by Martin Rødvand on June 29, 2010
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has issued an apology to Mexico and England after Sunday’s refereeing mistakes. In a round table discussion he also talked about re-opening the question about using technology to assist referees. The Ifab, with Fifa spearheading it, said a definite no to technology earlier this year.
Neither the Uruguayan nor the Italian referee team were present on the referees third media day on Tuesday, citing personal reasons for their no-show. Both teams are expected to be sent home when Fifa makes their final selection of referees before the quarter-finals.
The mistakes in Sunday’s games were both the responsibility of the assistant referees, a rare sight in this World Cup where the assistant referees have received praise for their standard.
by Martin Rødvand on June 21, 2010
Ravshan Irmatov has been appointed to his third game of the tournament with the final game in group B between Greece and Argentina on Tuesday. The Uzbek referee was appointed to the game after impressive performances in the opening match between South Africa and Mexico, and the England – Algeria match in group C. Jorge Larrionda has also been appointed to his third match of the tournament with the match Australia – Serbia on Wednesday.
After the next set of appointments Fifa are expected to announce a set of remaining referees for the final stage of the tournament.
22/06/10
Mexico – Uruguay
Referee: Viktor Kassai, Hungary
France – South Africa
Referee: Oscar Ruiz, Colombia
Nigeria – South Korea
Referee: Olegario Benquerenca, Portugal
Greece – Argentina
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov, Uzbekistan
23/06/10
Slovenia – England
Referee: Wolfgang Stark, Germany
USA – Algeria
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere, Belgium
Ghana – Germany
Referee: Carlos Simon, Brazil
Australia – Serbia
Referee: Jorge Larrionda, Uruguay
Thanks, Clay.
