The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has announced the referee who will officiate the highly anticipated match in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. International referee Ivan Barton of El Salvador has been selected to take charge of the Al-Khaleej vs. Al-Qadisiyah match. This appointment reflects the Federation's ongoing policy of utilizing top international referees to officiate important and sensitive league matches.
Who is Ivan Barton? A distinguished career in international circles
Ivan Barton, 35, is one of the most prominent referees in North and Central America (CONCACAF). He received his FIFA international badge in 2018, and since then has built a strong reputation on the world stage thanks to his accurate decisions and strong personality on the field.
His refereeing career has been marked by several notable milestones, most prominently his participation in officiating matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he refereed crucial games including Germany vs. Japan and Brazil vs. Switzerland in the group stage, as well as the Round of 16 match between England and Senegal. He also officiated the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League final and the famous 2023 Leagues Cup final between Inter Miami and Nashville SC, which saw Lionel Messi win his first title in the United States.
Firm refereeing style and impressive statistics
The figures and statistics from Barton's career demonstrate his firm style and his willingness to use cards to control matches. In 261 matches officiated across various domestic and international competitions, the Salvadoran referee issued 1,342 yellow cards, 123 red cards, and awarded 122 penalties. These relatively high numbers reflect a referee who does not tolerate rough play and strives to apply the rules strictly, making him an ideal choice for competitive and closely contested matches.
Previous experience in Saudi stadiums
This isn't Barton's first appearance in the Saudi Professional League; he has previously officiated six matches in the competition, giving him ample experience with the competitive atmosphere and the nature of Saudi teams. Last season, he also officiated a match involving Al-Qadisiyah against Al-Riyadh, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the latter, indicating his prior knowledge of the team's style of play.
The importance of appointing an international referee and its impact on the match
The appointment of a referee of Ivan Barton's caliber and experience reflects the great importance the Saudi Arabian Football Federation places on this match. Having a world-class referee contributes to raising the level of confidence for both teams and fans, and ensures the match is officiated with the highest standards of fairness and impartiality. This move also enhances the global image of the Roshan League as one of the most attractive leagues not only for international stars, but also for the best refereeing talent in the world, thus raising the overall technical and marketing value of the competition.
