referees - Footyglobal

Seven Arrested in Corruption Probe, Including Head of Turkish Referees

September 29, 2026September 29, 2026grace

The chairman of Turkey’s refereeing authority has been detained during a police inquiry into alleged corruption. Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said investigators were examining allegations of manipulation involving referee rankings, assignments, evaluations, appointment procedures and rules-related assessments. Those taken into custody include refereeing authority president Ferhat Gundogdu, the organisation’s vice-president and five other individuals. […]

FA Cup: Referee’s Mistake Forces Mulbarton Wanderers and Woodford Town Qualifier Replay

September 25, 2026September 25, 2026grace

Mulbarton Wanderers have expressed their deep disappointment after being ordered to replay their FA Cup qualifying match against Woodford Town due to an officiating mistake. Mulbarton secured a 2-1 victory away to Essex Senior League club Woodford in Saturday’s second qualifying round. However, the hosts later submitted a formal complaint to the Football Association concerning […]

‘The roar was incredible’: a referee’s perspective on Mexico v England at the 2026 World Cup

September 5, 2026September 6, 2026grace

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 […]

World Cup referees’ integrity is beyond reproach, says Collina

July 9, 2026July 9, 2026grace

World Cup officials operate without external influence, and their decision-making integrity is beyond reproach, according to Fifa’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina.