UEFA Euro 2024 News- Who Are the Referees & What Are the New VAR Rules for Europe’s Elite Competition?

The UEFA Euro 2024 is making a return on June 15. With the streets of Munich already filled with clamor and chants, for the smooth functioning of the matches, quality referees, nevertheless, remain imperative. Fortunately, UEFA has opted for the best of the bunch for the elite competition.

UEFA has confirmed that a team of 18 referees will officiate throughout the 51 matches. In a match, a referee will have the support of 2 assistants, a 4th referee, and a video official as well as a backup assistant referee. But who are the chosen men for the assignment? Also, what is the fresh VAR mechanism at UEFA Euro 2024? Let’s dive in.

Who are the referees chosen for UEFA Euro 2024?

Out of the 18 referees chosen, only two are from the Premier League. The selected Englishmen are Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor. Although the duo have made their fair share of controversial decisions in the past, the experience remains a great asset. Notably, only a single official has been called up from La Liga and Eredivisie. They are  Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain) and Danny Makkelie (Netherlands). The callup of 1 just 1 official from La Liga which is a top 4 league in Europe is surprising.

On the other hand, from the Serie A and Ligue 1, two officials each have earned call-ups for UEFA Euro 2024. The Italians are Daniele Orsato and Marco Guida while Clément Turpin and François Letexier are the Frenchmen on board. Two Bundesliga officials, Daniel Siebert and Felix Zwayer will be officiating in their home country.

From the other divisions, a single referee has been called up. They are Artur Soares Dias (Portugal), Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia), Szymon Marciniak (Poland), Glenn Nyberg (Sweden), Sandro Schärer (Switzerland), Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia), Halil Umut Meler (Türkiye), and Istvan Kovacs (Romania). However, despite the impressive pool of referees available, the major talking point is the new iteration of VAR. One that could influence how VAR is implemented in the major leagues.

Euro 2024 aims to bring transparency to VAR decisions

Recently, UEFA revealed that detailed VAR decisions will be a major officiating change at Euro 2024. To facilitate this, big screens will be used in stadiums to display the rationale behind decisions made. As an example, if a handball has been awarded, the screen will display the logic behind the decision. In this instance, it could be because the arm was in an unnatural position.

Also, the UEFA MD of referees Roberto Rosetti explained the need for a line of dialogue between players and officials. As per Rosetti, the referees will explain the VAR decisions made to the captains. This privilege will not be afforded to other players and is aimed at mobbing the officials. Rosetti also added that strict action will be taken against those who disrespect the referees.

What is your take on the refereeing changes set to be implemented at UEFA Euro 2024? Also, let us your predictions for the tournament below in the comments.