Arab football fans are turning their attention to the Qatari capital, Doha, as the stadium prepares to host a purely Arab derby between the Saudi and Jordanian national teams in the semi-finals of the 2025 Arab Cup. In a move reflecting the importance and sensitivity of this crucial match, the tournament's organizing committee has assigned the task of refereeing the game to veteran Paraguayan referee Juan Benítez , to ensure the match proceeds smoothly.
Juan Benitez's career and refereeing records
Paraguayan referee Juan Benítez, 43, boasts an impressive resume and extensive experience that have made him one of the most prominent referees in South America. Through years of hard work, Benítez has built a strong reputation as a referee who doesn't hesitate to apply the rules to the letter, earning him a place in major sporting events.
In terms of numbers, which don't lie, Benítez has officiated a total of 231 official matches across various domestic and continental competitions throughout his professional career. His statistics reveal a clear firmness in dealing with rough play and protests, having shown the yellow card 1,025 times and the red card 80 times – a rate that reflects his strong personality and zero tolerance for fouls on the pitch. The Paraguayan referee also awarded 78 penalties , further demonstrating his boldness in making crucial decisions within the penalty area.
Previous experience in Saudi stadiums
Juan Benítez is no stranger to Saudi football; he has already officiated several high-profile matches in the Kingdom this season. His most notable performance was in the King's Cup match between Al-Hilal and Al-Adalah . His performance in that game was praised by fans and pundits alike, as he managed the match calmly and decisively, avoiding any controversial refereeing decisions that could have marred the competition. This success encouraged the Arab Cup organizing committee to enlist his services again.
The importance of the match and the regional context
This match carries added significance beyond being just a semi-final; it pits two neighboring countries with massive fan bases against each other, placing considerable pressure on the refereeing team. The appointment of referees from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) is typically reserved for such matches to leverage their experience in managing highly physical and competitive encounters, and to ensure complete impartiality, free from any regional influences.
Saudi and Jordanian fans alike hope that the selection of a referee with the experience and competence of Juan Benitez will contribute to producing a match that befits the reputation of Arab football, and that the refereeing will be a contributing factor in enjoying a rich football feast that will determine the party that qualifies for the dream final in this prestigious edition of the tournament.
