The IFFHS’s Top 30 Referees of All Time – Where Does Your Fave Rank?
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has released its latest rankings, and we’re giving you the lowdown on the top 30 referees of all time. Yes, you read that right – 30! But before we dive in, let’s set the stage. The IFFHS has been collating their annual refereeing rankings since 1987, with a points system that allocates 20 points for first place, 19 for second, and so on. So, which refs have come out on top?
The Cream of the Crop
Italy’s Pierluigi Collina takes the top spot with an impressive 191 points, followed closely by Germany’s Markus Merk (184 points). Felix Brych, also from Germany, comes in third (161 points), with Denmark’s Kim Milton Nielson and England’s Howard Webb rounding out the top five.
The Full List
Here’s the complete top 30 list, featuring some familiar names and a few surprises:
- Pierluigi Collina (Italy) – 191 points
- Markus Merk (Germany) – 184 points
- Felix Brych (Germany) – 161 points
- Kim Milton Nielson (Denmark) – 159 points
- Howard Webb (England) – 156 points
- Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) – 152 points
…and the rest of the top 30, below:
Notable Absences
While we’d love to see some surprises on this list, some notable absences include names like Clattenburg, Foy, and Howard’s fellow English referee, Mike Dean. Of course, there are always ongoing debates about the performance and quality of referees, and opinions will vary.
The Takeaway
Referees play a vital role in the beautiful game, and their decisions can change the course of matches and tournaments. This ranking gives us a glimpse into the world of top-notch referees, who’ve made their mark on the game. So, the next time you’re watching a match, take a moment to appreciate the officials’ hard work and dedication.
Stay Tuned!
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