Leading with Vision: Elevating refereeing standards for WMF World Cup 2025

Recently you were appointed as the new chairman of the WMF Referees for the World Cup 2025, congratulations. What is your goal to reach in the WMF?

As the newly appointed chairman of the WMF Referees for the World Cup 2025, I’m both honoured and excited for the opportunity to contribute to such a prestigious event.

My main goal as chairman would be to ensure that the referees are not only highly skilled but also consistently fair, transparent, and respected in their decisions. We want to elevate the standards of officiating to enhance the credibility of the tournament, making sure that all teams, players, and fans have confidence in the process.

Additionally, I would aim to focus on:

1. Training and Development: Ensuring that referees are well-prepared with comprehensive training programs, especially focusing on new technologies (like VAR) and any changes to rules.

2. Consistency in Officiating: Striving for consistency across all matches, ensuring that the same standards of officiating are upheld from the first match to the final.

3. Mental and Physical Fitness: Supporting the referees’ mental and physical well-being, as this plays a crucial role in ensuring that they perform at their best under pressure.

4. Fair Play and Integrity: Maintaining a focus on fair play, upholding the integrity of the tournament, and ensuring that referees are equipped to handle difficult situations with professionalism and impartiality.

Ultimately, it’s about creating an environment where the referees can perform at their best while helping to ensure that the World Cup 2025 is a memorable, fair, and exciting competition for all involved.

You started in EMF in 2023 in the Champions League tournament in Romania. What kind of progress do you see in the organization and mainly in the referees you oversee?

Since I started with the EMF in 2023 during the Champions League tournament in Romania, I’ve seen significant progress in both the organisation and the referees.

Organisation Progress:

1. Training & Development: There’s been a marked improvement in the training of referees, focusing on both technical skills and mental resilience. Scenario-based discussions have helped referees handle high-pressure situations.

2. Technological Integration: The use of video analysis tools has improved decision-making by providing additional support to referees during matches.

3. Communication: There’s better collaboration among referees and with teams, fostering clarity and respect on the pitch.

4. Diversity: The organisation has made strides in recruiting referees from diverse backgrounds, including a growing number of female referees, enhancing inclusivity.

Referee Progress:

1. Fitness & Preparation: Referees are in better physical condition and more prepared for the demands of top-level tournaments.

2. Confidence: Referees are more confident in their decision-making, supported by the WMF’s trust and training.

3. Adaptability: Referees have become more flexible in their approach to different styles of play and match contexts.

4. Feedback & Improvement: There’s a strong culture of self-improvement, with post-match reviews helping referees refine their skills. I am particularly happy with the group.

Overall, the progress made since 2023 is promising, with the WMF committed to developing its referees and improving the quality of officiating for future tournaments. I am particularly happy with the group chosen this year.

Are you happy with the choice of referees that you selected for the upcoming WMF WC in Baku? Please, give us a closer look at the selection.

I’m very pleased with the referees selected for the upcoming WMF World Cup in Baku. The selection process was thorough, and we’ve chosen a skilled, diverse, and well-prepared group of officials.

Key Aspects of the Selection:

1. Rigorous Criteria: We focused on referees with strong experience in top-level competitions, excellent physical fitness, and sound decision-making abilities. Their performance in high-pressure situations was thoroughly assessed.

2. Diversity and Representation: We ensured a diverse group of referees from various regions, providing a balanced and inclusive team for the tournament.

3. Training and Preparation: All referees will have extensive training, including match simulations, technology (such as VAR) use, and cultural sensitivity to prepare for the international setting in Baku.

4. Mental and Emotional Preparedness: Mental resilience was emphasised, with psychological support provided to help referees manage stress and maintain focus throughout the tournament.

5. Ongoing Evaluation: Continuous assessments will be conducted to ensure referees are fully prepared for the demands of the tournament.

Overall, I’m confident that the selected referees are ready to provide excellent, fair officiating throughout the World Cup in Baku. Their experience, fitness, and training will ensure a high standard of refereeing.

What are your expectations from the tournament?

For the upcoming WMF World Cup in Baku, my expectations are high across several areas:

1. Fair and Consistent Officiating: I expect the refereeing team to deliver accurate, fair, and consistent officiating, ensuring the integrity of the game throughout the tournament.

2. High-Quality Play: I anticipate thrilling matches with top-level skill from the teams, as players compete at their best to represent their countries.

3. Seamless Technology Integration: I hope for a smooth use of technology, such as VAR, to enhance decision-making while maintaining the flow of the game. We have also agreed a sponsorship deal with a new head communication set company that will enable us to record the referees conversation during games that will be a powerful tool for referee training and development 

4. Cultural Exchange and Unity: The World Cup is a chance to foster unity and cultural exchange, bringing together people from around the world and promoting mutual respect.

5. Well-Organised Event: I expect Baku to provide excellent organisation, from logistics to fan experience, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable tournament for all.

6. Positive Atmosphere and Fair Play: Above all, I look forward to an atmosphere of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship, where the values of the game are upheld.

In short, I’m hoping for a high-quality, well-run tournament that creates lasting memories and showcases the best of the sport.