FIFA World Cup 2010: Premier League trio - Howard Webb and assistants to officiate the final
Webb to officiate the final:
Howard Webb, along with his two assistants, have been chosen to officiate the FIFA World Cup 2010 final, to be held on 11th July in Soccer City, between Spain and the Netherlands.
The 38 year old former police officer was chosen by FIFA’s Referees’ Committee and was delighted to be given such an honour
The trio were widely acclaimed for being calm, composed and collective during the three matches they officiated so far. They first regulated the opening game of Group H when Spain and Switzerland, followed by what proved out to be Italy’s final game out the tournament when they met Slovakia. They also officiated the all important Round of 16 South American bout between Chile and Brazil.
Howard Webb, owing to his physical presence, is good at handling potentially explosive situations between the players. His referees are also spot on in deciding the off side situations, and are yet to call to it wrong in the World Cup. Webb is widely respected by all the players owing to his natural convincing ability as well as accurate decisions. Jack Taylor was the last Englishman who officiated a final, back in 1974 where Germany met the Netherlands. Webb has had a good run in, in accordance with his refereeing, as he also officiated the prestigious UEFA Champions League final back in May. This may be the perfect gift for the English, as he turns 38 on Wednesday.
Chief of the English Premier League, Richard Scudamore, was delighted by the referee’s accolade, and was happy with the hard work and professionalism the trio have shown in the Premier League. He pointed out that Webb has had a fantastic season in regulating the top flight, which shows from getting the Champions League final as well as the gigantic FIFA World Cup final. He added that the Professional match game officials should also be credited for the work, and the amount of support, training and above all, the accurate assessment process provides them with quality referees. Getting such training and support formed the basis for Howard’s excellent performance.
The general manager of the Professional Game match officials was thrilled with the honour the Premier League trio have earned. He claimed that it was a huge achievement for Webb and Co. and pointed out that no referee team has ever gotten the Champions League and the World Cup final in the same year. He praised the team for the progress they have made over the years, starting from the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007. They then went to officiate Euro 2008 as well the 2009 Confederations Cup. This shows the amount of quality the trio posses and getting to officiate the final may be the reward of their honest hard work. He added that their story will inspire many young English referees and proves the quality English refereeing possesses. He also stated that the behind the scene crew, which includes scientists and psychologists, should also be credited for the hard work they put in to support the referees. He ended the statement by stating that he was extremely proud of the work of the trio and expects the three to enjoy the occasion.
It is a huge honour for the Premier League and the three have made their country proud. Former English Referee Dermot Gallagher was also excited when he heard the news and added that it will be an incentive for young referees to work harder and achieve what they want. He was happy with the bond the trio enjoyed amongst each other and noted that at the end of a referee’s career, they are judged upon the number of match changing mistakes they have made, and it has been so far so good for the three. He stated that it would have been a surprise for Webb and his associates, who would not have been expecting any such thing to transpire. He added that the trio will come back as legends, and will up their respect in the eyes of players, managers and others. He praised Webb’s ability to be physically and mentally strong, imposing his decisions without hesitation, and his consistenct in repeating truly impressive performances.
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