Michael Oliver appointed to referee FIFA U17 World Cup final

Saturday 07 Nov 2015
Premier League referee Michael Oliver in charge of the Arsenal v Liverpool game in August 2015
Michael Oliver and his assistants Stuart Burt and Gary Beswick have been appointed to referee Sunday’s FIFA U17 World Cup final in Chile.

Northumberland-born Oliver will be the man in the middle as Mali take on Nigeria in Vina del Mar, with Burt and Beswick, from Northampton and County Durham respectively, running the lines.

It will be the third game of the tournament for the trio, who officiated in Ecuador’s group stage win over Honduras, then Mexico’s round of 16 win over Chile.

Oliver, 30, became the youngest person to take charge in a Premier League game in 2010, and was only 22 when he refereed the 2007 Conference national play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

“They are role models, especially for young referees”

David Elleray Chairman of FA Referees' Committee

David Elleray, chairman of the FA Referees' Committee, said: "The FA Referees' Committee is delighted that Michael, Stuart and Gary have been appointed to the FIFA U17 World Cup final.

“Michael, Stuart and Gary have regularly worked together domestically and internationally and have developed, like all top sports teams, into a highly focused, professional and dedicated trio. They are role models, especially for young referees.

“This appointment adds to the ever-growing list of high level finals controlled by English officials in recent years including the FIFA World Cup Final (2010), UEFA Champions' League Final (2010), UEFA Europa League Final (2015), UEFA Super Cup (2014), FIFA Futsal World Cup final (2012) and Olympic final (2012).

“I have no doubt that this will be a springboard for Michael, Stuart and Gary to achieve even greater refereeing honours in the future.

“Everyone in football in England will, I am sure, wish them an excellent match and we all congratulate them on this outstanding achievement."

Mali v Nigeria kicks off at 10pm (GMT) on Sunday night.

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By James Callow Content manager