The World Cup is not just about the players, but also about the referees who officiate the games. This year, 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video assistant referees have been selected for the tournament.
The Selection Process
The selection process for World Cup referees began immediately after the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Candidates were required to attend seminars, undergo fitness tests, and have prior FIFA tournament experience. Their performances in domestic and international competitions were also monitored over the past three years.
Referees come from 50 FIFA member nations across all continental confederations, with eight representing the United States. Among them are also six women, following FIFA’s historic move to include female referees at the last edition in Qatar.
The Challenges of Being a Referee
Being a referee is not an easy task. It demands more than intense training and an unblemished on-field record. Many referees have to juggle match duties alongside a full-time job, which can come at a heavy personal cost. According to Leif Lindberg, one of the two assistant referees at the 2002 final between Brazil and Germany, most referees have been through at least one divorce.
Referees have to be detached from reputation and stay focused on the match. They have to understand a team’s defensive tactics and players’ characteristics, and be able to anticipate play before it unfolds.
The Road to the Final
Progressing from amateur leagues to the World Cup takes about 30 years. Only a handful of referees will be entrusted with refereeing a final. Behind them stand hundreds of thousands that never reach the global stage.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
