Referees

Pierluigi Collina, a former Italian football referee, has been acknowledged as "The World's Best Referee" by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics for six consecutive years. He remains engaged in football as an unpaid consultant for the Italian Football Referees Association, the Head of Referees for the Football Federation of Ukraine, a member of the UEFA Referees Committee, and Chairman of the FIFA referees committee. Collina's vast expertise and experience play a crucial role in enhancing and advancing refereeing standards within the sport.

Timothy Francis Donaghy is a former professional basketball referee who officiated in the NBA for 13 seasons. He worked in 772 regular season games and 26 playoff games before resigning in 2007 due to a gambling scandal. Donaghy was investigated by the FBI for betting on and affecting the point spread in games he officiated. He pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2007, resulting in a 15-month prison sentence. After serving time in prison and a halfway house, he was released in 2009.

Mike Dean is an English former professional football referee turned video assistant referee (VAR) in the Premier League. Based in Heswall, Wirral, North West England, he is a member of the Cheshire County Football Association. Dean became a Select Group referee in 2000, overseeing significant matches such as the FA Community Shield, FA Cup finals, Football League Cup finals, and FA Trophy finals. Known for his experience and expertise, Dean continues to contribute to the world of football officiating at a high level.

Chris Leben, a retired American mixed martial artist, referee, and bare knuckle boxer, had a professional career from 2002 to 2013. He made a name for himself in the UFC Middleweight division. Leben rose to fame through his participation in The Ultimate Fighter reality series and in the WEC. His reputation was built on his resilience and potent left hand. In the UFC, he secured five consecutive victories before experiencing a knockout defeat against Anderson Silva. Leben also held the title of the first WEC Middleweight Champion and accumulated a record of 12-10 in 22 UFC fights.

Theodore Long, a former professional wrestling referee, manager, and authority figure, had notable tenures in NWA, WCW, and WWE. He started his career in the National Wrestling Alliance and later transitioned to WWE in 1998 as a referee. Long then became an on-screen manager in 2003 and went on to serve as General Manager of SmackDown for two separate periods totaling six years, as well as a one-year stint as ECW General Manager. In 2017, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Howard Melton Webb MBE is a former English professional football referee who officiated in the Premier League from 2003 to 2014 and as a FIFA international referee from 2005 to 2014. He earned high praise from the International Federation of Football History and Statistics and oversaw prestigious matches such as the FA Cup final, FA Community Shield, and League Cup final. In 2010, Webb made history by officiating both the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup finals. Known for his authoritative and respected officiating style, he retired in 2014 to become the technical director of the Professional Game Match Officials Board.

Mills Lane III had a varied and successful professional journey, achieving success as a boxing referee, professional boxer, and district court judge in Washoe County, Nevada. He gained fame for officiating numerous heavyweight championship matches and became a well-known television personality hosting the syndicated court show "Judge Mills Lane." Lane's significant contributions to boxing led to his induction into both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

David Boon is an Australian cricket match referee, former commentator, and international cricketer. He played for Tasmania and Durham from 1984 to 1996. Boon was part of the Australian team that won the 1987 Cricket World Cup. Known for his right-handed batting and off-spin bowling, he scored over 7,000 runs in Test matches and played in more than 100 games for Australia across Test and One Day Internationals. Post-retirement, Boon captained Durham and served as a national selector.

Frank Trigg is a versatile professional with a diverse background in combat sports and entertainment. Throughout his career, he has excelled as a mixed martial artist, color commentator, pro wrestler, MMA referee, and TV host. Trigg has competed in top organizations such as the UFC, Pride Fighting Championships, BAMMA, and World Fighting Alliance. He has also showcased his skills in professional wrestling with appearances in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Trigg's expertise and experience have solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the combat sports industry.

Mario Yamasaki is a seasoned Brazilian mixed martial arts referee renowned for his contributions to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and various other prominent organizations. Having overseen more than 400 fights in notable promotions such as UFC, Strikeforce, WEC, EliteXC, and Pride Fighting Championships, Yamasaki has cemented his reputation as a highly regarded figure in the sport. Besides his officiating roles, he is the founder and principal instructor of the International Yamasaki Academy, playing a key role in advancing the sport of mixed martial arts.

Lauren Holtkamp is a professional basketball referee in the NBA, where she became the third woman to hold a full-time position. Prior to this, she officiated in the NBA Development League and the WNBA, including the 2014 conference finals. Holtkamp played college basketball at Drury University and holds a Master of Divinity from Emory University. She has a Master of Arts in Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Drury University. Holtkamp's professional career is marked by her achievements and contributions to basketball officiating.

Stéphanie Frappart is a trailblazing French football referee who has achieved numerous historic firsts in her career. She has been a FIFA International Referee since 2009. In 2019, she became the first woman to officiate a major men's European match and a French Ligue 1 match. The following year, she made history as the first woman to referee a UEFA Champions League match. Frappart continued to break barriers in 2021 by becoming the first woman to officiate a men's World Cup qualifying match. In 2022, she was selected as one of the three women referees for the men's World Cup and went on to referee a men's World Cup match as part of an all-female referee team.

Nicola Rizzoli, a former Italian football referee, had a distinguished career officiating top-level matches. He was known for officiating in the Italian Serie A and being a FIFA-listed referee. Rizzoli's notable achievements include refereeing the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final and the 2013 Champions League Final. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including seven consecutive AIC Serie A Referee of the Year Awards. Rizzoli was recognized as one of the top referees in the 21st century by Soccer 360.

Richard Green was an American professional boxing referee known for officiating major bouts, including Muhammad Ali vs. Larry Holmes in 1980. He was the referee for the lightweight world title fight between Ray Mancini and Duk Koo Kim, which tragically resulted in Kim's death. Green's career was overshadowed by this incident, leading to his suicide eight months later. Despite the controversies surrounding his final days, Green had a significant impact on the boxing world through his role as a respected referee in the sport.

Sir Stanley Rous had an illustrious football career, excelling as an international referee before becoming the 6th President of FIFA from 1961 to 1974. He also served as the secretary of the Football Association for almost thirty years, from 1934 to 1962. Rous played a key role in shaping the development of football globally, making significant contributions to the sport's governance and administration.

Viktor Kassai, a Hungarian football official and former referee, has made significant contributions to the world of football. He led the refereeing department of the Bulgarian Football Union and officiated in prestigious events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final. Over a career spanning more than a decade as a full international referee for FIFA, Kassai earned a reputation as a respected figure in football officiating before retiring in 2019.

Joe Cortez is an American former boxing referee renowned for officiating numerous significant world title bouts. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, he has garnered widespread recognition and respect within the boxing community. Cortez's expertise and professionalism in the ring have solidified his legacy as one of the most accomplished referees in the sport's history. His contributions to boxing were further acknowledged when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in the sport.

Bakary Papa Gassama is a highly experienced Gambian football referee who has officiated at various prestigious tournaments, including the Olympic Games, Africa Cup of Nations, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He has been recognized by FIFA for his excellent refereeing skills, being selected for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments. Gassama has also been appointed as CAF's sole referee for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. Known for his professionalism, Gassama continues to make significant contributions to the world of football refereeing.

Ravshan Irmatov is a notable Uzbek professional football referee who has officiated in both domestic leagues and international matches. He has a strong track record in the FIFA World Cup, having officiated in the most matches in the tournament's history. In addition to his refereeing duties, Irmatov has taken on leadership roles within the Uzbekistan Football Association, aiming to bring about positive change and reforms within the country's football system. His dedication to the sport and commitment to driving improvements have earned him respect and recognition in the football community.

Mohamed Lahyani is a renowned Swedish tennis umpire with a Gold Badge Chair Umpire certification from the ATP. He has officiated numerous high-profile matches at Grand Slam and ATP tournaments, including the Wimbledon Men's Singles Final and the ATP World Tour Finals. Lahyani gained recognition for overseeing the longest match in professional tennis history at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships. Known for his distinctive announcing style, Lahyani was voted the best Chair Umpire at the 2014 ATP World Tour Finals. Despite a brief suspension in 2018 for controversial behavior during a match, Lahyani remains highly respected in the tennis world.

Markus Merk is a highly regarded former German football referee who achieved significant success and recognition in his career. He holds the record for the most games refereed in the Bundesliga and has been honored with various awards, including the German Referee of the Year Award multiple times. Merk was also recognized for his service to football and charity work in India with the German Bundesverdienstkreuz. He has been ranked as the best referee by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics and continues to contribute to the sport as a pundit for Sky Deutschland.

Charles William Miller, a Brazilian sportsman, is recognized as the pioneer of football in Brazil. He established São Paulo Athletic Club and the Liga Paulista de Foot-Ball, the country's inaugural football league. Miller played a vital role in promoting and advancing football in Brazil, creating a significant impact on the nation's sporting landscape. Furthermore, he is acknowledged for introducing Rugby union in Brazil, enhancing the growth of sports in the area.

Kenneth George Aston had a varied professional career as an English teacher, soldier, and football referee. He revolutionized football refereeing by implementing the yellow and red card penalty system, making substantial contributions to the field. His innovations have left a lasting impression on the sport, enhancing fairness and discipline during games. Aston's commitment to improving officiating standards and his impactful work as a referee have established him as a vital figure in shaping modern football refereeing practices.

Edgardo Codesal Méndez is a well-known Uruguayan-Mexican football referee who gained fame for overseeing the 1990 World Cup final between Argentina and Germany. Throughout his career, he has been lauded for his skill and dedication to officiating football matches. His commitment to fairness and precision in making decisions has solidified his esteemed status in the realm of international football refereeing.

Lim Kee Chong had a distinguished career as a football referee, overseeing matches in prestigious events such as the FIFA World Cup and the African Cup of Nations. He also officiated in various international tournaments and World Cup qualifying matches. Following his retirement from active refereeing, Lim Kee Chong transitioned into roles as a referee coordinator and a refereeing instructor, contributing to the development of football officiating in Africa through FIFA's projects.

Wolfgang Stark is a German former football referee known for his notable career in officiating matches. He gained recognition for his work with DJK Altdorf of the Bavarian Football Association. Throughout his professional life, Stark showcased exemplary skills in managing high-stakes games with precision and fairness. His expertise and dedication to the sport have earned him a respected reputation within the football community. Stark's contributions to the field of refereeing have left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in the world of football officiating.

Lou Marsh was a prominent Canadian athlete, referee, and sports journalist known for his significant contributions to the field. Over his 43-year career at the Toronto Star, he played a crucial role in advancing sports journalism in Canada. Marsh's deep knowledge and enthusiasm for sports enabled him to deliver valuable coverage and analysis, earning him widespread respect and acclaim. As a trailblazer in the industry, he left a lasting legacy on Canadian sports journalism, establishing a benchmark for future generations to follow.

Nawaf Shukrallah is a highly accomplished Bahraini football referee with a distinguished career. He became a full international referee for FIFA and has officiated at prestigious events such as the FIFA U-17 World Cup, AFC Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In 2013, he was named as a candidate referee for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, a testament to his skill and reputation in the world of football officiating. Shukrallah's experience includes officiating in both the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.

Ahmed Al-Kaf is a prominent Omani professional football referee who has been a full international for FIFA since 2010. He is known for his expertise and experience in officiating football matches at the highest level. With a successful career spanning over a decade, Ahmed Al-Kaf has earned a reputation for his fair and consistent decision-making on the field. His dedication to the sport and commitment to upholding the integrity of the game have made him a respected figure in the world of football refereeing.

Stéphane Laurent Lannoy is a French football referee who transitioned from playing football to officiating matches. He became a FIFA international referee in 2006 and has since officiated games at prestigious events such as the 2008 Olympics, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, UEFA Euro qualifiers, and the FIFA World Cup. Lannoy was selected as a referee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012, including officiating important matches like the Euro 2012 semifinal between Italy and Germany. He has faced controversy for his decisions, notably during the 2010 FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Ivory Coast.

Ivan James Lee is a successful American Olympic sabre fencer and coach with a distinguished career in fencing. He has earned numerous championships and accolades in sabre fencing and was inducted into the US Fencing Association Hall of Fame. Lee has also held positions as a police officer in the New York City Police Department and as the Women's Fencing Team Head Coach at Long Island University. He was elected Chair of the board of directors of USA Fencing but encountered suspension and legal challenges due to allegations of misconduct.

Jawahir Roble, also known as Jawahir Jewels or JJ, is a Somali-born British football referee. Renowned as the most remarkable referee in England by The Daily Telegraph, she has defied odds and stereotypes to officiate men's games while proudly wearing a hijab. Roble's groundbreaking career showcases her dedication, skill, and perseverance in a male-dominated field. Her success serves as an inspiration and a testament to breaking barriers, promoting diversity, and challenging conventional norms in football officiating.

Coffi Codjia is a Beninese football referee with a distinguished career. He has been an international referee since 1994 and has officiated at prestigious tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, and African Cup of Nations. Codjia faced a suspension by the Confederation of African Football for not taking action against a player's misconduct but later returned to officiating duties. Despite not making the final list for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Codjia continues to contribute to the sport through his refereeing skills.

Alan Lewis is a former Irish cricketer and rugby union referee with a diverse professional background. He has made significant contributions to Irish cricket as a player and as a media commentator. Additionally, his experience as a rugby union referee has added another dimension to his sporting career. Lewis' involvement in both cricket and rugby showcases his passion for sports and his ability to excel in different roles within the sporting world.

Ivo Ferriani is an accomplished Italian sports official and former bobsledder. In 2010, he was elected as the president of the Fédération Internationale de Bobsleigh et de Tobogganing (FIBT), succeeding Robert H. Storey. During his tenure, Ferriani made significant contributions to the organization and the sport of bobsleigh. In 2016, he further expanded his impact by becoming a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the world of sports governance.

Eddy Allen Maillet is a Seychellois football referee who has been a full international referee for FIFA since 2001. Throughout his career, he has officiated in prestigious tournaments such as the African Cup of Nations, AFC Asian Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup, and FIFA World Cup. His notable achievements include refereeing matches in the 2006, 2008, and 2010 African Cup of Nations, as well as officiating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he refereed the opening round match between Honduras and Chile.

Bernard Camille is a Seychellois association football referee who has been a listed international referee for FIFA since 2011. He gained recognition for his officiating skills and was selected as one of the referees for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. Throughout his professional career, Camille has demonstrated a strong understanding of the game and maintained a high level of integrity in his refereeing duties. His involvement in prestigious tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations showcases his expertise and dedication to the sport.

Mohamed Kouradji, an Algerian football referee, started his career in the 1980s. He officiated in numerous international matches, including qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cups. Notably, he refereed the championship game of the 1995–96 Algerian Cup. After a successful 20-year career, Kouradji retired from refereeing in 1998. He then transitioned to roles in sports administration, working at SIMCO, and later becoming a director at the Ligue inter-régions de football.

Gladys Lengwe, a renowned international football referee from Zambia, has been recognized for her exceptional officiating skills. She was chosen as an official for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France, highlighting her dedication and expertise in football refereeing. Lengwe's impressive career showcases her ability to officiate at the highest level of the sport, as evidenced by her participation in prestigious tournaments like the Women's World Cup. Her commitment to excellence and significant contributions to the world of football officiating are truly commendable.