Premier League referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor have been banned from officiating the World Cup final, following the progression of both England and Argentina to the semi-finals. The two English officials are the only referees from their country at the tournament, but FIFA regulations prevent them from taking charge of matches involving their home nation or those with direct consequences for it.
England and Argentina Progress to Semi-Finals
England secured a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the last 16, while Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1, also in extra time. These results mean the historic rivals are on a collision course for a semi-final showdown, effectively ruling out Oliver and Taylor from further participation.
FIFA Rules on Referee Assignments
FIFA rules stipulate that a referee cannot officiate a match involving their home country. Additionally, referees cannot be assigned to a game that has a direct consequence for their home nation in the next round. This means the pair cannot referee the England vs Argentina semi-final, nor the other semi-final between France and Spain, as the result could affect England's path to the final.
Even if England are eliminated, Oliver and Taylor cannot take charge of the final if Argentina reaches it. According to a FIFA spokesperson, English referees are barred from officiating Argentina matches due to geopolitical factors, specifically the 1982 Falklands War. This sensitivity extends to any game with direct implications for Argentina.
Previous Precedent from 2022
Mirror Football reported in 2022 that Oliver and Taylor were denied the chance to referee the 2022 World Cup final for similar reasons, as Argentina were involved. The Falklands War remains a politically sensitive topic, though conflicts as far back as the Second World War are not considered. Argentina players referenced the war in a song after their quarter-final win over Egypt.
Oliver and Taylor's Tournament Performances
Oliver officiated four matches: Netherlands vs Sweden, Norway vs France, Canada vs Morocco, and the quarter-final between Spain and Belgium. During the latter, he accidentally impeded Spain's Dani Olmo, apologising and stopping play. Despite this, he was considered a favourite for the final if both England and Argentina were eliminated. Taylor refereed Uzbekistan vs Colombia, Senegal vs Iraq, and Portugal vs Spain in the last 16.
As a result, neither veteran Premier League referee will play any further part in the tournament, despite strong performances.
