Believe it or not: 2 Brazilian referees up for world’s best award | OneFootball

Wilton Pereira Sampaio and Raphael Claus are in the running

Brazilian refereeing is currently facing criticism and many mistakes, especially in the Brasileirão. However, two referees from the country are ‘highly regarded’ and have a chance to win the award for the best in the world in 2025: Wilton Pereira Sampaio and Raphael Claus.

The Brazilian duo appears on a list of 25 candidates selected by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), which is responsible for the award. Claus and Wilton were the only Brazilians to officiate at the last World Cup and are pre-selected for the 2026 tournament.

AND WHAT ABOUT THE FEMALE REFEREES?

While two referees appear on the men's list, Edina Alves represents Brazil in the women's competition. The São Paulo native is a ‘regular presence’ in men’s Brasileirão matches and also in the Copa Libertadores da América. In addition, she officiated at the Club World Cup in the United States earlier this year.

WHEN WILL THE RESULT ANNOUNCING THE BEST REFEREE IN THE WORLD BE RELEASED?

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics will announce the award on December 10. The winners will be chosen by a jury of experts from 120 countries. It’s important to note that there are representatives from every continent in the competition.

IS THE REFEREE FOR RACING VS FLAMENGO ON THE LIST?

This Wednesday (29), Flamengo faces Racing (ARG) in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores da América semifinal. The match will be officiated by Chilean Piero Maza, who is also among the 25 best in the world, according to the IFFHS.

Therefore, Flamengo hopes that the referee will not be the center of attention from 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Estádio Presidente Perón, El Cilindro. Coluna do Fla is in Argentina and will bring all the information about the match that will send one team to the Libertadores final.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.