English referee denied World Cup duties 'after Argentina reached final'

English referee Anthony Taylor was reportedly denied any hopes of taking charge of the World Cup final by Fifa after Argentina reached Sunday’s showpiece and fears over national bias.

The final between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium will be refereed by Szymon Marciniak, of Poland.

According to The Times, English officials have been barred from refereeing games featuring Argentina - and vice versa with Argentinian officials - due to the sensitivity surrounding the Falkland Islands.

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That was heightened following Argentina’s semi-final victory over Croatia when players celebrated a final berth by singing a chant popular with their fans called Muchachos, lyrics of which pay tribute to Argentinians who died during the Falklands War 40 years ago. The song also includes the line: ‘I’m like that, I’m Argentinian, f****** Englishmen from the Falklands, I don’t forget.'

England had two referees at the Qatar World Cup, with Michael Oliver also chosen as an official.

It is understood that Taylor, a Premier League referee, was kept on in Qatar and mooted as a possible contender to officiate the final before Argentina beat Croatia. The Times noted that although referees wouldn’t be influenced, Fifa’s priority has been to avoid competing nations questioning officials’ nationalities.

Taylor was in charge of Ghana’s 3-2 victory over South Korea, which ended with a red card for manager Paulo Bento, while the last match he oversaw was Croatia’s draw with Belgium in the group stages.

The World Cup final will be led by referee Szymon Marciniak, of Poland.

Marciniak, 41, has been a Fifa referee since 2011. He officiated France's 2-1 win over Denmark in the group stages and Argentina’s last 16 win over Australia.

Marciniak has also overcome recent illness to be handed the whistle for Sunday’s final.

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He said: “I had a very difficult time for the last year and a half. I had Tachycardia – it’s a heart illness. In the beginning, it was very difficult for me and I had to stop refereeing. I missed the Uefa European Championship, which for a referee, who is at their best age, it was a terrible feeling.

“Only I, and my team, know how difficult of a time it was for me. Now, life gives back to me and I cannot even stop smiling because it's a great feeling.”

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