– It is sensational to say the least, says Per Ivar Staberg. The former Norwegian top referee, who has judged both nationally and internationally, reacts strongly to the chosen referee for the WC bronze final between Morocco and Croatia. It is 35-year-old Abdulrahman Al-Jassim who has been set up to judge the match. The Qatari has previously been the main referee in the group stage match between Wales and the USA during the championship. Al-Jassim was also the fourth referee in the match between Portugal and Uruguay. – Whimsical, of course. It is natural that it is the same as with players, that it (the choice) is based solely on results. I have not seen a match he has refereed. It is strange, says Staberg. CARDS: Al Jassim handed out six yellow cards in the match between Wales and USA. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP – Adult task Staberg, who has managed over 250 matches in the Eliteserien, points out that judging a WC bronze final must be a given. That is why he reacts to the election to Fifa. – He has only refereed one game (previously in the championship). It can’t be like that. It is, to put it mildly, a very adult task for him. “When you look at his record … it’s an important fight,” says the former top referee. Al-Jassim has been part of the Fifa system since 2013. The 35-year-old’s track record includes referee appearances during the U20 World Cup in 2017, was a VAR referee during the World Cup in 2018 and refereed several matches in the Asian Championship. In addition, he has been match manager for a number of matches in the domestic league in Qatar. REACTS: Per Ivar Staberg widened his eyes when he heard about who will judge the WC’s bronze final. Photo: Vegard Wivestad Grøtt / NTB – He is a blank slate for me, says Staberg. – Joining the ranks news has tried to get a comment from Fifa on the matter, but has so far been unsuccessful. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has stated that he is skeptical about Al-Jassim’s role in the bronze medal final. – To be honest, I think Fifa is taking a big risk. I do not underestimate anyone, but I hope that we will not talk about the referee after the game, said the coach at a press conference on Friday. With him in the refereeing team, Al-Jassim has assistant referees Taleb Al Marri and Saoud Ahmed AlmaQahleh, and Rapahel Claus as fourth referee. Staberg is also clearly puzzled by the choice, but adds that he is not very surprised and points to the controversies surrounding the awarding of the championship. – They join the ranks on the strangeness scale, says the Harstadværing and points out that he does not know the judge from before. DISCUSSING: Al Jassim tries to calm USA players down. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP – Have you seen anything like this? – Not that I can remember, he replies. The bronze final between Croatia and Morocco kicks off on Saturday at 16:00 and will be shown on news 1.
ttn-69
– Sensational – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
