Facundo Tello to referee France v Morocco quarter-final after past Portugal criticism | OneFootball

FIFA has appointed 44-year-old Argentine Facundo Tello to referee France v Morocco in Foxborough on Thursday at 22:00, a selection that has prompted debate.

France have played it down, yet some noted a parallel as French official François Letexier handled Argentina v Egypt 3-2 in the last 16, a decision criticised in Argentina beforehand.

Tello oversaw Morocco’s 1-0 quarter-final win over Portugal four years ago. He was rated 4/10 after overlooking a Portugal penalty appeal. Bruno Fernandes said it felt strange to have an official whose national team were still in the tournament.

Even so, he is among South America’s leading referees. He worked at Euro 2024 as the sole non-European and took charge of the Copa Libertadores final between Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo, which ended 1-3.

In one fiery Argentine super cup, Racing v Boca, he showed 10 red cards. The game was abandoned with Boca down to seven after a melee, reckless tackles and dissent from former Marseille forward Dario Benedetto, later assessed by lip-reading.

At this World Cup he showed seven yellows across Canada v Bosnia 1-1 and South Africa v South Korea 1-0. Only three referees with at least two games averaged more, including Letexier on four per match.

Former Colombian referee Albert Duarte said: "He is very disciplined and strict with cards, which would force Paraguay to restrain themselves", he told Gol Caracol before Colombia v Paraguay 2-2 in March 2025. That night he booked Matias Galarza and three team-mates.

Source: L'Équipe