The inaugural edition of the FIFA Super World Club will feature a total of 35 referees, including Santa Catarina Ramon Abatti Abel and Goiano Wilton Pereira Sampaio. In addition to the names released on Monday (14), FIFA announced news such as the use of body cameras by the referees and the application of rigid rules to goalkeepers. The Super World, the first with 32 teams – including Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Palmeiras -. It will take place from June 14 to July 13, in the United States.
“We think it is a good chance to offer viewers a new experience, in terms of images made from a perspective, an angle of vision never offered before,” said Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referee Committee. “It also has a purpose in terms of referee training because, of course, seeing what the referee sees is important in the post-game review.”
Congratulations to the 117 match official who will be heading to the @Fifacwc! 👏#TakeitTotheworld pic.twitter.com/feomqbedx1
– FIFA (@fifacom) April 14, 2025
The Super World Cup will be FIFA’s first professional competition in the career of Santa Catarina Ramon Abatti Abel, 35. In 2023, he entered the field in four under 20 World Cup matches in Argentina. Goiano Wilton Pereira Sampaio, 43, has already begged four Qatar World Cup games (2022), including the France X England duel, in the quarterfinals, won by the 2-1 Blues. Before, Wilton Pereira had worked in a match of the United Arab World Cup in 2018.
Goiano referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio, 43, has already beaten four Qatar World Cup games (2022), including France’s victory over England (2-1) in the quarterfinals. – CESAR GRECO/AG.PALMEIRAS/RIGHTS RESERVED
The arbitration of the World Cup will also have 58 assistant referees, four of them Brazilian: Rafael Alves, Bruno Boschilia, Danilo Manis and Bruno Pires. Already in the list of video referees, there are 24 professionals, none in Brazil.
“Among those selected are those who have the privilege of being part of this for the first time, so I’m sure all the referees will be enthusiastic,” said Pierluigi Collina.
As for the new rules established to goalkeepers, there is a ban to hold the ball for more than eight seconds in the replacement. If they disrespect the rule there will be punishment: the opposing team will gain the right to charge a corner.
* With information from Reuters.
