Referees in the media (week 31)

‘Referees in the media’ will be published each Monday on the Dutch Referee Blog and provides remarkable or interesting quotes and links to articles worth reading.

“Internationally we do fall into a serious vacuum. At the European Championships next year there will be no Belgian whistling, and in my estimation the chances for the WC 2014 are minimal.”

By Belgian referee boss Robert Jeurissen about Frank DeBleeckere who has to stop at the end of this year. But he’s positive about Serge Gumienny who ‘hopefully will become an Elite referee soon’.

“Thank God there was a possibility to be appointed for the final.”

Says Argentine referee Sergio Pezzotta who officiated at the Copa Libertadores, his last big tournament before retirement December next year. Brazilian team Santos won the tournament by winning from Uruguayan Penarol.

“I am proud that our referees are among the best in the world as their performances in FIFA and AFC-organised tournaments were appreciated by players, fans, officials and the Member Associations.”

By Zhang Jilong, president of the Asian Football Federation AFC, during the annual referees meeting with Asian referees.

“My goal is the absolute top.”

Be prepared for Roy van der Meer, who recently joined the talent route for assistant referees. He has set his goals straight: becoming world top class assistant referee.