observer after telling a black official he would have to smile in the dark to be seen at a match. Rodger Gifford made the racist comment to an assistant referee coach after an FA Cup second-round fixture between Newport County and Barnet in December. Gifford, then a referee observer at the Professional Game Match Officials Limited, was dismissed after the Football Association suspended him for five months for an “aggravated breach of misconduct”. The official who made the complaint of racism against him is said to have responded: “That’s out of order and I will not have that in my dressing room.” According to a written judgment, Gifford made the comment while discussing the brightness of the floodlights and advertising boards on the far side of the ground. Gifford, it is alleged, said to his fellow official, who was not named: “It was lucky that you were not over there as assistant referee as we wouldn’t have been able to see you. If you smiled though, we would be able to see your teeth.” One witness to the discussion during a post-match debrief said: “I felt this was a very inappropriate comment and although slightly laughed off in jest... it made the dressing room an awkward place for a few moments due to what had been said.”

Gifford, who had worked as a Premier League referee from 1992 to 1996, denied the charge, claiming he had made a “light-hearted comment” and “would never intentionally insult a value colleague”. Gifford, whose role involved helping referees progress in the professional and amateur game, is said to have emailed an apology to the official but the Regulatory Commission rejected Gifford’s defence. “As to Rule E3.2, it is evident that the comments made by Mr Gifford included a reference to race. It is difficult to reconcile Mr Gifford’s position,” the decision read. “He held a position of trust and responsibility within PGMOL. There is no place in the game, or society, for comments of this nature. There is no other position. Again, it was averred that there was no malice in the comments made, and it was ill-judged banter but this lacks any merit. Moreover, Mr Gifford denied the charge.”

The FA said: “Former PGMOL referee observer, Rodger Gifford, has been suspended from all football and football-related activity for five months, fined £400 and ordered to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme, for an aggravated breach of misconduct. “It was alleged that following the FA Cup second-round fixture between Newport County AFC and Barnet FC on Saturday 2 December 2023, his language towards an assistant referee coach was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper, contrary to Rule E3.1. It was further alleged that this is an “aggravated breach”, as defined in Rule E3.2, as it includes a reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”

Source: The Telegraph

CONMEBOL Copa America 2024

The South American Football Confederation, through its Referees Commission, announced the list of referees called up for the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024. There are 101 referees, both men and women, belong to CONMEBOL and UEFA, in a strategic exchange agreement between the confederations, and to Concacaf as guests. For the first time in history, the men’s CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 will feature female match officials: Edina Alves – BRA (Referee); Neuza Back – BRA (Assistant); Mary Blanco – COL (Assistant); and Migdalia Rodríguez – VEN (Assistant), representing CONMEBOL. Meanwhile, Maria Penso – USA (Referee); Brooke Mayo – USA (Assistant); Kathryn Nesbitt – USA (Assistant); and Tatiana Guzman – NCA (VAR), representing Concacaf. The referees will arrive on June 12, 2024, in Dallas, USA, to participate in the pre-tournament seminar from June 13 to 17. The goal is to reinforce technical concepts comprehensively, work on physical aspects, and conduct various training activities on the field, in classrooms, and in VAR rooms. The training topics include matches with players, VAR booth simulations, technical and physical evaluations, as well as regenerative physiotherapy work, ensuring the referees achieve their best performance. (Source: CONMEBOL)

CONMEBOL

Referee: Yael Falcon (ARG, photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Facundo Rodriguez (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Maximiliano Del Yesso (ARG)

Referee: Dario Herrera (ARG)
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Belatti (ARG)
Assistant Referee 2: Cristian Navarro (ARG)

Video Match Officials: Mauro Vigliano (ARG), Silvio Trucco (ARG), Hector Paletta (ARG)

Referee: Ivo Mendez (BOL)
Assistant Referee 1: Jose Antelo (BOL)
Assistant Referee 2: Edwar Saavedra (BOL)

Video Match Official: Gery Vargas (BOL)

Referee: Edina Alves (BRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Neuza Back (BRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Mary Blanco (COL)

Referee: Raphael Claus (BRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Danilo Manis (BRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Rodrigo Correa (BRA)

Referee: Wilton Sampaio (BRA)
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Pires (BRA)
Assistant Referee 2: Bruno Boschilia (BRA)

Video Match Officials: Rodolpho Toski (BRA), Daniel Nobre (BRA), Paulo Goncalves (BRA)

Referee: Cristian Garay (CHI)
Assistant Referee 1: Jose Retamal (CHI)
Assistant Referee 2: Juan Serrano (CHI)

Referee: Piero Maza (CHI)
Assistant Referee 1: Claudio Urrutia (CHI)
Assistant Referee 2: Miguel Rocha (CHI)

Video Match Officials: Juan Lara (CHI), Rodrigo Carvajal (CHI), Edson Cisternas (CHI)

Referee: John Ospina (COL)
Assistant Referee 1: John Gallego (COL)
Assistant Referee 2: Miguel Roldan (COL)

Referee: Wilmar Roldan (COL)
Assistant Referee 1: Alexander Guzman (COL)
Assistant Referee 2: John Leon (COL)

Video Match Officials: Nicolas Gallo (COL), Yadir Acuna (COL), David Rodriguez (COL)

Referee: Augusto Aragon (ECU)
Assistant Referee 1: Christian Lescano (ECU)
Assistant Referee 2: Ricardo Baren (ECU)

Video Match Officials: Carlos Orbe (ECU), Bryan Loayza (ECU)

Referee: Juan Benitez (PAR)
Assistant Referee 1: Eduardo Cardozo (PAR)
Assistant Referee 2: Milciades Saldivar (PAR)

Video Match Officials: Derlis Lopez (PAR), Eduardo Britos (PAR), Jose Cuevas (PAR)

Referee: Kevin Ortega (PER)
Assistant Referee 1: Michael Orue (PER)
Assistant Referee 2: Stephen Atoche (PER)

Video Match Officials: Joel Alarcon (PER), Jonny Bossio (PER), Augusto Menendez (PER)

Referee: Andres Matonte (URU)
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Taran (URU)
Assistant Referee 2: Martin Soppi (URU)

Referee: Gustavo Tejera (URU)
Assistant Referee 1: Carlos Barreiro (URU)
Assistant Referee 2: Pablo Llarena (URU)

Video Match Officials: Leodan Gonzalez (URU), Richard Trinidad (URU), Christian Ferreyra (URU)

Referee: Alexis Herrera (VEN)
Assistant Referee 1: Lubin Torrealba (VEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Migdalia Rodriguez (VEN)

Referee: Jesus Valenzuela (VEN)
Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego (VEN)
Assistant Referee 2: Alberto Ponte (VEN)

Video Match Officials: Juan Soto (VEN), Carlos Lopez (VEN)

CONCACAF
Referee: Ivan Barton (SLV)
Assistant Referee 1: David Moran (SLV)
Assistant Referee 2: Henri Pupiro (NCA)

Referee: Mario Escobar (GUA)
Assistant Referee 1: Luis Ventura (GUA)
Assistant Referee 2: Humberto Panjoj (GUA)

Referee: Cesar Ramos (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Alberto Morin (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Bisguerra (MEX)

Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Kyle Atkins (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Corey Parker (USA)

Referee: Tori Penso (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Brooke Mayo (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Kathryn Nesbitt (USA)

Video Match Officials: Eric Miranda (MEX), Guillermo Pacheco (MEX), Tatiana Guzman (NCA), Armando Villarreal (USA)

UEFA Exchange
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (ITA)
Assistant Referee 1: Daniele Bindoni (ITA)
Assistant Referee 2: Alberto Tegoni (ITA)

Video Match Officials: Marco Di Bello (ITA), Aleandro Di Paolo (ITA)

Referee Assessors

CONMEBOL
1. Ricardo Casas (ARG)
2. Angel Sanchez (ARG)
3. Regildenia Moura (BRA)
4. Enrique Osses (CHI)
5. Christian Schiemann (CHI)
6. Manuel Bernal (PAR)
7. Olga Miranda (PAR)
8. Roberto Silvera (URU)
CONCACAF
1. Leonel Leal (CRC)
2. Peter Prendergast (JAM)
3. Gregory Barkey (USA)

VAR Supervisors (CONMEBOL)
1. Gustavo Rossi (ARG)
2. Pericles Cortez (BRA)
3. Emerson de Carvalho (BRA)
4. Patricio Polic (CHI)
5. Wilson Lamouroux (COL)
6. Luis Vera (ECU)
7. Victor Carrillo (PER)
8. Carlos Pastorino (URU)

'Best seat in the house' for Women's Champions League final referee Welch

It has been a year to remember for UEFA Women's Champions League final referee Rebecca Welch. Having fulfilled fourth official duties at last season's final in Eindhoven, she became the first-ever woman to referee an English men's Premier League match in December and caps the campaign off with Saturday's sold-out showpiece in Bilbao, when Women's Champions League holders Barcelona face eight-time champions Lyon. An international referee since 2015, the 40-year-old only took up refereeing in her mid-twenties but has risen through the ranks to become one of Europe's top officials. Below, she speaks about receiving the call for Saturday's big match, how her career has developed and her advice for others interested in becoming a referee.

- Rebecca, congratulations on your appointment for the final, how does it feel?

- RW: The appointment really came out of the blue. When you look at the list of elite UEFA referees, there are some really strong candidates, so I wasn’t expecting it. When I received the call, I nearly fell off my chair! I was made up, and very excited for the fixture. I've been wishing the week away so that it comes around quicker. To referee this game is probably going to be the biggest came of my career so far, it's the pinnacle of European women's football. I know the game has sold out too, and it's unbelievable how much crowds at women's football have grown over the past few years. I was lucky enough to be at the Women's EURO in England, and it showed how women's football has really taken off.

- How do you reflect on your journey as a referee within the game?

- I've been a referee now for 14 years and on the UEFA list for ten, and in that time there have been a lot of positive changes for women's football, but we are not going to stop now and accept how far we have come, we are going to push on and hopefully in another ten years from now, things will be even better. Referees have to move with the game as it develops, and we are fortunate that we get a lot of education, coaching and support now. I've had some brilliant coaches and mentors who have made me much better as a referee, and ultimately have enabled me to get this appointment.

- Whose support are you most grateful for during that time?

- My really good friend, Lindsey Robinson, was a referee in England and is now New Zealand Football’s referee development manager, and I have her to thank for making me try out refereeing. Lindsey is over the moon for me with this appointment and we often keep in touch despite living on opposite sides of the world. Off the field, my family, and especially my mum and dad, have been with me since the start of the journey. They came to my first game, where there were no corner flags and no goal nets, and I was panicking and thinking I couldn’t do it. They've been behind me all the way and have also helped to keep me grounded or pick me up during difficult or disappointing times, refereeing can be a lonely job, so I'm super grateful to have had them there in my life. My dad is also my designated taxi driver, so wherever I go, he normally drives me there, and he will be coming with me to Bilbao.

- Do those early experiences help you grow not just as a ref but as a person too?

- Totally, the more experience you get as a referee, the more knowledge you get. When you first qualify, you come out of a course and know a lot about the Laws of the Game but applying them in a practical scenario is very different. I probably spent the first 12 months really just learning the trade and getting comfortable with being out in the middle. That 'on-the-job' training is great, and you build up resilience and confidence along the way. I definitely had some occasions in those early days where I thought, 'I'm never doing this again', but ended up putting my kit back on and getting out there again the following weekend. Fourteen years later, I'm now preparing for the Women's Champions League final, so never give up!

- With a Women's Champions League final and becoming the first female referee in the English men's Premier League, it really has been a special season for you?

- It was a great landmark for me to referee in the Premier League, but probably even bigger for female referees within football. Now we have our first female in one of the best leagues in the world, I hope it can inspire others, both girls and boys, to take up refereeing. I've been going through the levels throughout the season, and obviously wanted to do a Premier League game, but it was never guaranteed, so it was an amazing moment for me. When you start refereeing, everyone dreams of reaching the Premier League, just like as a player, but there's only a tiny percentage of people that can make it.

- What's your advice for young women or girls who want to follow in your footsteps?

- If you're interested, give it a go! You can take a course through your national or regional football association, and there is no entry criteria beyond a minimum age, which varies in different countries. You can give it a go, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to continue, but it gives you so many skills you can apply outside of football. I was also a terrible player, so refereeing gave me the chance to stay involved in the game and now I have the chance to walk out at stadiums and massive events like this Women's Champions League final, which as a player I could never have achieved.

- And finally, what's the best thing about being a referee?

- You get the best seat in the house. I used to go and watch football as a kid and I loved it, but now I walk out at the front and get to be a part of it. Women's football has grown so much and to be part of some of the biggest competitions in the world is just fantastic. (Source: UEFA)

25 May 2024

FC Barcelona – Olympique Lyonnais

Referee: Rebecca Welch (ENG)

Assistant Referee 1: Natalie Aspinall (ENG)

Assistant Referee 2: Emily Carney (ENG)

Fourth Official: Ivana Martinčić (CRO)

Reserve AR: Sanja Rodjak-Karšić (CRO)

VAR: Stuart Attwell (ENG)

AVAR: Katrin Rafalski (GER)

SVAR: Katalin Kulcsar (HUN)

Referee Observer: Dagmar Damkova (CZE)

UEFA Women's Euro 2025 – Qualifying Round (Matchday 4)

4 June 2024

Spain – Denmark
Referee: Maria Ferrieri Caputi ITA (photo)
Assistant Referee 1: Francesca Di Monte ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Veronica Martinelli ITA
Fourth Official: Martina Molinaro ITA
Referee Observer: Anja Kunick GER

France – England
Referee: Ivana Martinčić CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Sanja Rodjak-Karšić CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Maja Petravić CRO
Fourth Official: Sabina Bolić CRO
Referee Observer: Ivana Vlaić BIH

Israel – Scotland
Referee: Jelena Kumer CRO
Assistant Referee 1: Ivona Pejić CRO
Assistant Referee 2: Gordana Katušić CRO
Fourth Official: Jelena Pejković CRO
Referee Observer: Gitte Holm DEN

Bosnia and Herzegovina – Malta
Referee: Sofik Torosyan ARM
Assistant Referee 1: Liana Grigoryan ARM
Assistant Referee 2: Kristine Grigoryan ARM
Fourth Official: Araksya Saribekyan ARM
Referee Observer: Aneliya Sinabova BUL

Azerbaijan – Turkey
Referee: Nanna Andersen DEN
Assistant Referee 1: Sidsel Dall DEN
Assistant Referee 2: Anna Schmidt DEN
Fourth Official: Frida Klarlund Nielsen DEN
Referee Observer: Cristina Ionescu-Babadac ROU

Latvia – Slovenia
Referee: Sofiya Prychyna UKR
Assistant Referee 1: Iryna Chayka UKR
Assistant Referee 2: Oleksandra Vdovina UKR
Fourth Official: Lyudmyla Telbukh UKR
Referee Observer: Silvia Spinelli ITA

Hungary – Switzerland
Referee: Eleni Antoniou GRE
Assistant Referee 1: Georgia Komisopoulou GRE
Assistant Referee 2: Dimítra Tsaganou GRE
Fourth Official: Irini Pingiou GRE
Referee Observer: Ana Minić SRB

Faroe Islands – Greece
Referee: Laura Mauricio SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Laetitia Nuara SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Melissa Dos Santos SUI
Fourth Official: Deborah Anex SUI
Referee Observer: Wendy Toms ENG

Finland – Netherlands
Referee: Sandra Bastos POR
Assistant Referee 1: Andreia Sousa POR
Assistant Referee 2: Catia Tavares POR
Fourth Official: Sara Alves POR
Referee Observer: Knarik Grigoryan ARM

Poland – Germany
Referee: Olatz Rivera Olmedo ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Iragartze Fernandez Esesumaga ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Silvia Fernandez Perez ESP
Fourth Official: Marta Huerta de Aza ESP
Referee Observer: Esther Azzopardi MLT

Slovakia – Serbia
Referee: Monika Mularczyk POL
Assistant Referee 1: Anna Dabrowska POL
Assistant Referee 2: Julia Bukarowicz POL
Fourth Official: Michalina Diakow POL
Referee Observer: Olga Tanschi MDA

Georgia – Cyprus
Referee: Farida Lütfaliyeva AZE
Assistant Referee 1: Sevda Nuriyeva AZE
Assistant Referee 2: Gülnura Akbarzada AZE
Fourth Official: Ali Aliyev AZE
Referee Observer: Nelly Viennot FRA

Moldova – North Macedonia
Referee: Ioanna Allagiotou CYP
Assistant Referee 1: Despina Dimosthenous CYP
Assistant Referee 2: Maria Savvidou CYP
Fourth Official: Zoi Stavrou CYP
Referee Observer: Marta Atzori ITA

Bulgaria – Romania
Referee: Jurgita Mačikunyte LTU
Assistant Referee 1: Irina Pozdejeva LTU
Assistant Referee 2: Guoste Jonikaite LTU
Fourth Official: Ugne Šmitaite LTU
Referee Observer: Rachel Kohen ISR

Albania – Luxembourg
Referee: Melek Dakan TUR
Assistant Referee 1: Mürvet Yavuztürk TUR
Assistant Referee 2: Merve Turan TUR
Fourth Official: Gamze Pakkan TUR
Referee Observer: Marta Frias Acedo ESP

Italy – Norway
Referee: Rebecca Welch ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Emily Carney ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Anastasiya Voloshchuk ENG
Fourth Official: Kirsty Dowle ENG
Referee Observer: Lilach Asulin ISR

Sweden – Ireland
Referee: Alina Peșu ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Daniela Constantinescu ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Petruța Iugulescu ROU
Fourth Official: Roxana Timiș ROU
Referee Observer: Anri Hänninen FIN

Andorra – Montenegro
Referee: Joanna Vassallo MLT
Assistant Referee 1: Erinda Kume ALB
Assistant Referee 2: Koleta Prenga ALB
Fourth Official: Eglantina Pjetrushaj ALB
Referee Observer: Emilia Wnuk POL

Belgium – Czechia
Referee: Ewa Augustyn POL
Assistant Referee 1: Paulina Baranowska POL
Assistant Referee 2: Aleksandra Ulanowska POL
Fourth Official: Anna Adamska POL
Referee Observer: Blaženka Logarušić CRO

Northern Ireland – Portugal
Referee: Franziska Wildfeuer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Sina Diekmann GER
Assistant Referee 2: Anne Uersfeld GER
Fourth Official: Davina Lutz GER
Referee Observer: Jenny Palmqvist SWE

Ukraine – Wales
Referee: Caroline Lanssens BEL
Assistant Referee 1: Margot Jacobs BEL
Assistant Referee 2: Irmgard Van Meirvenne BEL
Fourth Official: Manon Plandsoen NED
Referee Observer: Christine Frai GER

Croatia – Kosovo
Referee: Michaela Pachtova CZE
Assistant Referee 1: Nikola Šafrankova CZE
Assistant Referee 2: Zuzana Špindlerova CZE
Fourth Official: Natalie Čampišova CZE
Referee Observer: Graziella Pirriatore ITA

Iceland – Austria
Referee: Desiree Gründbacher SUI
Assistant Referee 1: Susann Küng SUI
Assistant Referee 2: Linda Schmid SUI
Fourth Official: Stefan Horisberger SUI
Referee Observer: Katarzyna Wierzbowska POL