for the first time refs at the Euros will be armed with special, microscopic inside information on the 24 teams, their tactics...and what their players do on the field.
This week English referees Martin Atkinson and Mark Clattenburg are among those at the Euro referee teams’ headquarters north of Paris getting ready for this summer’s tournament in France.
Match analysts have provided them with all the key information and UEFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina explained: “The objective is for the match officials to be one step ahead, and to know as much as possible before their match.”
It means players with a reputation for diving, a studs up tackles, arguing, time wasting and so on are in the spotlight before a ball is kicked in anger.
A total of 18 referee teams have been selected to take charge of the 51 matches between June 10 and July 10. Each refereeing team will consist of a referee, two assistant referees and two additional assistant referees.
UEFA constantly encourages referees to study teams’ tactics to help them prepare thoroughly for their match duties, as well as to be aware of changing situations in matches, such as tactical switches or substitutions which may be of crucial importance.
Said Collina: “Every time that a referee receives an appointment he and his team will meet the match analysts. The referee, assistant referees and additional assistant referees will be given a comprehensive briefing on the two teams and players in that specific match.”
As part of the preparation process, UEFA referee teams are also being given access to a web data platform where they can find out information themselves and, for example, create their own collection of clips, about the teams who they will be officiating.
Tournament organisers are especially keen to cut out controversial offside decisions - like the one that allowed Sergio Aguero to score against Newcastle on Monday.
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