2010 fifa world cup south africa™ · 2018. 2. 5. · communications & public affairs division...

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™

Referees

Statistical Kit 3

Last update: 1 June 2010

Communications & Public Affairs Division – Content Management Services 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ 2 Last Updated: 01.06.2010

Contents

List of Referees and Assistant Referees ..........................................................................................................3

African Zone ....................................................................................................................................................6 Koman COULIBALY......................................................................................................................................6 Jerome DAMON...........................................................................................................................................8 Eddy MAILLET ............................................................................................................................................10

Asian Zone.....................................................................................................................................................11 Khalil AL GHAMDI .....................................................................................................................................11 Ravshan IRMATOV .....................................................................................................................................12 Subkhiddin MOHD SALLEH ........................................................................................................................13 Yuichi NISHIMURA .....................................................................................................................................14

European Zone ..............................................................................................................................................15 Olegario BENQUERENCA............................................................................................................................15 Massimo BUSACCA ...................................................................................................................................16 Frank DE BLEECKERE..................................................................................................................................17 Martin HANSSON.......................................................................................................................................18 Viktor KASSAI ............................................................................................................................................19 Stephane LANNOY.....................................................................................................................................20 Roberto ROSETTI ........................................................................................................................................21 Wolfgang STARK .......................................................................................................................................23 Alberto UNDIANO......................................................................................................................................24 Howard WEBB ...........................................................................................................................................25

North, Central American and Caribbean Zone................................................................................................26 Joel AGUILAR.............................................................................................................................................26 Benito ARCHUNDIA ...................................................................................................................................27 Carlos BATRES ...........................................................................................................................................29 Marco RODRIGUEZ ....................................................................................................................................31

Oceanian Zone...............................................................................................................................................32 Michael HESTER .........................................................................................................................................32 Peter O’LEARY ...........................................................................................................................................33

South American Zone ....................................................................................................................................34 Hector BALDASSI .......................................................................................................................................34 Jorge LARRIONDA......................................................................................................................................35 Pablo POZO................................................................................................................................................37 Oscar RUIZ .................................................................................................................................................38 Carlos SIMON ............................................................................................................................................40 Martin VAZQUEZ .......................................................................................................................................41

Predecessors of 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Referees........................................................................................42

Further information available on FIFA.com - http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/referees/index.html

Communications & Public Affairs Division – Content Management Services 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ 3

Last updated: 01.06.2010

List of Referees and Assistant Referees African Zone

Referee Koman COULIBALY Mali Assistant Referee Redouane ACHIK Morocco Assistant Referee Inácio CANDIDO Angola Referee Jerome DAMON South Africa Assistant Referee Celestin NTAGUNGIRA Rwanda Assistant Referee Enock MOLEFE South Africa Referee Eddy MAILLET Seychelles Assistant Referee Evarist MENKOUANDE Cameroon Assistant Referee Bechir HASSANI Tunisia

Asian Zone Referee Khalil AL GHAMDI Saudi Arabia Assistant Referee Hassan KAMRANIFAR Iran Assistant Referee Saleh AL MARZOUQI United Arab Emirates Referee Ravshan IRMATOV Uzbekistan Assistant Referee Rafael ILYASOV Uzbekistan Assistant Referee Bahadyr KOCHKAROV Kyrgyzstan Referee Subkhiddin MOHD SALLEH Malaysia Assistant Referee MU Yuxin China PR Assistant Referee Jeffrey GEK PHENG Singapore Referee Yuichi NISHIMURA Japan Assistant Referee Toru SAGARA Japan Assistant Referee JEONG Hae Sang Korea Republic


European Zone Referee Olegario BENQUERENCA Portugal Assistant Referee Jose CARDINAL Portugal Assistant Referee Bertino MIRANDA Portugal Referee Massimo BUSACCA Switzerland Assistant Referee Matthias ARNET Switzerland Assistant Referee Francesco BURAGINA Switzerland Referee Frank DE BLEECKERE Belgium Assistant Referee Peter HERMANS Belgium Assistant Referee Walter VROMANS Belgium Referee Martin HANSSON Sweden Assistant Referee Henrik ANDREN Sweden Assistant Referee Stefan WITTBERG Sweden Referee Viktor KASSAI Hungary Assistant Referee Gabor EROS Hungary Assistant Referee Tibor VAMOS Hungary Referee Stephane LANNOY France Assistant Referee Eric DANSAULT France Assistant Referee Laurent UGO France Referee Roberto ROSETTI Italy Assistant Referee Paolo CALCAGNO Italy Assistant Referee Stefano AYROLDI Italy Referee Wolfgang STARK Germany Assistant Referee Jan-Hendrik SALVER Germany Assistant Referee Mike PICKEL Germany Referee Alberto UNDIANO Spain Assistant Referee Fermin MARTINEZ Spain Assistant Referee Juan Carlos YUSTE JIMENEZ Spain Referee Howard WEBB England Assistant Referee Darren CANN England Assistant Referee Michael MULLARKEY England


North, Central American and Caribbean Zone Referee Joel AGUILAR El Salvador Assistant Referee William TORRES El Salvador Assistant Referee Juan ZUMBA El Salvador Referee Benito ARCHUNDIA Mexico Assistant Referee Hector VERGARA Canada Assistant Referee Marvin TORRENTERA Mexico Referee Carlos BATRES Guatemala Assistant Referee Leonel LEAL Costa Rica Assistant Referee Carlos PASTRANA Honduras Referee Marco RODRIGUEZ Mexico Assistant Referee Jose Luis CAMARGO Mexico Assistant Referee Alberto MORIN Mexico

Oceanian Zone Referee Michael HESTER New Zealand Assistant Referee Jan-Hendrik HINTZ New Zealand Assistant Referee Tevita MAKASINI Tonga Referee Peter O LEARY New Zealand Assistant Referee Brent BEST New Zealand Assistant Referee Matthew TARO Solomon Islands South American Zone Referee Hector BALDASSI Argentina Assistant Referee Ricardo CASAS Argentina Assistant Referee Hernan MAIDANA Argentina Referee Jorge LARRIONDA Uruguay Assistant Referee Pablo FANDINO Uruguay Assistant Referee Mauricio ESPINOSA Uruguay Referee Pablo POZO Chile Assistant Referee Patricio BASUALTO Chile Assistant Referee Francisco MONDRIA Chile Referee Oscar RUIZ Colombia Assistant Referee Abraham GONZALEZ Colombia Assistant Referee Humberto CLAVIJO Colombia Referee Carlos SIMON Brazil Assistant Referee Altemir HAUSMANN Brazil Assistant Referee Roberto BRAATZ Brazil Referee Martin VAZQUEZ Uruguay Assistant Referee Carlos PASTORINO Uruguay Assistant Referee Miguel NIEVAS Uruguay


African Zone

Koman COULIBALY Country: Mali

Date of Birth: 04.07.1970 Assistant Referees

Height: 180 cm Redouane ACHIK

Residence: Bamako Country: Morocco

Occupation: Finance inspector Date of Birth: 21.04.1972

Mother tongue: Bambara

Other languages: English, French Inácio Cândido

International since: 1999 Country: Angola

First International: Mali-Burkina Faso (19.4.2000) Date of Birth: 27.01.1971

Hobbies: Used to play volleyball

Fondest memory: Victory of Senegal against France in 2002

Koman Coulibaly presided over his first match in Mali’s top league at the age of 26, and was picked as a FIFA referee in 1999 after just three seasons at the top level.

His international debut came in the first round of the 1999 CAF Champions League.

At home, he has been chosen for many important fixtures, including five finals of the Malian Cup.

He has been involved in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations since 2002, presiding over four matches, and also took charge of the 2005 CAF Super Cup final between Al Ahly and FAR Rabat, which was decided in a penalty shoot-out. He refereed one of the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in 2008 and 2009.

In the run up to both the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups he officiated eight African Zone qualification ties, more than any other African referee.

Most recently he participated in four matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009 in Nigeria including the 3rd place final between Colombia and Spain. He also officiated the final between Egypt and Ghana at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

He has also handled foreign league games in Turkey in 2003 and was also part of a UEFA formation of referees.

Coulibaly played football as a student but after concentrating hard on his studies it was too late for him to try to progress as a player. Therefore he started refereeing whilst at the Faculty of Law and Economics.

He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is always trying to minimise errors with the goal of reaching a zero error rate something difficult given that the football is becoming increasingly faster as a result of scientific research and investment.

Coulibaly, who also used to play volleyball, aspires to further contribute to the game of football and in particular the development of refereeing.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Africa Cup of Nations 2002 Africa Cup of Nations 2004 Africa Cup of Nations 2006 FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 Africa Cup of Nations 2008


FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 Africa Cup of Nations 2010


Jerome DAMON Country: South Africa


Height: 176 cm Celestin NTAGUNGIRA

Residence: Cape Town Country: Rwanda

Occupation: English and life skills teacher Date of Birth: 11.05.1966

Mother tongue: English

Other languages: Afrikaans Enock MOLEFE

International since: 2000 Country: South Africa

First International: Swaziland-Botswana (22.06.2003) Date of Birth: 04.06.1968

Hobbies: Watching sports (rugby & cricket), playing chess and working with young people.

Fondest memory: 4th official FIFA World Cup Germany 2006, African Cup of Nations 2008 match for third place: Ghana v Côte d'Ivoire, Beijing Olympics 2008, referee candidature FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010.

Jerome Damon was just 24 when he began refereeing matches in the top flight of South African football. He made his way onto the international stage in 2000, but had to wait three years for his first meeting of national sides, a Swaziland-Botswana qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations.

In 2003 he received his first call-up for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and went on to repeat the experience in 2005 and 2009.

In 2004, Damon appeared in the first of his four CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournaments going on to officiate 2010 three matches at the 2010 event including the quarter-final between Egypt and Cameroon.

At the end of 2006, he was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup, overseeing the action in one semi-final and the match for third place between Al Ahly and CF America.

Damon became the first South African referee to officiate at a Olympic Football Tournament when he took charge of two first-round matches. That same year he was also awarded the first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Al Ahly and Coton Sport.

He has one of the busiest schedules of any African referee with regards to World Cup qualification stages: in March 2005 he took charge of a European qualifier between Croatia and Iceland and he recently officiated nine matches of CAF preliminaries for 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. 2006 saw him run out at the finals of the FIFA World Cup ™ in Germany, where he served as a fourth official.

Damon first became a referee when he was in grade 11 at school. Regularly going to watch football matches with his friends he was one day asked to referee a match for two teams whose referee had not turned up. He reluctantly accepted but ultimately loved it and has been doing it ever since.

Football seems to run in Damons’ family as most of the males all played or are still playing football. His father, in particular, was a football player, a referee and later an Administrator. He served as the Head of Referees: the highest possible level in the Federation of Football Professionals (FPL) at a time when football was segregated by the Apartheid government.

Damon believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is that it has become increasingly difficult for match officials to always see cases of foul play. He believes it is essential that more time is invested by referees and football organisations to ensure that the integrity of the game remains in tact. Damon’s biggest ambition outside of football is to uplift the youth in his local community and help them to achieve and see the world.


Jerome Damon continued FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003 Africa Cup of Nations 2004 FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005 Africa Cup of Nations 2006 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) Africa Cup of Nations 2008 Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 – Men FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 Africa Cup of Nations 2010


Eddy MAILLET Country: Seychelles


Height: 184 cm Evarist MENKOUANDE

Residence: Victoria, Mahe Country: Cameroon

Occupation: Referee coordinator Date of Birth: 14.11.1974


Other languages: Creole, French Bechir HASSANI

International since: 2001 Country: Tunisia

First International: Madagascar-Zambia (16.6.2001) Date of Birth: 22.09.1969

Hobbies: Keen hockey player.

Fondest memory: First international match

Eddy Maillet is the refereeing coordinator for his country’s FA and the only referee from the Seychelles to have officiated at the finals of a FIFA tournament.

His career record includes two FIFA U-17 World Cup competitions, Finland 2003 and Korea 2007, and his total of seven matches makes him the referee with the most appearances in the history of the tournament.

In an international career that began in 2001, he has handled games in South Africa’s Premier League, taken part in the last three CAF Africa Cup of Nations competitions, including the 2008 curtain-raiser between Ghana and Guinea, and also refereed at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

In 2008 Maillet was on the whistle in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final between Etoile du Sahel and CS Sfaxien. He also directed the second leg of CAF Confederation Cup 2009 between Stade Malien-E.S.Setifienne.

In 2009 he officiated in both the U-17 FIFA World Cup and the U-20 FIFA World Cup and he also directed 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying matches including the play off between Algeria and Egypt and finally two games at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2010.

Maillet has also handled foreign league games in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Maillet first became a referee because his playing days had come to an end and he wanted to continue his involvement in football. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is physical fitness and trying to maintain it at a top, professional level. Outside of football his biggest ambition is to provide a role model for the youth of today.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003 Africa Cup of Nations 2004 Africa Cup of Nations 2006 Asian Nations Cup 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 Africa Cup of Nations 2008 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 Africa Cup of Nations 2010


Asian Zone

Khalil AL GHAMDI Country: Saudi Arabia


Height: 177 cm Hassan KAMRANIFAR

Residence: Jeddah Country: Iran

Occupation: Teacher Date of Birth: 19.04.1972

Mother tongue: Arabic

Other languages: English Saleh Al Marzouqi

International since: 2003 Country: United Arab Emirates

First International: Yemen-United Arab Emirates (8.9.2004) Date of Birth: 02.12.1970

Hobbies: Swimming, travel

Fondest memory: FIFA U-17 World Cup Finland 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup Netherlands 2005

A top-flight referee in the Saudi Professional League since 1996, Khalil Al Ghamdi joined the FIFA international list in 2003 and was selected for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Finland, where he covered two first-round matches. Two years later he took part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, before officiating the final of the AFC Cup between Al Faisaly of Jordan and Al Nejmeh of Lebanon.

Also in 2005, he became the sixth Asian referee to take charge of a European Zone qualifier for the FIFA World Cup™, overseeing Slovenia’s home match against Belarus 12 years after Malaysia’s Mohamed Nazri Abdullah refereed the USA 1994 qualifier between San Marino and England.

In the Asian Zone qualifiers for Germany 2006, he presided over two important matches in the third and decisive round-robin stage. In 2006 he carried out fourth official duties at several matches at the FIFA World Cup™ in Germany, before taking control of two games at the FIFA Club World Cup held in Japan at the end of the year.

Al Ghamdi was appointed to officiate at the AFC Asian Cup in 2007 and 2008, and at the Beijing Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, where he handled the first-round match between Brazil and Belgium. Later that same year, he took charge of the AFC Cup final first-leg match between Muharraq of Bahrain and Safa of Lebanon.

Besides being invited to officiate domestic league matches in Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar, he is also one of the busiest referees in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Asian qualifiers where he directed eight matches in total. In 2009 he officiated nine AFC Champions League matches and received a call-up for the Africa Nations Cup 2010.

Al Ghamdi first became a referee because his playing days had come to an end and he wanted to continue his involvement in football. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the high level of psychological and physical preparation that professional football requires. Besides football Al Ghamdi’s hobbies include swimming and travel.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) Asian Nations Cup 2007 Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 – Men Africa Cup of Nations 2010


Ravshan IRMATOV Country: Uzbekistan


Height: 183 cm Rafael ILYASOV

Residence: Tashkent Country: Uzbekistan

Occupation: School football instructor Date of Birth: 20.12.1973

Mother tongue: Uzbek

Other languages: English, Russian Bahadyr KOCHKAROV

International since: 2003 Country: Kyrgyzstan

First International: Vietnam-Lebanon (31.03.2004) Date of Birth: 13.05.1970

Hobbies: Football, swimming, tennis

Fondest memory: 2003 AFC Champions League; U-20 WC Canada 2007

With an international career dating back to 2003, Ravshan Irmatov is the only Uzbek referee to have officiated in the finals of a FIFA tournament to date. He is currently rated as AFC Referee of the Year and he received this award for the two prior years, 2009 and 2008.

He has appeared three times at the FIFA U-17 World Cup (2003,2007 and 2009), once at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and also at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008, where he not only handled the quarter-final meeting of Al Ahly and Pachuca, but also took charge of the Liga de Quito-Manchester United final.

His record in the top Asian tournaments includes a debut in the AFC Champions League in 2003 and in 2007 he officiated the Final of this tournament held in Japan, one of his biggest achievements to date. He was also selected for the AFC Asian Cup in 2004 and directed eight Asian preliminary matches for South Africa 2010.

He has also handled league games in Qatar in 2004 and 2005.

Away from the international football scene Irmatov is a school football instructor. For fitness he usually trains at the Chigatay stadium in Tashkent and, aside from football, he also swims and plays tennis.

Irmatov’s hobbies include football and when he was playing and injured in 1996 it was his Father, then a national referee, who suggested that Irmatov try refereeing instead which he did in 1997.

Irmatov believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is overseeing the safety of the players during a match and trying to prevent tackles by using excessive force.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003 Asian Nations Cup 2004 FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Subkhiddin MOHD SALLEH Country: Malaysia


Height: 174 cm MU Yuxin

Residence: Parit Buntar (Perak) Country: China PR


Mother tongue: Malay

Other languages: English Jeffrey GEK PHENG

International since: 2000 Country: Singapore

First International: Iraq-Nepal (23.04.2001) Date of Birth: 15.12.1971

Hobbies: Bowling and Snooker

Fondest memory: FIFA World Youth Championship Peru 2005

After working his way to the top flight of Malaysian football by the age of 30, Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh gained international status in 2000, since which time he has been one of Asia’s most sought-after referees.

In 2001, as well as his first meeting of senior national teams, an Iraq-Nepal qualifier for the FIFA World Cup™, he also took charge of the AFC Super Cup final.

Then in 2004, he was selected both for the finals of the Asian Nations Cup and the Olympic Football Tournament in Athens, which he followed up with appearances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru in 2005, the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2006, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria 2009. He also officiated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt 2009.

He was also chosen for one of the two legs of the 2007 AFC Champions League final between Sepahan and Urawa Red Diamonds. in 2008 Salleh also directed the Asian Champions League 2nd Leg Final between Adelaide United and Gamba Osaka.

Salleh further was the referee with the most directions in the FIFA World Cup 2010 preliminaries: 11 matches in total. He has been involved in five FIFA tournament final phases, more than any other Malaysian referee.

Mohd Salleh has also taken on league matches in China and Singapore as well as FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers in Oceania.

Salleh also has experience in the Qatar League, the China League and the Singapore League and has received invitations from the Maldives and Vietnam.

Salleh is one of 10 siblings: 5 boys and 5 girls. His brothers all play football well in their own class and they inspired Salleh to start refereeing so that he could have something in common with them albeit in a different capacity as referee. Inspiration also came from his Uncle who was a respected referee in the late 1970s.

Outside of football Salleh strives to be an exemplary and successful teacher. He is also a keen snooker fan and plays bowling in his spare time.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Asian Nations Cup 2004 Olympic Football Tournaments Athens 2004 – Men FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Yuichi NISHIMURA Country: Japan

Date of Birth: 17.04.1972 Toru SAGARA

Height: 181 cm Country: Japan

Residence: Tokyo Date of Birth: 25.06.1976

Occupation: Referee

Mother tongue: Japanese JEONG Hae Sang

Other languages: English Country: Korea Republic

International since: 2004 Date of Birth: 01.06.1971

First International: Thailand-United Arab Emirates (13.10.2004)

Hobbies: Golf

Fondest memory: FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007: Final Spain - Nigeria

After two seasons in the J.League, Yuichi Nishimura’s international debut came in 2004 with a Thailand-United Arab Emirates FIFA World Cup™ qualifier.

2006 saw him involved in the Asian youth championships, and in the same year he had to deal with an unusual situation in the AFC Champions League semi-final between Al Qadisya (Kuwait) and Al Karama (Syria). Nishimura was forced to suspend the match for 20 minutes when a smoke bomb and other objects were thrown at the Syrian bench after the home side missed a penalty. Despite this incident he was able to bring the game to a normal conclusion when play resumed. In 2007, he officiated at the Spain-Nigeria final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea, which went to penalties, as well as the first leg of the AFC Cup final.

The following year, he was selected for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (three matches, including the Egypt-Angola quarter-final) and was called in to oversee a match in the Polish championship. In 2009, he officiated at the 3rd place final Hungary-Costa Rica in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt. He also directed seven Asian FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying matches.

Nishimura’s experience in foreign leagues includes the Poland League Extra Class in 2008.

When Nishimura was the coach of a youth team a referee once inflicted bad judgement on a match destroying the dreams of his players. This inspired Nishimura to become a referee in order to better serve correct rulings and always think of the players first.

Nishimura believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is trying to constantly maintain positive motivation amongst the players.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Asian Nations Cup 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 Africa Cup of Nations 2008 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


European Zone

Olegario BENQUERENCA Country: Portugal


Height: 184 cm Jose CARDINAL

Residence: Leiria Country: Portugal

Occupation: Insurance Professional Date of Birth: 19.01.1967

Mother tongue: Portuguese

Other languages: French, English, Spanish Bertino MIRANDA

International since: 2001 Country: Portugal

First International: Spain-Paraguay (07.06.2002) Date of Birth: 18.05.1972

Hobbies: Music, singing, racing cars

Fondest memory: FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007

An ex-footballer with an interest in politics and the son of a referee, Olegario Benquerenca took charge of his maiden match in Portugal’s top tier during the 1995-96 season. He subsequently gained international status in 2001, making his debut in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. His first match between senior national teams was in 2002, when he oversaw Spain’s friendly with Paraguay in Logrono.

After taking charge of a number of preliminary-round matches in European club competitions, he made the step up to the UEFA Cup proper in the 2003-2004 season, before progressing to the UEFA Champions League in the 2005-2006 season. In 2005 he refereed three European Zone qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup™ and in 2009 he refereed a UEFA Cup semi-final between Shaktar Donetsk-Dyanmo Kyiv.

Having been chosen to officiate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007 in Korea Republic, the Portuguese official oversaw one Round of 16 match before presiding over the play-off for third place which pitted Germany against Ghana.

Recently he participated at the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup and directed one of the UEFA play off matches (Ukraine-Greece) for the FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifiers. Benquerenca has also officiated matches in several foreign leagues, including in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Benquerenca’s involvement with football began when he was eleven years old when he used to play for his cities youth club, União de Leiria. After six seasons as player he later took a Referees course and followed in his fathers footsteps and became a referee.

Benquerenca believes that one of the biggest challenges facing referees today is the difference between what the referee sees and what the camera sees and thinks it is important for referees to continually improve their skills and for new techniques to be used which allow them to better protect the laws of the game, the safety of the players and the image of football.

Outside of football Benquerenca is a keen traveller and motor-racing fan as well as speaking French, English and Spanish. He enjoys travelling and visiting new countries, different cultures and people. In the future he would like to participate in politics and work with people.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 UEFA EURO 2008 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Massimo BUSACCA Country: Switzerland


Height: 180 cm Matthias ARNET

Residence: Monte Carrasso Country: Switzerland

Occupation: Proprietor Date of Birth: 02.06.1968

Mother tongue: Italian

Other languages: English, French, German, Spanish Francesco BURAGINA

International since: 1999 Country: Switzerland

First International: Northern Ireland-Bulgaria (02.06.2001) Date of Birth: 07.01.1966

Hobbies: Skiing, holidays

Fondest memory: UEFA Cup 2000: Liverpool (ENG) v. Slovan Liberec (CZE); UEFA Champions League 2002 Final: Real Madrid (ESP) v. Bayern Leverkusen (GER) as 4th Official; FIFA World Youth Championship Netherland 2005 semi-final: Brazil v. Argentina, World Cup 2006, Euro 2008 in Switzerland

After a spell as a player in the fifth division in Switzerland’s canton of Ticino, Massimo Busacca opted for a career as a referee in 1990, making his debut in the Swiss first division in 1996.

His international breakthrough came three years later, when he took charge of his first tie in the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup. His first fixture between national sides was the 2001 Northern Ireland-Bulgaria FIFA World Cup™ qualifier. Since then, he has been one of the busiest referees in European club-level competitions, officiating in a UEFA Cup semi-final in 2005 and then the 2007 Espanyol-Sevilla final, as well as the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final between Barcelona and Manchester United.

He was involved in the finals of Germany 2006 up to the Round of 16, overseeing three matches. He also took part in UEFA EURO 2008 and presided over the Germany v. Turkey semi-final. His last season was very busy with the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria and various FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying matches including the decisive second leg play off between Uruguay and Costa Rica. His experience in foreign leagues includes Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Romania and France.

Busacca started playing football in 1989 however on realising that he could not achieve a top level he decided to try refereeing instead based on his friends recommendation and immediately felt that it was his calling. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is being able to make split second decisions and stand by them as well as being able to win the approval of the players and to maintain credibility.

In the future he would like to join a commission which improves and develops the progress of referees. Away from the football field, his personal best in the 800 metres is 2:02 and he was Switzerland’s “Non-Smoker of the Year” for 2006.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA World Youth Championship UAE 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) UEFA EURO 2008 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Frank DE BLEECKERE Country: Belgium


Height: 182 cm Peter HERMANS

Residence: Oudenaarde Country: Belgium

Occupation: PR manager Date of Birth: 27.06.1966

Mother tongue: Dutch

Other languages: French, English, German Walter VROMANS

International since: 1998 Country: Belgium

First International: Portugal-Wales (2.6.2000) Date of Birth: 21.04.1968

Hobbies: Tennis, travelling

Fondest memory: Final of FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2005: Brazil-Mexico; FIFA World Cup Germany 2006; semi-fianl of UEFA Euro Austria-Switzerland 2008: Spain-Russia

After suffering a serious injury at the age of 18, Frank De Bleeckere swapped a playing career for the referee’s shirt, making his Belgian Pro League debut in 1995. In 1998, shortly after achieving international status, he took part in the UEFA European U-17 Championship, making his first appearance in the UEFA Cup the year after and handling his first full international, a Portugal-Wales friendly, in 2000.

In European cup competitions, De Bleeckere is one of the most used referees in UEFA club competitions and he has officiated in three UEFA Cup semi-finals (Celtic-Boavista in 2002-03 and Fiorentina-Glasgow Rangers in 2007-08 and in 2009, Hamburger SV-Werder Bremen) and one UEFA Champions League semi-final (AC Milan-Manchester United in 2006-07). In August 2009, he was referee in the UEFA Super Cup Final in Monaco, between Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk.

In FIFA youth competitions, he received a call-up for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the UAE in 2003, where he handled the Spain-Colombia semi-final, and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru in 2005, in which he was entrusted with the Mexico-Brazil final. In 2009, he handled the Final in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt between Ghana and Brazil.

At the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, his four games took him up to the quarter-finals. In the UEFA European Championship, meanwhile, after appearing as a fourth official in 2004, he was chosen for three matches in the tournament hosted by Austria and Switzerland, including the Spain-Russia semi-final. He has also been called in to officiate overseas, in league matches in Lebanon, the Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Tunisia and Ukraine, as well as to take charge of a 2005 Asian Zone qualifier for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ between Korea DPR and Japan.

Much of De Bleeckere’s inspiration for becoming a referee lies in family tradition as both his father and grandfather were referees in the First League in Belgium. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the camera and media proximity – every detail matters and can sometimes lead to bigger issues. Compared to the past it requires a completely different type of mentality. FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA World Youth Championship UAE 2003 UEFA EURO 2004 FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) UEFA EURO 2008 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Martin HANSSON Country: Sweden


Height: 190 cm Henrik ANDREN

Residence: Holmsjo Country: Sweden

Occupation: Referee Date of Birth: 21.07.1968

Mother tongue: Swedish

Other languages: English, German Stefan WITTBERG

International since: 2001 Country: Sweden

First International: Estonia-Canada (29.03.2003) Date of Birth: 02.09.1968

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing

Fondest memory: Receiving first FIFA badge.

After getting his first taste of refereeing at the tender age of 15, Martin Hansson took charge of his first game in the top tier of Swedish football in 1999. His international career began in 2001, with a debut in the UEFA European U-16 Championship, as well as a qualifying-round UEFA Champions League match between Sheriff Tiraspol and Anderlecht.

In 2003, he oversaw his first meeting of national teams (Estonia-Canada), and added another three UEFA Cup fixtures to his CV alongside a call-up for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Finland in 2003, where he officiated in the Argentina-Spain semi-final.

In 2005, he refereed his first European qualifier for the FIFA World Cup™, as well as a group-stage UEFA Champions League match (Juventus-Rapid Vienna), later presiding over the Netherlands-Ukraine final of the UEFA European U-21 Championship.

Hansson holds the record for the most appearances in a single FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament: in Canada 2007 he took charge of six games, including the match for third place between Austria and Chile. He also directed the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 between USA and Brazil.

As there were too few referees in Hansson’s local club he was asked to start refereeing which he did and subsequently really enjoyed. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is protecting the game from violet behaviour and making sure that cheaters do not benefit.

Outside of football Hansson is a part time fireman, amateur hunter and fisherman. He is also a family man and tries to instil manners and values in his children so that they can do the best with their lives.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009


Viktor KASSAI Country: Hungary


Height: 189 cm Gabor EROS

Residence: Tatabanya Country: Hungary

Occupation: Sales manager Date of Birth: 05.09.1971

Mother tongue: Hungarian

Other languages: English Tibor VAMOS

International since: 2003 Country: Hungary

First International: Slovakia-Luxembourg (18.08.2004) Date of Birth: 16.01.1967

Hobbies: Sports, cinema

Fondest memory: FIFA Olympic Football Tournament, Beijing 2008

Viktor Kassai became the first Hungarian referee to officiate in an Olympic final when he took charge of the Argentina-Nigeria gold-medal decider at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008. Sales manager Kassai made his top-flight refereeing debut in Hungary in 1999, before moving up to international level in 2003, initially officiating in a qualifying stage UEFA Cup match.

The year after that, he refereed a qualifying-round match in the UEFA Champions League, leading onto his first full international – the meeting of Slovakia and Luxembourg in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ European Zone qualifiers.

This was followed by selection for the UEFA European U-19 Championship in 2005, where he oversaw the Serbia & Montenegro-England semi-final clash.

The 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada saw him on refereeing duty in three matches.

Before his Olympic exploits, he was on the list of referees for UEFA EURO 2008, where he served as a fourth official.

In 2009 he was selected for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria where he refereed three matches.

He recently directed the Bahrain-New Zealand play-off qualifying match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Kassai’s father, a referee since 1974, advised Kassai and Kassai’s brother to start refereeing in1990. Kassai was then only 15 years old.

Kassai believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the fact that many players are prepared to do anything in order to win with no respect for fair play. Referees therefore have to be very careful that they provide the best control possible on the pitch and that they apply the Laws of the Game.

Outside of football family life is very important to Kassai as well as spending time with friends.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 UEFA EURO 2008 Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 – Men FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Stephane LANNOY Country: France


Height: 185 cm Eric DANSAULT

Residence: Sailly sur la Lys Country: France

Occupation: Salesman Date of Birth: 14.09.1968

Mother tongue: French

Other languages: English Laurent UGO

International since: 2006 Country: France

First International: Spain-Croatia (07.06.2006) Date of Birth: 07.06.1973

Hobbies: Reading, cinema

Fondest memory: UEFA U-21 Championship Netherlands 2007

Stephane Lannoy played football up until the age of 20, before donning the referee’s shirt and going on to make his French top-flight debut in the 2002-03 season.

Lannoy achieved international status in 2006 when he supervised his first UEFA Cup matches and a Spain-Croatia friendly.

In 2007, he received his call-up for the UEFA European U-21 Championship, taking charge of three matches in all, including the Italy-Portugal play-off for Olympic qualification.

In December of the same year, Barcelona-Stuttgart was his first UEFA Champions League fixture.

He made the list for UEFA EURO 2008, serving as a fourth official, and was also at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008, where he presided over the Brazil-New Zealand game.

Lannoy also refereed three matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009.

Lannoy’s personal involvement with football started as a player, then referee for his local club and he also has experience managing young players for many tournaments. Football runs in his family as his father is the coach for a youth team in a small club.

He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is trying to adapt to the modernisation and evolution of football.

Outside of football Lannoy is committed to his family life and professional career in sales. His hobbies include the cinema and reading.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals UEFA EURO 2008 Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 – Men FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Roberto ROSETTI Country: Italy


Height: 190 cm Paolo CALCAGNO

Residence: Torino Country: Italy

Occupation: Hospital manager Date of Birth: 29.01.1966

Mother tongue: Italian

Other languages: English, French Stefano AYROLDI

International since: 2002 Country: Italy

First International: Tunisia-Cameroon (11.01.2002) Date of Birth: 25.04.1967

Hobbies: Tennis, movies, books

Fondest memory: UEFA European U-16 Championship 2000/01; FIFA World Youth Championship UAE 2003; FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005; FIFA World Cup Germany 2006; UEFA Euro Austria-Switzerland 2008

Roberto Rosetti made his refereeing debut in Italy’s Serie B in 1998 before being rapidly promoted to Serie A within the space of a year.

In addition to handling the most delicate and high-profile matches in the Italian league, where he has presided over 170 games, he has officiated two Coppa Italia finals and an Italian Supercup final.

In 1999 he was involved in one of the first experiments involving two referees in one game, which took place during a Coppa Italia match.

He made the step up to international football in Rades during a friendly encounter between Tunisia and visitors Cameroon. A few months later he was handed the honour of covering the final of the UEFA Under-17 Championship between France and Switzerland, which culminated in a penalty shoot-out.

Another youth-level final entrusted to Rosetti was the deciding match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2003, which was contested between Brazil and Spain.

Two years later he was selected to officiate at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany, overseeing three games including the semi-final between Mexico and Argentina. During the group-stage meeting between Brazil and Mexico, he had El Tri’s Jared Borgetti retake a penalty not once but twice.

Rosetti was among the referees nominated to take part in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. He presided over four matches up to the Round of 16 but took no further part due to Italy’s qualification for the latter stages of the tournament.

The 2007-2008 season was a very busy one for the Italian official. After taking charge of seven UEFA Champions League matches, including the semi-final between Chelsea and Liverpool, he participated in UEFA EURO 2008. Not only did he officiate the curtain-raiser between Switzerland and Czech Republic, he was also in charge of the tournament Final between Germany and Spain, becoming the first referee in the history of the event to preside over both the opening and closing matches.

Rosetti’s experience in foreign leagues includes France, Tunisia and leagues in the Middle East.


Roberto Rosetti continued

In 2009 he also officiated the final of the Italian Cup, UEFA Champions League semi-final, Arsenal-Manchester United, was called up for the FIFA U-20 World Cup (four directions) in Egypt and the FIFA Club World Cup where he refereed one semi-final. In FIFA World Cup qualifiers he was nominated, among other matches, for the play-off Bosnia Herzegovina-Portugal.

Rosetti believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the camera. In his words “there are two matches - one on the pitch and one on camera, however the referee never sees what is on the camera and so it is one referee against more then 24 cameras – who is the winner?”

From the age of 16, Rosetti used to go to the Comunale Stadium every Sunday with his father and uncle to see Torino play Juventus. His inspiration for becoming a referee was because it provided a good chance to enter the stadium for free. Nevertheless, once he started refereeing he soon loved it.

Outside of football he is the face of a national road safety campaign and likes to spend time with his family and friends and provide a good example to his daughters.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA World Youth Championship UAE 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) UEFA EURO 2008 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Wolfgang STARK Country: Germany


Height: 191 cm Jan-Hendrik SALVER

Residence: Ergolding Country: Germany

Occupation: Banker Date of Birth: 01.03.1969

Mother tongue: German

Other languages: English Mike PICKEL

International since: 1999 Country: Germany

First International: Azerbaijan-Moldova (24.03.2001) Date of Birth: 08.04.1975

Hobbies: Sports

Fondest memory: EURO 2008 Qualifier: Greece v Turkey; Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008

Having made up his mind to be a referee from an early age, Wolfgang Stark is an accomplished match official whose career is rapidly going from strength to strength.

Soon after making his Bundesliga debut at the age of 28, he was promoted to the FIFA international list in 1999, the very year that he refereed in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Following a period in which he was continually called upon to officiate in European club tournaments, he returned to national team competition in 2007 when he covered five games at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, including a semi-final.

The German official has presided over four European club-level matches at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium, where he says he experienced the best atmosphere in a football ground after hearing a moving rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” sung by home fans in the Kop end.

In 2008 he was involved in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing, taking control of two matches. In recent club competitions he was the referee of the UEFA Champions League 2009 semi-final, Barcelona-Chelsea, and was nominated for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009.

With regards to foreign leagues Stark has been involved in the J-League in Japan, Qatar-League, Saudi Arabian-league as well as some matches in leagues from Libya, Iran and Tunisia.

Stark’s father was also a referee in the second Bundesliga and assistant referee in the top flight and this provided the impetus for Stark to become a referee. He was also inspired as a player as he wanted to see what it was like to be involved in football but in a different role, one which he subsequently preferred.

Stark believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the speed in which football is evolving as the game becomes increasingly faster as a result of technology and tactics. According to him a referee must read the game, always have control and remember that he is not alone and should work with both players and officials.

Football, family and Stark’s job are the three most important things which he tries to juggle in his life.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship New Zealand 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 – Men FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Alberto UNDIANO Country: Spain


Height: 181 cm Fermin MARTINEZ

Residence: Ansoain Country: Spain

Occupation: Sociologist Date of Birth: 04.07.1966

Mother tongue: Spanish

Other languages: English, French Juan Carlos YUSTE JIMENEZ

International since: 2004 Country: Spain

First International: Finland-Sweden (28.5.2004) Date of Birth: 25.09.1975

Hobbies: Tennis

Fondest memory: Final of FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007

Alberto Undiano refereed his first match aged just 16 and ten seasons later made his Primera Division debut making him one of the youngest referees in Spain’s top league.

In 2004 he gained full international status and the following year he took part in the UEFA Under-19 Championship, where he presided over the semi-final between France and Germany.

The Spaniard was also assigned to the semi-final between France and the Netherlands at the UEFA Under-21 Championship in 2006.

Later that year he took charge of his first UEFA Champions League group-stage match, handling Bayern Munich’s home tie against Spartak Moscow.

An active tennis player and a sociology graduate, Undiano has also officiated league matches in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Russia.

Having been included in the list of referees for the FIFA U-20 FIFA World Cup in Canada, he oversaw five matches including the tournament decider between Argentina and Czech Republic.

In 2008 he was in Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup, where he took charge of the semi-final between Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito and Pachuca.

In 2009 he was nominated for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2009 in Egypt where he refereed three matches including the semi-final between Brazil and Costa Rica at the U-20 FIFA World Cup.

In addition to the European FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifiers Undiano was called for the first leg play off match between Costa Rica and Uruguay.

Undiano’s involvement with football began as a player. When he stopped playing a friend encouraged him to try refereeing. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the pressure. Outside of football Undiano enjoys spending time with his family.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Howard WEBB Country: England


Height: 188 cm Darren CANN

Residence: London Country: England

Occupation: Professional referee Date of Birth: 22.01.1969


Other languages: - Michael MULLARKEY

International since: 2005 Country: England

First International: Northern Ireland-Portugal (15.11.2005) Date of Birth: 03.05.1970

Hobbies: Family

Fondest memory: UEFA Euro 2008 Final

Howard Webb, the son of a referee, began officiating football matches at the age of 18 and progressed rapidly through the ranks before making his Premier League debut in 2003, taking charge of the match between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In 2005 he presided over the FA Community Shield game between Arsenal and Chelsea, while in November that year he officiated his first national team encounter, a friendly between Northern Ireland and Portugal in Belfast. The following year he was selected to referee at the UEFA Under-21 Championship, where he took charge of the semi-final meeting pitting Ukraine against the former Serbia and Montenegro. In 2007 he was placed in charge of the Carling Cup final between Arsenal and Chelsea, refereed his first UEFA Champions League tie and took part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, presiding over five matches including the semi-final between Austria and the Czech Republic. During the 2007-2008 season the Englishman was assigned to the Manchester derby, which was preceded by a poignant tribute to the victims of the Munich air disaster. Webb recalls the intensely emotive atmosphere of that occasion, including the immense respect shown by Manchester City fans during the impeccably observed minute’s silence.

Webb was selected to officiate at UEFA EURO 2008, where he covered two first-round matches. In 2009, Webb directed the UEFA Cup 2009 semi-final between Werder Bremen and Hamburg and was appointed to take charge of the FA Cup Final at Wembley when Chelsea beat Everton. He also officiated four matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009, including a quarter-final match. He refereed 3 matches at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 in South Africa. Webb’s experience in foreign leagues includes: 14 UEFA Champions League matches at group stage and the Superliga Cup final in Boston, USA, in 2008 which involved US and Mexican teams. Recently he was appointed for the 2010 UEFA Champions League final, Bayern Munich-FC Internazionale Milan.

Football runs in Webb’s family as both his father and grandfather were involved in the sport – his grandfather played professional football in the English Football League and his father refereed at regional level. When Webb realised that he would not make the grade as a player his father inspired him to become a referee instead. To date Webb’s father has provided the most positive influence on his career. Webb believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is being able to cope with the pressures placed upon referees in a world where every situation and decision is scrutinised in detail. He adds that the stakes are so high these days which places more demands on everybody involved in the game to make it successful. Outside of football Webb used to play tennis at regional level. He tries to maintain a happy and healthy life being a positive role model for his children.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 UEFA EURO 2008 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


North, Central American and Caribbean Zone

Joel AGUILAR Country: El Salvador


Height: 170 cm William TORRES

Residence: San Salvador Country: El Salvador

Occupation: Professor Date of Birth: 22.02.1975


Other languages: English Juan ZUMBA

International since: 2001 Country: El Salvador

First International: Honduras-Nicuragua (11.2.2003) Date of Birth: 19.09.1982

Hobbies: Reading, writing and listening to music.

Fondest memory: 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches,FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada, FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea,2010 FIFA World CupTM qualifying matches

Aged only 25, Joel Aguilar refereed his first game in the top league in El Salvador and in 2004-05 took charge of the Apertura final between Deportivo FAS and Atletico Balboa, which was decided by a penalty shoot-out.

In 2002 he officiated his first match in the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, and in 2008 he presided over the semi-final between DC United and Pachuca. Following on from the final phases of the CONCACAF U-17 and U-20 Men’s Championships, held in 2005 and 2007 respectively, he was selected in 2007 as a referee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea Republic. At the latter tournament, he took charge of the semi-final encounter between Nigeria and Germany.

In 2007 he took part in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, handling the Mexico-Cuba game. The following year he oversaw the final of the CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament between Honduras and the USA. Aguilar has officiated nine final-phase matches in FIFA competitions, more than any other Salvadoran referee to date. He is also the youngest official on the list of referees selected for South Africa 2010.

Most recently he officiated in most of the important continental club and national team competitions including the Gold Cup 2009. He was nominated for FIFA U-20 World Cup 2009 in Egypt and he also directed eight CONCACAF FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying matches.

Aguilar became a referee by accident. He used to lead a church team for children and when a referee failed to show up he would officiate the match so that the children would not miss out on playing. Later, a former referee showed Aguilar some referee tips such as signals following which Aguilar decided to pursue a course in refereeing. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the speed at which the game is played as well as being able to deal with diving, an area in which there is little fair play. Referees therefore need to be better prepared to handle such situations. Away from the football pitch Aguilar is usually busy with his family or at work as a teacher. His ambition is to use his degree in physical education, sport and recreation to become a referee instructor or fitness coach.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 USA FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009 USA FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Benito ARCHUNDIA Country: Mexico


Height: 170 cm Hector VERGARA

Residence: Tlalnepantla Country: Canada

Occupation: Lawyer and economist Date of Birth: 15.12.1966


Other languages: English Marvin TORRENTERA

International since: 1993 Country: Mexico

First International: USA-Greece (28.05.1994) Date of Birth: 25.02.1971

Hobbies: Playing football, physical training, playing video games, reading

Fondest memory: Friends made during tournaments

Benito Archundia made his top-flight refereeing debut at a very early age, taking charge of his first match in the Mexican Primera Division aged only 25.

Having joined the FIFA international list in 1993, he was immediately appointed to referee at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan, where he handled the semi-final between Nigeria and Poland. His first senior international fixture was in 1994, when he oversaw the match between the USA against Greece in New Haven.

In 1996 he was selected to referee at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, where he took charge of two matches in the men’s tournament and one in the women’s tournament. That same year he made his first appearance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, an event which he also covered in1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009

Archundia has participated in two editions of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The first was in 2003, when he refereed the semi-final between Argentina and Brazil, while the second was in 2005. He has also been involved in two editions of the Copa América, in 1999 and 2007. At club level he has overseen two CONCACAF Champions’ Cup finals, in 2001, 2003 and 2007, 2008, 2009 all of which were contested by sides from his home nation of Mexico.

He has featured twice in the FIFA Club World Cup, in 2005 when he controlled the final between São Paulo and Liverpool, and in 2008 he was the referee in the semi-final between Manchester United and Gamba Osaka and final in EUA 2009 between Barcelona and Estudiantes de la Plata.

Archundia’s first senior FIFA competition was the Confederations Cup in 2001, where he refereed the semi-final match between Australia and Japan. His dream of officiating at a FIFA World Cup was realised in 2006 when he took part in the final phase in Germany. During the semi-final encounter between Germany and Italy, the Mexican became the first referee to officiate in five matches during the same edition of a FIFA World Cup™. In that same encounter in Dortmund, Archundia was involved in a close encounter which he recalls with great amusement: separated from his team-mates and eager to celebrate his team’s opening goal, Italian defender Marco Materazzi decided to hug the person nearest to him on the pitch at that moment, who turned out to be none other than the Mexican referee.

Besides having presided over FIFA World Cup qualifiers in three different confederations (AFC, CONCACAF and CONMEBOL), Archundia also has experience in the foremost leagues in Japan and Qatar. As one of the most used North Central American referees he was nominated for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League 2009 final between Atlante and Cruz Azul, the Gold Cup 2009 and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009. In the FIFA Club World Cup 2009 he directed the final Barcelona-Estudiantes.


Benito Archundia continued

Archundia also has experience in the Qatar and Japan leagues.

Football is a family tradition as Archundias’ brothers are amateur referees and one brother participates in professional football. His 18 year old son also plays in the 2nd Division of the professional league in Mexico. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the TV and the camera which provide many views and angles of the match. This compares to the referees sight which is more limited.

A lawyer and economist by profession, Archundia enjoys playing video games and has also practiced Taekwondo. His biggest ambition is to help the new referees in Mexico, CONCACAF and FIFA.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship Japan 1993 CONCACAF Gold Cup 1996 USA Olympic Football Tournaments Atlanta 1996 - Men Copa America 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup Korea/Japan 2001 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2003 USA/Mexico FIFA World Youth Championship UAE 2003 Olympic Football Tournaments Athens 2004 - Men FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2005 USA 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 USA Copa America 2007 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009 USA


Carlos BATRES Country: Guatemala


Height: 178 cm Leonel LEAL

Residence: Guatemala City Country: Costa Rica

Occupation: Scientist Date of Birth: 21.11.1976


Other languages: English Carlos PASTRANA

International since: 1996 Country: Honduras

First International: Panama-Canada (27.10.1996) Date of Birth: 27.11.1968

Hobbies: Sport, reading and time with family

Fondest memory: 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan: Germany-Paraguay

Formerly a central defender in the youth ranks of San Gabriel, Carlos Batres stumbled into refereeing at the age of 15 when he stood in to officiate a match after the original referee failed to appear.

He made his top-flight debut in the Guatemalan league in 1994 and joined the FIFA international list in 1996. He took control of his first fixture between senior national teams on 27 October that year, a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Panama and Canada. In 1998 he was put in charge of two competition finals at club level, the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup and the Copa Interamericana. The next year he was assigned to the final phase of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he oversaw three matches, including the quarter-final derby between fierce rivals the USA and Mexico.

In 2000 he made his first appearance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He took part in a total of five editions up to 2007 and is the only referee to have presided over three finals: in 2002, 2005 and 2007. Batres is also one of the few match officials to have participated in two different editions of the FIFA Confederations Cup, having been selected to referee in both the 2001 and 2003 events for a total of two matches. He made his FIFA World Cup debut at Korea/Japan 2002, handling two games including the Round of 16 encounter between Germany and Paraguay.

Besides officiating numerous FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the North, Central American and Caribbean Zone, Batres was also invited to cover an Asian Zone qualifier in 2001 and has experience in other professional leagues including in Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica and Panama.

In 2004 he progressed to the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Athens, where he took charge of two group-stage matches as well as the quarter-final between Iraq and Australia. Later that year, he was allocated to the final of the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup.

Nevertheless, the match which Batres cites as his most memorable game to date is the Final of the FIFA Club World Cup 2006 between Barcelona and Internacional in Yokohama on 17 December 2006.

In 2009 he was called again for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria and he also refereed nine CONCACAF FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifiers.


Carlos Batres continued

Initially a player, Batres started refereeing by accident when he ended up refereeing for a game that had no referee. Once he started he never stopped. Batres’ stepfather was also an amateur level referee for fifteen years.

Outside of football Batres is interested in sport, reading and spending time with his family.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship New Zealand 1999 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2000 USA FIFA Confederations Cup Korea/Japan 2001 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2002 USA 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan (TM) FIFA Confederations Cup France 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2003 USA/Mexico Olympic Football Tournaments Athens 2004 - Men CONCACAF Gold Cup 2005 USA CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 USA FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Marco RODRIGUEZ Country: Mexico


Height: 179 cm Jose Luis CAMARGO

Residence: Mexico D.F. Country: Mexico

Occupation: Physical education teacher Date of Birth: 25.09.1972


Other languages: English Alberto MORIN

International since: 1999 Country: Mexico

First International: Paraguay-Guatemala (03.03.1999) Date of Birth: 10.08.1980

Hobbies: Music, cycling, swimming, reading the Bible

Fondest memory: The births of his daughters

After serving in Mexico’s top league since 1996, Marco Rodriguez’s inaugural international match was the 1999 meeting of Guatemala and Paraguay.

He was selected for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Finland in 2003, where he presided over three games as well as the Colombia-Brazil semi-final. More semi-finals came his way the year after, in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Copa América, where he officiated the Brazil-Uruguay game.

In 2005 Rodriguez was selected again for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and made his first appearance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, repeating the experience in 2007.

After covering no fewer than eight qualifiers, he was selected for the finals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, taking charge of two first-stage games. With Rodriguez and Archundia, Mexico was the only country to send two referees to the tournament in Germany. In 2007 he took part in the FIFA Club World Cup, overseeing the Boca Juniors-AC Milan Final. Rodriguez has also served as referee in top-flight games in Jamaica and Qatar.

In 2009 he was again nominated to referee the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final match - Cruz Azul-Atlante. Also that year he was nominated for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the FIFA U-20 World Cup and he directed seven matches in total at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers in his continental zone.

At the age of 17 Rodriguez was inspired to become a referee after watching a Mexican umpire officiating the Final of the FIFA World Cup – at that moment he decided to become a referee. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the transition to professional football and maintaining the high standards that football requires. Outside of football he is very religious and demonstrates his sporting prowess in the triathlon.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA U-17 World Championship Finland 2003 Copa America 2004 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2005 USA FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 USA CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009 USA FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Oceanian Zone

Michael HESTER Country: New Zealand


Height: 181 cm Jan-Hendrik HINTZ

Residence: Auckland Country: New Zealand

Occupation: Naval Officer Date of Birth: 24.06.1976


Other languages:- Tevita MAKASINI

International since: 2007 Country: Tonga

First International: Tahiti-New Caledonia (25.08.2007) Date of Birth: 26.11.1976

Hobbies: Snowboarding, travel, golf

Fondest memory: U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 semi-final

Although born in Australia, Michael Hester is actually a New Zealander, as well as one of the most recent recruits to the ranks of international referees.

In 2004-05, he covered top-flight matches both at home and in Australia, before making his international debut at the 2007 South Pacific Games, where he took charge of the Fiji-New Caledonia final.

The following year, he was selected for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008, where he officiated in two first-round matches.

He recently participated at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009 where he directed five matches including the semi-final between Colombia and Switzerland.

Hester has also handled a number of foreign leagues including the Australian A-League and a small number of English Premier League Reserves matches and local leagues in California, USA.

Hester’s involvement with football began as a player. However, as he approached his late 20s he realised that his playing ambition exceeded his ability and he therefore decided to try refereeing instead as it seemed to be the logical choice with which to stay involved in the game and at a level above his playing ability.

He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the single split second view that they have of a match situation compared to the multitude of camera views from which they are now scrutinised. This, combined with the growing importance of every decision means that referees are under increasing pressure to make the right decisions.

Outside of football Hester is an officer in the New Zealand navy as well as a keen golfer. His ambition is to make a worthy contribution in all facets of his life - family, friends and profession.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 - Men FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Peter O’LEARY Country: New Zealand


Height: 188 cm Brent BEST

Residence: Hamilton Country: New Zealand



Other languages:- Matthew TARO

International since: 2003 Country: Solomon Islands

First International: Solomon Islands-Australia (09.10.2004) Date of Birth: 16.05.1967

Hobbies: Socialising with friends and family, reading, fishing and hiking

Fondest memory: FIFA World Youth Cup Canada 2007 FIFA World Club Cup Japan 2007

Since 1994, Peter O’Leary has been able to combine his life as a high-school science teacher with a refereeing career that took him to the top flight in 1999.

International status followed in 2003, and a year later he oversaw the first leg of the OFC Nations Cup final between the Solomon Islands and Australia.

After various appearances in continental youth tournaments, his next final came in the Oceania Club Championship in 2006. In 2007 he was selected for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, where he took charge of the match for third place between Etoile du Sahel and Urawa Red Diamonds.

As well as his New Zealand and Australian league games, O’Leary also made an unexpected appearance in the English Premier League in 2007-08. While watching Aston Villa play Sunderland as a guest of the referee Steve Bennett, he was called down from the stands at half-time to replace the injured fourth official. In 2008 he was chosen to officiate at another FIFA Club World Cup match.

O’Leary’s international experience grew in 2009 when he participated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. With regards to foreign leagues he has handled matches in the New Zealand National League since 1999, the Australian A-League since 2005 and the Oceania Champions League since 2006.

O’Leary became a referee after recognising his limitations as a player. Nevertheless he still wanted to be involved with football at the highest level and therefore started refereeing after discussing the possibility with another referee. It did not take O’Leary long to show talent in this area.

He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the consistent application of the Laws of the Game throughout the world. His biggest ambition outside of football is to be a role model, a motivator and facilitator of student learning so that all of his students can achieve their full potential.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals OFC Nations Cup 2004 Play-off FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


South American Zone

Hector BALDASSI Country: Argentina


Height: 179 cm Ricardo CASAS

Residence: Rio Ceballos Cordoba Argentina

Occupation: Businessman Date of Birth: 17.04.1967


Other languages: English Hernan MAIDANA

International since: 2000 Argentina

First International: Venezuela-Chile (25.07.2000) Date of Birth: 14.02.1972

Hobbies: Golf

Fondest memory: Uruguay-Brazil 2005, Brazil-Uruguay 2008

Hector Baldassi started refereeing aged 25 and took charge of his first top-flight league match in the Argentinian Primera Division in 1999.

He made his international club debut in 2000 in a Copa Libertadores fixture. Later that year he handled his first game between senior national sides, a 2002 FIFA World Cup™ qualifier between Venezuela and Chile in San Cristobal on 25 July.

Baldassi was selected for the Copa América 2004, where he took charge of three games, including the quarter-final between Paraguay and Uruguay.

Since then he has become one of the most in-demand referees in South America. He handled the final of the Copa Sudamericana in 2006 and officiated no fewer than eight matches during the 2006 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers, a record equalled only by his compatriot Horacio Elizondo.

The Argentinian businessman has also been invited to referee matches in Ecuador’s first division. Between 2006 and 2008, he took charge of 17 matches in the Copa Libertadores, including the 2008 final second-leg match between Fluminense and Liga de Quito which was decided by a penalty shoot-out.

In 2007 Baldassi was appointed for the FIFA U-20 championship in Canada. (His assistant had to return early). In 2008 he was appointed to officiate at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing, where he presided over three matches including the quarter-final between Belgium and Italy.

Baldassi was one of three officials designated to oversee a three-way play-off tournament which determined the winner of the 2008 Apertura in Argentina. In 2009 Baldassi was called for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt and he also directed seven matches in the CONCACAF 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifiers.

An ardent golfer, Baldassi believes that the biggest challenge facing referees is the split second of time that they have to make decisions. Outside of football Baldassi likes to spend time with his family and friends. FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Copa America 2004 Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 - Men FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Jorge LARRIONDA Country: Uruguay


Height: 176 cm Pablo FANDINO

Residence: Montevido Country: Uruguay

Occupation: Clerk Date of Birth: 11.10.1966


Other languages:English Mauricio ESPINOSA

International since: 1998 Country: Uruguay

First International: Chile-Bolivia (20.06.1999) Date of Birth: 06.05.1972

Hobbies: Breeding animals (birds, dogs, parrots etc.)

Fondest memory: FIFA Confederations Cup France 2003 semi-final: France v. Turkey; Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004 Bronze Medal Match: Italy-Iraq

After reaching the sixth division in his playing career as a striker, Jorge Larrionda has been refereeing in Uruguay’s top flight since 1993. He made his international debut in the 1998 Copa Libertadores.

The following year brought his first experience with senior national sides, in a Chile-Bolivia friendly, as well as appearances in the finals of the Sudamericano U-20, in which his total of 12 games makes him the tournament record-holder.

His career boasts a healthy crop of finals: five in the Copa Libertadores (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009), one in the Intercontinental Cup (2004, Once Caldas-Porto), one in the Recopa Sudamericana (2004) and two in the Copa Sudamericana.

When it comes to national teams, he has been part of two Copa América competitions (2001 and 2007), the FIFA Confederations Cup France 2003, where he was in charge of the France-Turkey semi-final in 2003, and the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004, with the bronze medal play-off between Italy and Iraq.

In 2005, he was selected for both of FIFA’s age-category World Cups, taking charge of the match for third place at the U-17s and one of the U-20 semi-finals.

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ he became the first Uruguayan referee to take part since Ernesto Filippi in 1994, officiating in four matches, including the France-Portugal semi-final. In addition to South American competitions, the Ecuadorean and Qatar Leagues, he has also taken charge of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the CONCACAF region.

Larrionda also holds an unusual record: whilst refereeing Penarol-Villa Espanola in 2000, he awarded no fewer than five penalties.

Most recently Larrionda had a very active season directing the first leg of the 2009 Copa Libertadores final between Estudiantes and Cruzeiro, as well as two matches at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup including the semi-final Spain versus USA, four matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, the highlight being the semi-final between Ghana and Hungary. Larrionda also directed five CONMEBOL qualifying matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup including the second leg of the play off match between New Zealand and Bahrain.

Originally a player Larrionda became a referee in order to stay involved in the game once his playing days had ended. Larrionda is not the only person in his family involved in football; his grandfather, Luis Pietrafesa, played in Uruguay’s first division for Club Atlético Defensor.


Jorge Larrionda continued

Amongst the challenges facing referees today Larrionda lists financial pressures, the need to see all key match incidents and the physical demands required by professional football.

Outside of football Larrionda is a keen animal breeder and he enjoys spending time with his family in particular his two children.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Copa America 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup France 2003 Olympic Football Tournaments Athens 2004 - Men FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) Copa America 2007 FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Pablo POZO Country: Chile


Height: 177 cm Patricio BASUALTO

Residence: Santiago Country: Chile

Occupation: Auditor Date of Birth: 02.09.1972


Other languages: English Francisco MONDRIA

International since: 1999 Country: Chile

First International: Bolivia-Colombia (10.09.2003) Date of Birth: 22.07.1972

Hobbies: Family and sport

Fondest memory: FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008, FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009

Pablo Pozo, whose father was also a professional referee, made his debut in the Chilean Premium League in 1997, and during his career has officiated in six Chilean title matches.

In an international career that began in 2003, he has appeared at all the South American youth competitions: U-17, U-20 and the U-23 pre-Olympic tournament.

After taking charge of one of the semi-finals at the 2007 Pan American Games, the following year Pozo presided over the Copa Libertadores semi-final between Liga de Quito and CF America, three matches at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008, including the Nigeria-Belgium semi-final, two games at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008, including the match for third place between Pachuca and Gamba Osaka, two games at the FIFA Confederation Cup 2009 including the match Spain- South Africa and three games at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. Pozo has also handled matches in the Ecuador League.

For Pozo football is a family tradition as his brother, Mauricio, was a professional football player and his father was also a professional referee. It was his father who inspired Pozo to become a Referee

Pozo believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the level of professionalism which it has reached and the preparation that it requires.

Outside of football Pozo likes to spend time with his family and is also a keen tennis fan.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 - Men FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Oscar RUIZ Country: Colombia


Height: 185 cm Abraham GONZALEZ

Residence: Villavicencio Country: Colombia

Occupation: Lawyer, University teacher Date of Birth: 07.12.1970


Other languages: Portuguese, English Humberto CLAVIJO

International since: 1995 Country: Colombia

First International: Paraguay-Venezuela (12.07.1995) Date of Birth: 18.07.1973

Hobbies: Music, reading, watching sports on TV

Fondest memory: FIFA World Cup Korea/ Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup Germany 2006

Oscar Ruiz has officiated more games under the auspices of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) than any other referee, over 100 to date, and he holds the record for matches in the Copa Libertadores.

The Colombian has refereed in all CONMEBOL competitions, taking part in five editions of the Copa América and covering three Copa Libertadores finals. Ruiz made his top-flight debut in 1992 and earned his FIFA badge three years later.

His appearance record includes the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2005, as well as involvement in three FIFA U-20 World Cups, one FIFA U-17 World Cup, two FIFA Club World Cups, the 2000 Intercontinental Cup final between Boca Juniors and Real Madrid, and two FIFA Confederations Cups.

He has overseen numerous FIFA World Cup qualifiers, not just in the South American Zone but also in Asia. He also directed qualifying matches for France 1998, Japan/Korea 2002, Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. In 2006 he was assigned to the second leg of the qualifying play-off for Germany 2006 in which Bahrain hosted Trinidad & Tobago.

A highly experienced match official, he has already taken part in two editions of the FIFA World Cup, overseeing three matches at Korea/Japan 2002 and one at Germany 2006. In 2009 he officiated the semi-finals in Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores and was present in Egypt for the FIFA U-20 World Cup at which he became the only referee to have participated at all four tournaments having directed 19 matches in total - more than any other referee in the history of the competition.

He has also handled matches in foreign leagues including the Liga Paulista in São Paulo, Argentina, Uruguay and Qatar.

Ruiz’s father was also a referee who provided and provided the inspiration for Ruiz to become a referee. In addition, Ruiz has also always enjoyed seeing justice prevail, which complements his profession as lawyer and refereeing career. For Ruiz football is a family tradition - his father was a referee in the first division in the 1980s, his brother is currently an assistant referee in the first division and his two younger brothers are in the fourth division.


Oscar Ruiz continued

Ruiz believes that one of the biggest challenges facing referees is the offside rule not only because of its interpretation but also because it is so difficult for the human eye to identify the moment at which the ball moves and at the same time the exact position of the forward. He also thinks that television provides another indirect challenge for referees as there are so many cameras with different angles which immediately highlight when an error has been made, but the referee has only one camera – his eyes.

A lawyer and university lecturer by profession, Ruiz’s ambition is to continue studying and later have a career as a diplomat whilst still making a contribution to refereeing.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Copa America 1995 FIFA World Youth Championship Malaysia 1997 Copa America 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup Mexico 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup Korea/Japan 2001 Copa America 2001 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan (TM) FIFA World Youth Championship UAE 2003 Copa America 2004 FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2005 USA FIFA U-17 World Championship Peru 2005 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) Copa America 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009


Carlos SIMON Country: Brazil


Height: 179 cm Altemir HAUSMANN

Residence: Braga Country: Brazil

Occupation: Journalist Date of Birth: 05.12.1968

Mother tongue: Portuguese

Other languages: Spanish Roberto BRAATZ

International since: 1997 Country: Brazil

First International: Brazil-Chile (2.4.1997) Date of Birth: 03.10.1967

Hobbies: Reading, sports

Fondest memory: FIFA World Cup 2002 Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup 2006 Germany™

Carlos Simon took up refereeing while at college and made his top-flight debut in 1993.

The Brazilian official earned his FIFA badge in 1997 and since then has clocked up appearances in all of the major international tournaments. Back on home soil he has presided over a number of finals, including five in the Brazilian championship and five in the Brazilian Cup.

In 1999 he took part in the South American U-20 Championship and was appointed to the finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup that same year. In 2000 he was selected to officiate at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Sydney, where he handled three games, culminating in the quarter-final showdown between Italy and Spain.

After making his debut appearance in the Copa América in 2001, he was reselected for the 2007 edition of the tournament. During the preliminary competition for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™, he oversaw qualifiers organised by three different confederations: AFC, CONCACAF and, of course, CONMEBOL.

In 2002 he made his debut at the FIFA World Cup™ proper, officiating two first-round matches in Japan. At the end of the year he refereed the Toyota Intercontinental Cup final between Real Madrid and Olimpia Asunción. While representing Brazil at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, his most high-profile match was the Round of 16 encounter between Germany and Sweden.

Simon took charge of two consecutive Copa Sudamericana finals in 2003 and 2004 and in 2009 directed the semi-final at the same tournament. In 2009 he officiated in two matches at the FIFA Club World Cup including the semi-final Atlante-Barcelona. He has also taken up invitations to officiate league matches in Ecuador and Qatar.

Simon’s inspiration for becoming a referee was simply for the love of the game. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is the physical demands required by top level football. When he is not refereeing Simon works as a journalist.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals FIFA World Youth Championship Nigeria 1999 Olympic Football Tournaments Sydney 2000 - Men Copa America 2001 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan (TM) 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany (TM) Copa America 2007


Martin VAZQUEZ Country: Uruguay Date of Birth: 14.01.1969 Assistant Referees

Height: 181 cm Carlos PASTORINO Residence: Montevideo Country: Uruguay

Occupation: Employee Date of Birth: 11.11.1973


Other languages: Portuguese, English Miguel NIEVAS

International since: 2001 Country: Uruguay

First International: Venezuela – Argentina (09.09.2003) Date of Birth: 16.12.1974

Hobbies: Reading, music, rowing

Fondest memory: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2006

Before becoming a referee Martin Vazquez was a former player with Sportivo Italiano (2nd division) and Alto Peru and Parque del Plata (3rd division). His international career began with South American club competitions, Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana. He was also appointed for two consecutive editions of the continental U-20 Championship (2003-2005). In 2008 he directed the Copa Libertadores semi-final, America-LDU Quito. Vazquez was first called for a FIFA competition at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing where he refereed three matches including the all South American semi-final, Argentina-Brazil. In 2009 he was one of the referees at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria where he directed four matches, the Final between Switzerland and Nigeria being the highlight. Martin’s football career started as a player, followed by a football journalist before becoming a referee. He believes that the biggest challenge facing referees today is maintaining the credibility of their actions and decisions in and out of the field of play. Outside of football Martin is a family man likes to provide a good example for his children.

FIFA Competitions & Continental Finals Olympic Football Tournaments Beijing 2008 - Men FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009


Predecessors of 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Referees ARGENTINA Jose Macias (1930) Juan Brozzi (1958) Roberto Goicoechea (1966) Norberto Angel Coerezza (1970, 1978) Luis Pestarino (1974) Arturo Andres Ithurralde (1982) Carlos Esposito (1986) Juan Loustau (1990) Francisco Oscar Lamolina (1994) Javier Castrilli (1998) Angel Sanchez (2002) Horacio Elizondo (2006) Hector Baldassi (2010) BELGIUM Jean Langenus (1930, 1934, 1938) Henry Cristophe (1930) Louis Baert (1934, 1938) Laurent Franken (1954) Lucien Van Nuffel (1958) Arthur Blavier (1962) Vital Loraux (1970, 1974) Francis Rion (1978) Alexis Ponnet (1982, 1986) Marcel Van Langenhove (1990) Frank De Bleeckere(2006, 2010) BRAZIL Gilberto Rego (1930) Mario Viana (1950, 1954) Mario Gardelli (1950) Alberto malcher (1950) Joao Etzel Filho (1962) Armando Marques (1966, 1974) Ayrton Vieira De Moraes (1970) Arnaldo Coelho (1978, 1982) Romualdo Arppi Filho (1986) Jose Ramiz Wright (1990) Renato Marsiglia (1994) Marcio Rezende (1998) Carlos Simon (2002, 2006, 2010) CHILE Alberto Warnken (1930) Carlos Robles (1962) Rafael Hormazabal Diaz (1970) Juan Silvagno Cavanna (1978) Gaston Castro (1982) Hernan Silva Arce (1986, 1990) Mario Sanchez Yanten (1998) Pablo Pozo (2010)

COLOMBIA Omar Delgado (1974) Gilberto Aristizabal Murcia (1982) Jesus Diaz Palacio (1986) Jose Joaquin Torres Cadena (1994) John Toro Rendon (1998) Oscar Ruiz (2002, 2006, 2010) EL SALVADOR Joel Aguilar (2010) ENGLAND Arthur Ellis (1950, 1954, 1958) Reginald Leafe (1950, 1958) George Reader (1950) William Ling (1954) Ken Aston (1962) Kenneth Dagnall (1966) George McCabe (1966) Jim Finney (1966) John Taylor (1970, 1974) Patrick Partridge (1978) Clive White (1982) George Courtney (1986, 1990) Philip Don (1994) Paul Durkin (1998) Graham Poll (2002, 2006) Howard Webb (2010) FRANCE Thomas Balway (1930) Georges Capdeville (1938) Roger Conrie (1938) Lucien Leclercq (1938) Raymond Vincenti (1954) Maurice Guigue (1958) Pierre Schwinte (1962, 1966) Roger Machin (1970) Robert Wurtz (1978) Michel Vautrot (1982, 1990) Joel Quiniou (1986, 1990, 1994) Marc Batta (1998) Gilles Veissiere (2002) Eric Poulat (2006) Stephane Lannoy (2010)

GERMANY/ GERMANY FR Alfred Birlem (1934, 1938) Emil Schmetzer (1954) Albert Dusch (1958, 1962) Kurt Tschenscher (1966, 1970, 1974) Rudolf Kreitlein (1966) Gerhard Schulenburg (1974) Hans Joachim Weyland (1974) Ferdinand Biwersi (1978) Walter Eschweiler (1982) Volker Roth (1986) Siegfried Kirschen (1986, 1990) Aron Schmidhuber (1990) Hellmut Krug (1994) Bernd Heynemann (1998) Markus Merk (2002, 2006) Wolfgang Stark (2010) GUATEMALA Romulo Mendez Molina (1982, 1986) Carlos Batres (2002, 2010) HUNGARY Pal Von Hertza (1938) Andor Dorogi (1962) Istvan Zsolt (1954, 1958, 1966) Karoly Palotai (1974, 1978, 1982) Lajos Nemeth (1986) Sandor Puhl (1994) Laszlo Vagner (1998) Victor Kassai (2010) ITALY Rinaldo Barlassina (1934, 1938) Albino Carraro (1934) Francesco Mattea (1934) Giuseppe Scarpi (1938) Generoso Dattilo (1950) Giovanni Galeati (1950) Vincenzo Orlandini (1954, 1958) Cesare Jonni (1962) Concetto Lo Bello (1966) Antonio Sbardella (1970) Aurelio Angonese (1974) Sergio Gonella (1978) Paolo Casarin (1982) Luigi Agnolin (1986, 1990) Tullio Lanese (1990) Fabio Baldas (1994) Pierluigi Pairetto (1994) Pierluigi Collina (1998, 2002) Roberto Rosetti (2006,2010)


JAPAN Shizuo Takada (1986, 1990) Masayoshi Okada (1998) Toru Kamikawa (2002, 2006) Yuichi Nishimura (2010) MALAYSIA Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh (2010) MALI Idrissa Traore (1986) Koman Coulibaly (2010) MEXICO (Archundia, Rodriguez) Arturo Yamasaki Maldonado (1962, 1966, 1970) Abel Aguilar Elizalde (1970) Diego De Leo (1970) Alfonso Gonzalez Archundia (1974, 1978) Mario Rubio Vazquez (1982) Antonio Marquez Ramirez (1986) Edgardo Codesal Mendez (1990) Arturo Brizio Carter (1994, 1998) Felipe Ramos Rizo (2002) Benito Archundia (2006,2010) Marco Rodriguez (2006, 2010) NEW ZEALAND Michael Hester (2010) Peter O’Leary (2010) PORTUGAL Jose Da Costa Vieira (1954) Joaquim Fernandes Campos (1958, 1966) Antonio Saldanha Ribeiro (1970) Antonio Garrido (1978, 1982) Carlos Alberto Silva Valente (1986, 1990) Vitor Melo Pereira (1998, 2002) Olegario Benquerenca (2010) SAUDI ARABIA Fallaj Khuzam Al Shanar (1986) Rahman Al Zaid (1998) Khalil Al Ghamdi (2010) SEYCHELLES Eddy Maillet (2010) SOUTH AFRICA Ian McLeod (1998) Jerome Damon (2010)

SPAIN Ramon Azon Roma (1950) Manuel Asensi (1954) Juan Gardeazabal (1958, 1962, 1966) Jose Maria Ortiz de Mendibil (1970) Pablo Sanchez Ibanez (1974) Angel Martinez (1978) Augusto Lamo Castillo (1982) Victoriano Sanchez Arminio (1986) Emilio Soriano Aladren (1990) Manuel Diaz Vega (1994) Jose Maria Garcia Aranda (1998) Antonio Lopez Nieto (2002) Luis Medina Cantalejo (2006) Alberto Undiano (2010) SWEDEN Ivan Eklind (1934, 1938, 1950) Sten Ahlner (1958) Bertil Loeoew (1966) Ulf Eriksson (1978) Erik Fredriksson (1982, 1986, 1990) Bo Jonas Hil Karlsson (1994) Anders Frisk (2002) Martin Hansson (2010) SWITZERLAND Rene Mercet (1934) Hans Wuetrich (1938) Jean Lutz (1950) Paul Wyssling (1954, 1958) Gottfried Dienst (1962, 1966) Ruedi Scheurer (1970, 1974) Jean Dubach (1978) Bruno Galler (1982) Andre Daina (1986) Kurt Roethlisberger (1990, 1994) Urs Meier (1998, 2002) Massimo Busacca (2006,2010) URUGUAY Domingo Lombardi (1930) Francisco Mateucci (1930) Anibal Tejada (1930) Ricardo Vallarino (1930) Esteban Marino (1954) Jose Maria Codesal (1958, 1962) Ramon Barreto Ruiz (1970, 1974, 1978) Juan Cardellino de San Vicente (1982, 1990) Jose Luis Martinez Bazan (1986) Ernersto Filippi (1994) Jorge Larrionda (2006,2010) Martin Vazquez (2010)

UZBEKISTAN Ravshan Irmatov (2010)

*Referees represented are only from the countries of the referees selected for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

2010 fifa world cup south africa™ · 2018. 2. 5. · communications & public affairs division...

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