Nigerians absent as FIFA names 36 referees, 63 assistants for World Cup

Nigerian referees have again been overlooked by world football governing body, FIFA, as the federation yesterday picked 36 referees and 63 assistants for the 2018 World Cup.

Felix Brych of Germany, who officiated last season’s UEFA Champions League final match between Real Madrid and Juventus, is among the arbiters picked for the global soccer showpiece in June.

World football ruling body FIFA said in a statement that its Referees Commission has also picked 63 assistant referees, with the 99 match officials representing 46 countries.

Brych has also officiated games at the 2014 Cup and Euro 2016.

They were selected from 53 referee trios in a threeyear process through preparatory seminars and “based on each referee’s skills and personality”.

“The Commission also put into consideration each referee’s level of understanding of football and ability to read both the World game and the various tactics employed by teams,” FIFA said

It said Europe is providing the most number of referees with 10 and also the most number of assistants with 20.

FIFA however said another seminar has been scheduled for the last weeks of April in Italy to further prepare the referees.

“It will also include candidates to act as video assistant referee (VAR), with the technology making its debut at the June 14 to July 15 tournament in Russia.

“A final seminar for all officials will then start in Moscow 10 days before the first match,” FIFA said.

For the first time, there is no World Cup referee from England.