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FIFA Bars English Referees from Argentina Games, Citing Falklands

7/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

FIFA barred English referees from any Argentina match at the 2026 World Cup, citing the 1982 Falklands War.
Michael Oliver will referee the Spain-Belgium quarter-final in Los Angeles, while he and Anthony Taylor are excluded from Argentina games.
FIFA said appointments consider performance and geopolitical issues, prompting former Premier League referee Graham Scott to call the policy outdated and urge merit-only selection.

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Story summary

FIFA barred English referees from any Argentina match at the 2026 World Cup, citing the 1982 Falklands War.
Michael Oliver will referee the Spain-Belgium quarter-final in Los Angeles, while he and Anthony Taylor are excluded from Argentina games.
FIFA said appointments consider performance and geopolitical issues, prompting former Premier League referee Graham Scott to call the policy outdated and urge merit-only selection.