French referee Clement Turpin has been appointed to take charge of England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday. The 44-year-old official, who hails from Oullins in France, has been on the FIFA international list since 2010 and is widely regarded as one of Europe's most experienced match officials.
Turpin's Career and Domestic Duties
Turpin primarily officiates matches in Ligue 1, France's top football division, where he has been a regular fixture since 2008. His domestic experience includes overseeing numerous high-stakes encounters, establishing his reputation as a firm but fair arbiter.
On the European stage, Turpin has been entrusted with several major finals. He officiated the 2021 UEFA Europa League final and the prestigious 2022 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. His international tournament experience spans multiple European Championships and World Cups over the past decade.
World Cup 2026 Performances
At the current World Cup, Turpin is already familiar to England fans. He refereed the Three Lions' 4-2 group-stage victory over Croatia, a match notable for his leniency as he did not issue a single yellow card. He also maintained order during a goalless draw between Paraguay and Australia in Santa Clara, and later oversaw Colombia's tense 1-0 win against Ghana in the round of 32.
Earlier in his career, Turpin officiated the opening match of Euro 2024, where Germany beat Scotland 5-1, and a fiery quarter-final between the Netherlands and Turkey.
Controversy with Thomas Tuchel
One of the most notable incidents in Turpin's career came in 2023 when he infuriated England manager Thomas Tuchel, then coaching Bayern Munich, during a Champions League match against Manchester City. Turpin sent Tuchel to the stands for dissent, prompting the German to later brand him a "Grade E" official who was "absolutely terrible."
In that same chaotic match, Turpin handed out five yellow cards in the first half and showed a straight red card to Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano, though the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
Managing Star Players
Turpin is known for not backing down from big names. In April 2024, he firmly dealt with Jude Bellingham's attempts to unsettle Harry Kane during a Champions League penalty incident when Real Madrid faced Bayern Munich. As he prepares to officiate the quarter-final between England and Norway, commentators have noted his tendency to let the game flow without being overly card-happy.
