RIO DE JANEIRO: Japan’s Yuichi Nishimura (pictured) and Spain’s Carlos Velasco, responsible for two of the most criticised refereeing performances of the World Cup, have been put on the shortlist for the final, the world game’s governing body said yesterday.
Soccer’s governing body said both officials were among 15 teams of referees and linesman who had been asked to stay on for the semi-finals and final
Nishimura awarded a controversial penalty to Brazil in the tournament’s opening game against Croatia with the score at 1-1. Neymar converted and Brazil went on to win 3-1.
Critics said that Velasco lost control of Brazil’s quarter-final against Colombia on Friday that saw plenty of fouls.
The game was interrupted by 54 fouls but Velasco showed only four yellow cards.
Brazil forward Neymar suffered a fractured vertebra after a challenge which went without any penalty..
England’s Howard Webb, who refereed the previous World Cup final between Spain and Netherlands will also stay on on the list..
Mexico’s Marco Antonio Rodriguez has already been picked to referee the first semi-final between Brazil and Germany on Tuesday.
“The (referees’) committee defined the list after careful monitoring of all referees and assistant referees on a daily basis together with the technical staff,” said FIFA in a statement.
“In line with how designations have been made throughout the tournament, quality was the main criteria while physical, medical and technical aspects were also taken into consideration.”
REUTERS
