English referees Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver could not take charge of Argentina at this World Cup – because of the Falklands War 44 years ago, Fifa has confirmed.
The revelation came as fans questioned the appointment of an all-Argentine officiating line-up for France’s 2-0 quarter-final win against Morocco on Thursday evening, given the likelihood of a final rematch between the two sides.
“Fifa confirmed English referees cannot officiate Argentina games due to the Falklands War, as geopolitics shape World Cup appointments.”
Fifa’s Referees Committee, chaired by former World Cup final referee Pierluigi Collina, bases appointments primarily on performance and correct decision-making, monitored over years. But geo-political factors also play a role. Referees cannot officiate their home country, and Fifa confirmed to The Independent that a referee would not be assigned to a game with direct consequence to their nation in the tournament. For example, an English referee would not have taken charge of a non-England group match, nor Argentina vs Switzerland this weekend, since the winner could face England in the semi-finals.
However, this “next-match” ethos does not extend beyond the immediate round. That is why an all-Argentine team refereed France’s win over Morocco – even though Argentina could be a potential opponent in the final.
Preferably, Fifa appoints referees from neutral confederations. When two European nations meet, a European referee can officiate, as with English official Michael Oliver for Spain vs Belgium on Friday. Similarly, an American official would not have taken charge of an Iran game given ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Amid the geopolitics, the tournament has also brought joy. The New Statesman described England’s victory over Mexico as “the best I’ve seen since 1966”, and praised the crowds from all nations: “So happy, enjoying themselves, dressing up and dancing. And so many families.” The magazine sensed these fans are not regular supporters but “on a World Cup jolly, a special occasion, to be remembered forever.”
