Qatar 2022/Refereeing: "Our objective is to avoid using technology" (P. Collina, FIFA)

"Our objective is to prepare the referee as best as possible to avoid using technology (VAR, Goal Line Technology, semi-automated offside technology), but technology is there to reduce the possibility of human mistake that can affect the outcome of a match. Even the best referee can make a mistake; he is a human being, and we know that," said Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, on 15/08/2022, regarding the three seminars held in Asunción (PAR), Doha (QAT) and Madrid (ESP) between 31/05 and 22/06/2022 "to thoroughly prepare the 36 referees, 69 assistant referees and 24 video match officials (129 match officials in total) from all six confederations (UEFA, CAF, CONMEBOL, Concacaf, AFC and OFC) chosen to officiate at the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar."

"The match officials were put to the test in both theoretical classes and on-the-field training sessions each day, allowing the officials to simulate and practice various live-match situations," said FIFA.

Six women will officiate at a men's World Cup for the first time:
• Referees Stéphanie Frappart (France)…