http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=usa/footballofficials/referees/peoplekind=ref.html Confirmed Penso and Guzman added. Vaughan and Bazakos removed. Christina Unkel (nee Ibanez) also added.
Interestingly, still no changes to the men's side of the Canadian list: http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=can/footballofficials/referees/peoplekind=ref.html I wonder if the CSA just doesn't think Gamble is cut-out for FIFA duty or if they are waiting for Petrescu to leave the panel, which happens at the end of this year. At this point, Fischer could also be in the mix going forward. On the US side, the only forced retirement next year is Quisenberry. Things change, but I can't see any of the other ARs stepping down early, so that leaves one slot to compete for. With the youth movement, I can see Corey Parker being the favorite, but there are several other options including Ian Anderson and Jeff Hosking. Similarly, on the referee side, the US is finally back in a place where it can be adding referees and trying to get to the full complement of 10, rather than just plugging retirements, as no one is forced off the list until Toledo must stand down at the end of 2015. We could have anywhere from 0 to 3 additions for 2014, and there's no shortage of candidates as plenty of guys will be in their second year in the league. Will be interesting to see if people are pushed fast or if USSF will take its time developing referees for international duty now that it has that luxury (also, it will be interesting to see what input, if any, PRO has on actual FIFA nomination--obviously it will control the assignments, so there's implicit influence). I could see Chapman and Villarreal being potential candidates for quick promotion if that's the route that is pursued by the federation.
Indeed. It does make me think/wonder how many "one-and-done" situations we've had since the list got split to CR/AR. I think Andrew Barnes fell into that category, but could be wrong. Can't recall any others, though.
It's got to be some kind of record. One year on the list and he did, I think, only two regular season MLS middles. That's putting your badge to use. I don't know why he got it in the first place.
I hadn't looked at the Australian list. Gillett is the guy who had the Grand Final, right? He's the new addition. Matthew Breeze has left the list, so it appears to be a straight swap. Breeze is one of those mysteries at the FIFA-level. I don't understand how he didn't go to the last World Cup and why he wasn't the favorite for the next one (unless the answer to the first question solves the second query).
First appointments for the new US FIFA referees: 1/26/13 Men's International Friendly Canada vs Denmark Tucson, Arizona REFEREE: JUAN GUZMAN ASST 1: Frank Anderson ASST 2: Sean Hurd 4TH: Baldomero Toledo 1/30/13 Men's International Friendly Mexico vs Denmark Phoenix, Arizona REFEREE: CHRIS PENSO ASST 1: CJ Morgante ASST 2: Anthony Vasoli 4TH: Ricardo Salazar
Canada vs. Denmark.... in Tuscon? Its almost like they scheduled that game just to give Guzman his first middle.
The national team has an aversion to playing games in Vancouver. They will only play in Toronto because of an agreement they have with the city of Toronto on BMO Field. It's really a bad idea, but it is the way the CSA wants to run things.
Since both games involve Denmark, it may have been more about Denmark's choice to play two games against our northern and southern neighbors in a neutral location (although playing Mexico in Arizona might not be that neutral). Phoenix/Tucson are relatively close, so it's easier than traveling to two different countries.
Not completely accurate. BMO Field just requires a certain number of tickets sold for CSA events (used to just be # of events) or there will be a financial penalty. There is no exclusivity. In reality, it's grass vs. FieldTurf. But I digress... I find it interesting that Canada has added a female CR when appointments are already low. That is unless CSA officials will be involved in NWSL. On one hand, it would surprise me (completely US-based league) but it also wouldn't (direct CSA involvement and PRO involvement)
Yes, Gillett had the A-League final last season. As for Breeze, that's also something I've always wondered about. Maybe he was just beat out by another AFC pairing, or maybe FIFA just forgets about Australia all the way down there? I don't know. It's a shame, I worked with him at a tournament once and he couldn't be a nicer guy.