by Martin Rødvand on January 18, 2011
Howard Webb has been named 2010′s best referee by the IFFHS on their website.
An excerpt from IFFHS’ text accompanying the voting results:
For the first time a referee from Great Britain, the 39-year-old Howard Webb, has become The World‘s best Referee of the year. He provided brilliant performances in the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and full “A” internationals, so that his controversial performance in the World Cup final made no difference. The 33-year-old Uzbek Ravshan Irmatov, gave an impressive performance, surpassed his Asian colleagues in the previous years and become the world‘s 2nd best referee. The title-holder Massimo Busacca from Switzerland was disadvantaged by his appearances at the World Cup in South Africa and came third.
It is obvious that Webb’s appointment to both the Uefa Champions League final and the World Cup final has influenced the voting. In 2006, Horacio Elizondo was named best referee after his World Cup final appointment, and Roberto Rosetti in 2008 after his Euro final.
The full results can be found on IFFHS’ website.
by Martin Rødvand on July 8, 2010
Howard Webb will referee the World Cup final on Sunday between Netherlands and Spain in Soccer City. Webb will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey. This will be Webb’s fourth match in the tournament. He has previously refereed Spain – Switzerland, Slovakia – Italy, and Brazil – Chile. Fourth official in the final will be Japanese Yuichi Nishimura.
The 38-year-old Englishman will referee his second major final this season, having refereed the Uefa Champions League final in May. Webb will succeed Jack Taylor who was the last English referee in charge of a World Cup final. Assistant referee Phil Sharp ran the line for Italian Pierluigi Collina in the 2002 final.
11/07/10
World Cup Final
Netherlands – Spain
Referee: Howard Webb, England
Assistant referees: Darren Cann; Michael Mullarkey
Fourth official: Yuichi Nishimura, Japan
Reserve assistant referee: Toru Sagara
Mexican referee Benito Archundia has been selected to referee the third place playoff between Germany and Uruguay on Saturday. This is only Archundia’s third game this tournament, a contrast to his record setting five games in the 2006 World Cup. In Germany four years ago Archundia was chosen to referee one of the semi-finals. Archundia will be assisted by Hector Vergara from Canada and Marvin Torrentera from Mexico. Marco Rodriguez is fourth official.
10/07/10
Third place playoff
Germany – Uruguay
Referee: Benito Archundia, Mexico
Assistant referees: Hector Vergara, Canada; Marvin Torrentera, Mexico
Fourth official: Marco Rodriguez, Mexico
Reserve assistant referee: Jose Luis Camargo, Mexico
