Shocking stories from World Cup referees

As the next FIFA World Cup approaches, a forthcoming book sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles and immense pressures faced by the referees who officiate the games.

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As the World Cup got closer, we were monitored to a degree that no sane person could have imagined.

The book, reviewed by The Guardian, details the grueling experiences of top FIFA referees. American referee Ismail Elfath, for instance, endured a severe knee injury during the 2024 Copa América, which jeopardized his career. He had to pass FIFA's stringent fitness tests, which include 40 sprints of 75 meters within 18 seconds each, with only 18 seconds of rest between them. Elfath also underwent further selection trials in Rio de Janeiro, including physiological stress tests monitored by a sports scientist and a stability check on his knee by a doctor.

"As the World Cup got closer, we were monitored to a degree that no sane person could have imagined," Elfath stated, describing the intense scrutiny. "Every phone call for months filled me with anxiety." Despite these challenges, he was ultimately selected for the World Cup.

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The anxiety of preparing for the World Cup is nothing compared to the pressure of being at the tournament.

Former Swiss referee Urs Meier commented on the unique stress of the tournament, stating, "The anxiety of preparing for the World Cup is nothing compared to the pressure of being at the tournament." He added, "You can make history, but with one wrong decision, you can fail forever." Meier officiated the 1998 World Cup match between the United States and Iran, a politically charged game that required adherence to specific protocols, including a handshake between the teams that was forbidden by Iran's supreme leader at the time.

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You can make history, but with one wrong decision, you can fail forever.