The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is getting closer – 36 days to go! Between now and the start of the World Cup, we will take a closer look at a different statistic from the history of the tournament each day.

36 – The FIFA Referees Committee has appointed a total of 36 referees and 63 assistant referees representing 46 countries for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

The criteria for selection included each match official’s skills and personality, as well as his understanding of football and ability to read both the game and the various tactics employed by teams. Several preparatory seminars have been held for referees and assistant referees over the last three years, focusing on fair play, protecting players, the image of the game, consistent and uniform officiating, technical and tactical understanding of the game as well as knowledge of different player and team mentalities.

The Committee also selected 13 match officials to act solely as video assistant referees (VARs) during the finals.

The selected referees, assistant referees and VARs will be monitored and supported by FIFA Refereeing on an individual basis to ensure they are fully prepared. They will then take part in a final preparatory seminar at the FIFA World Cup match officials’ HQ in Moscow at the start of June.