Ismail Elfath will referee England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, adding to a tournament resume that already includes multiple high-stakes matches involving Lionel Messi.
Elfath appointed for England vs Argentina
The 44-year-old, who has twice officiated games in which Lionel Messi lifted trophies, has been selected to lead the semi-final between England and Argentina.
Elfath has handled several fixtures at this World Cup, including group-stage encounters featuring Japan against the Netherlands and Uruguay against Spain.
His tournament work has also included Norway’s last-16 win over five-time champions Brazil.
Cards and contentious moments in this tournament
Elfath has shown six yellow cards during the competition so far and issued a straight red to Uruguay midfielder Agustin Canobbio.
The dismissal came after a high challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí.
Following the red card, Canobbio confronted the referee and grabbed his shirt.
Officiating team and Elfath’s World Cup and club pedigree
Elfath’s match officials have also been confirmed. Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, both from the United States, will serve as assistant referees, while Italian referee Maurizio Mariani is set to act as the fourth official.
Elfath’s prior World Cup experience includes duties as the fourth official for Argentina’s 2022 final win over France. He was also the referee when Messi won his first trophy with Inter Miami, a penalty shootout success over Nashville SC in the 2023 Leagues Cup final.
- Elfath has officiated in Major League Soccer since 2012.
- He has been named MLS referee of the year twice.
Why other English and Argentine referees are ruled out
England’s Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor have both been removed from consideration to officiate the World Cup final due to FIFA rules linked to conflicts of interest.
Those regulations prevent referees from presiding over matches involving their own countries.
They also bar English and Argentine officials from working games involving the two nations, rooted in their political rivalry, including the Falklands conflict in 1982.
As a result, Argentine referee Facundo Tello is also ineligible for the final for the same reason.
In addition, all three officials are unable to take charge of the third-place match because it is set to feature at least one of the sides involved.
The conflict rules also mean Taylor cannot referee the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France.
- Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor are ruled out of final duties due to conflict-of-interest regulations.
- English and Argentine referees cannot officiate matches involving England or Argentina because of historical political rivalry, including the Falklands conflict in 1982.
- Facundo Tello is excluded for the same reason, and all three are barred from the third-place play-off.
- Taylor was also prevented from refereeing the 2022 final between Argentina and France.
