Four top European referees ruled out of remaining World Cup matches

Four of Europe's most experienced referees will play no part in the remaining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after becoming ineligible under FIFA's neutrality rules.

French officials François Letexier and Clément Turpin, along with English referees Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, have all been ruled out of officiating the closing stages of the tournament as England and France remain in contention for the title.

FIFA avoids appointing referees from nations still represented in the competition to eliminate any potential conflict of interest and maintain the integrity of its officiating appointments.

For the English officials, there is an additional restriction. FIFA's long-standing neutrality policy also prevents referees from England from taking charge of matches involving Argentina, with the same rule applying to Argentine officials in England fixtures.

Adjetey, Partey and Others: Black Stars players who won back possession most often at the 2026 WC

The measure stems from the political sensitivities surrounding the 1982 Falklands War and has remained in place for decades.

The policy has significantly narrowed the pool of elite referees available for the semi-finals and the final, particularly with England and Argentina both still in the race for the World Cup trophy.

Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor had been among the standout performers during the tournament and were viewed as potential candidates to officiate the final.

However, their prospects ended once England and Argentina progressed to the last four, leaving FIFA to select match officials from neutral nations for the tournament's remaining fixtures.

FKA/JE

GhanaWeb's Real Estate Platform will benefit property sector – Rev. Dr. Nanayaa Prempeh