1. Chicharito, Carlos Vela and Alan Pulido weigh in on future of Mexican soccer By Kevin Baxter (Los Angeles Times)2. French federation president Noel Le Graet steps back pending investigation (AP)3. MLS pushes to pioneer temporary concussion substitutes in 2023 By Henry Bushnell (Yahoo Sports)
referees
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Ref Watch: Six U.S. officials headed to 2023 Women's World Cup
Among the 33 referees, 55 assistant referees, and 19 video game officials FIFA has selected for the 2023 Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand (July 20-Aug. 20) are six U.S. officials: Referees Tori Penso and Ekaterina Koroleva (photo, L-R); Assistant referees Brooke Mayo, Felisha Mariscal and Kathryn Nesbitt; VAR Armando Villarreal. All […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Bam. Bam. Bam. Three red cards. I'd be fine with that.
What can soccer learn from other sports in its perpetual struggle to stem the seemingly endless flood of anger, dissent and disrespect aimed at referees? Or to stop players constantly wasting time and engaging in gamesmanship without suffering so much as a caution? An interview this week in the German press with one Bundesliga referee […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
Wednesday morning: What we're reading (and listening to)
1. Pele in the United States: Stories of his influence, kindness and humility from those who knew him By Pablo Maurer (The Athletic)2. 2023 wishes: Learn from Qatar World Cup, remember that football is for fans By Gabriele Marcotti (ESPN FC)3. Howard Webb returns to England on mission to boost referees’ confidence By Paul MacInnes […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Ref Watch: The best of 2022
The USA’s 2022 World Cup officials (L-to-R): Corey Parker, Ismail Elfath, Kyle Atkins, Katy Nesbitt and Armando Villarreal. * * * * * * * * * * I decided on the eighth day of the World Cup, after watching 27 games in work mode, it was time to watch with fans. My wife and […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
A legendary performance
I watched every World Cup final since 1970 live on TV. I remember some awful refereeing in the World Cup finals – like the 1990 World Cup final – and some very good performances – like the 1974 World Cup final – but the performance of Szymon Marciniak in the 2022 World Cup final was […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
Tuesday morning: What we're reading (and listening to)
1. World Cup final VAR review: Di Maria penalty, Otamendi red card, Thuram dive, Montiel handball By Dale Johnson (ESPN)2. Behind Argentina’s World Cup magic, an army of witches By Jack Nicas and Ana Lankes (New York Times)3. First person: Why soccer is so much better in Spanish By Meghna Chakrabarti and Tim Skoog (wburg.org
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
American refs in Qatar: Two U.S. officials assigned to final; two on standby
Americans Ismael Elfath and Kyle Atkins will serve as fourth official and offside VAR, respectively, for the Argentina-France 2022 World Cup final on Sunday. Two other U.S. officials, Kathryn Nesbitt and Corey Parker, have been named reserve AR and standby AVAR for the final, which will be refereed by Poland’s Syzmon Marciniak with Polish assistant referees […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, What They're Saying
Tuesday morning: What we're reading (and listening to)
1. Qatari photojournalist Khalid al-Misslam dies suddenly at Qatar World Cup By Matthew Roscoe (Euro Weekly News)2. These soccer and World Cup movies have big goals By Beatrice Loayza (New York Times)3. I get paid $1,500 a month to referee soccer. How my side hustle paid for college By Kimanzi Constable (Time)
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
American refs in Qatar: Kathryn Nesbitt in VAR booth for Argentina-Croatia
Kathryn Nesbitt will serve as offside VAR for the Argentina-Croatia semifinal, her eighth assessment of the 2022 World Cup — seven in the video review booth and one as assistant referee. * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming U.S. refs assignments: • Argentina-Croatia, Dec. 13: Kathryn Nesbitt (offside VAR), Kyle Atkins (standby AVAR).• […]