A gentleman is impolite only when he intends to be. The origin of that observation is uncertain, but it could belong in a handbook for top-flight managers facing the media. In press conferences, almost nothing is left to chance. Every statement delivered against a sponsor-covered backdrop is carefully judged. A coach rarely shows anger, concern […]
Continue Reading
It was 6pm on 5 July in Mexico City, and Alireza Faghani, a 48-year-old Australian-Iranian referee, was sleeping and snoring in the changing room. His assistants had lowered the music. Without the distant sound of almost 90,000 supporters filtering through the concrete walls of the Estadio Azteca, he might have remained asleep until morning. Faghani […]
Continue Reading
Somali referee Omar Artan has addressed the public for the first time after being denied entry to the United States, which prevented him from officiating at the World Cup. He also expressed his pride ahead of Wednesday’s Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. Uefa appointed the 34-year-old to the fixture only days […]
Continue Reading
English football authorities will test a new measure this season designed to discourage goalkeepers from creating tactical stoppages. The initiative, jointly supported by Pro Ref, the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League and National League, is intended to stop teams using apparent goalkeeper injuries to interrupt play and receive tactical guidance. […]
Continue ReadingAnthony Taylor has confirmed he is stepping away from top-level officiating, closing a remarkable career that spanned over 20 years and featured 831 games. Regarded as one of England’s most accomplished referees, the 47-year-old oversaw 668 matches within the domestic professional setup. His final assignment proved to be the last-16 clash between Portugal and Spain […]
Continue Reading