Who is Ilgiz Tantashev, the referee at the centre of France v Paraguay storm? | OneFootball

Ilgiz Tantashev is under intense scrutiny after France beat Paraguay 1-0 in the World Cup last 16 in Philadelphia, his performance dominating the fallout. The 42-year-old Uzbek official is no novice on the international stage.

According to Le Progres, he faced heavy criticism for issuing no cards to Paraguay while booking several France players, and for tolerating the Albirroja’s rugged approach. The reaction was fierce across the press.

Born in Bukhara, he once aimed to play professionally, but a serious thigh injury at 15 redirected him towards officiating. He started as an assistant in 2008, then became a top-flight referee in Uzbekistan and a FIFA official in 2013. His resume spans the Asian Cup, the AFC Champions League and the most recent final between Al-Ahli and Machida Z.

He took charge of two France matches at the Paris 2024 Olympics under Thierry Henry. Against Guinea he blew for 24 fouls and showed five yellow cards, three to France. Versus Argentina there were 30 fouls, 11 cards, including one red for Enzo Millot, and a late scuffle.

At the FIFA Club World Cup, he sent off two River Plate players against Inter Milan in a match that descended into a brawl involving Marcos Acuña and Denzel Dumfries.

This is his first World Cup, and the France tie was his third appointment. Algeria v Austria passed without fuss, but Scotland v Morocco provoked controversy over two penalty appeals for Scotland.

Tantashev says he prepares by running scenarios and warning players that he knows their habits. He cited Soufiane Rahimi before Spain v Morocco at the Olympics as an example, adding he would consult VAR and not reward any simulation.

Source: Le Progres