Greg Dyke: 'English referees are world class'

Wednesday 18 Jun 2014
Howard Webb, Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey referee the World Cup Final in 2010
Greg Dyke has praised England’s trio of officials in Brazil as they prepare for their first outing at the World Cup on Thursday.

The FA Chairman will be in Sao Paulo for England’s Group D encounter with Uruguay on Thursday evening, but further north in Brasilia will be referee Howard Webb and assistants Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann who take charge for the game between Colombia and Ivory Coast.

Mark Clattenburg and Howard Webb

Clattenburg (L) also drew praise from FA Chairman Greg Dyke

 

And Dyke has praised the country’s "world class" officials, as Webb and his team prepare for their first World Cup game since they officiated the Final in South Africa four years ago.

"Howard Webb, Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann will be England's refereeing trio in Brazil and are rightly regarded as among the best in the world," said Dyke.

"Howard has taken charge of the biggest games around - not least the 2010 World Cup final, when he was ably assisted by Mike and Darren.

"It is not only Howard, but Mark Clattenburg just missed out on selection, having taken charge of the London 2012 Olympic men's final at Wembley along with Stephen Child and Simon Beck."

Dyke also believes the future of English refereeing is bright, with more young officials working their way through the domestic levels and into the international arena. 

And with plenty of work going on at grassroots level, Dyke is hoping the visible success of officials on the highest stage can act as inspiration for referees at all levels across the country.

"There is a good depth to our leading referees' list,” added Dyke.

"Sian Massey's emergence as a top Premier League assistant referee was furthered by her work at the FIFA Women's U17 World Cup in March which followed her appointment for last year's UEFA Women's Euro final in Sweden.

"At grassroots level, we recognise the need to encourage more referees and also to retain those who give their valuable time to the national game.

"This refereeing excellence is not a new phenomenon. No country has had more men take charge of the World Cup final than The FA's four. 

"English refereeing is world class."

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels