FIFA rules ended one Newcastle United supporter’s World Cup adventure early - and it’s not Dan Burn or Elliot Anderson.
Newcastle United supporter and leading English referee Michael Oliver saw his World Cup end at the quarter-final stage.
Oliver was one of two English referees at the 2026 World Cup, along with Anthony Taylor. Oliver officiated four matches at the tournament, including Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Belgium in Los Angeles last week.
It was the seventh World Cup match Oliver has officiated during his career, the most any Englishman.
Michael Oliver refereeing in the Premier League.placeholder image
Michael Oliver refereeing in the Premier League. | Getty Images
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The same reason Oliver is unable to officiate Newcastle or Sunderland matches in the Premier League ruled him out of the semi-final, third-place and final matches.
FIFA rules block English referees from officiating Argentina matches due to the Falklands War in 1982, citing a ‘conflict of interest’. The same goes for Argentinian referees officiating England matches.
As referees aren’t allowed to officiate matches involving their own clubs or rival clubs, the same goes at international level.
Argentina secured a spot in the final against Spain with a 2-1 comeback win over England. Thomas Tuchel’s side will now face France in the bronze final on Saturday.
Oliver and Taylor were also blocked from officiating the 2022 World Cup final due to the same FIFA ruling, as Argentina beat France on penalties.
Lionel Messi’s side will now look to become the first nation to win successive World Cups since Brazil 64 years ago.
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