The World Cup is well into the business end, with the quarter-finals of the competition now under way. Some of the sport's biggest stars have descended upon North America, with plenty of drama already playing out in the most popular sporting tournament in the world.
Referee Selection and Compensation
Alongside the finest players, the competition also provides a stage for the top referees from each confederation to participate in one of the most prestigious events in world football. In total, 52 referees were included on the official list for the tournament, though Somalia's Omar Artan withdrew after being refused entry into the United States. Artan will still receive his payment for the tournament, which represents the standard rate given to all officials throughout the six weeks following their arrival at the tournament headquarters in Miami.
The precise amount hasn't been revealed, but the baseline figure is reportedly approximately double what officials received over a decade ago at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Senior officials will pocket even more depending on whether they progress to the latter stages of the competition.
Top Earnings for Final Referees
Should a referee be selected to officiate all the way to the final next month, they will earn a total of £75,000, according to The Sun. However, should a referee reach the final match in New Jersey, it would be on the condition that their own nation didn't make it there. For instance, English referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor would only be considered to officiate the final should England fail to reach it. The Three Lions play Norway in the last eight on Saturday night.
Supporting Officials and Premier League Comparisons
A total of 88 assistant referees and 30 VAR officials were selected for the tournament. Premier League official Jared Gillett is amongst those carrying out VAR duties throughout the competition.
To place the potential earnings into perspective, the average salary for a Premier League referee, inclusive of bonuses and match fees, sits between £170,000 and £180,000. This comprises a base salary of up to £148,000 dependent on experience, with performance-related bonuses and match fees added on top. Even the most junior Premier League officials are reported to earn in the region of £125,000.
