FA congratulate Howard Webb, Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann.
Howard Webb and his team arrived home today after taking charge of the World Cup Final in South Africa on Sunday.
The Rotherham official became the fourth Englishman to take charge of the crowning game in world football following Jack Taylor (1974), Bill Ling (1954) and George Reader (1950). England has provided more World Cup Final referees than any other country.
And after overseeing a tempestuous affair in Johannesburg, The FA have shown their support for Webb and his assistants upon their return.
Speaking to TheFA.com, Jonathan Hall, The FA’s Director on the PGMOL Board, said: "Firstly, we would like to congratulate Howard Webb, Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann for a wonderful tournament and a very well handled Final in very difficult circumstances.
"Nothing should take away from Howard's achievement and it is hard to imagine many other officials being able to match his performance or handle such a fixture so well.
"I think what this does do is strengthen our resolve to support our excellent network of referees in England and it also shows the real value of the work being undertaken by the Respect programme domestically.
"We are all thoroughly proud of the fact FIFA chose to recognise Howard at the very peak of his profession."
David Elleray, Chairman of The FA's Referees’ Committee, was equal in his praise for Webb and his team's performances in South Africa.
"Howard and his colleagues demonstrated why FIFA selected them as the best referee team in the 2010 World Cup and The FA is very proud that Howard, like Jack Taylor in 1974, showed impartiality, strength of character and a very high level of accuracy in the most important match in the world," said Elleray.
"The team were faced with a very challenging World Cup Final and responded in a highly professional manner. Howard, Mike and Darren should look back on this tournament with a sense of pride in their performances. They are huge credit to our profession and we are all looking forward to welcoming them home."
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