Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio, who officiated Saturday’s quarter-final between England and France, is in line to take charge of the World Cup Final.
Sampaio was heavily criticised for his performance as England lost 2-1 to France. England defender Harry Maguire branded his display as “really poor”, while Jude Bellingham said Sampaio was “not great”.
They felt some decisions went against England, including when appeals for a first-half penalty were denied following a challenge on Harry Kane.
But Sampaio is in the frame to referee the final, along with English official Anthony Taylor. Michael Oliver has been sent home despite a controlling performance in the quarter-final between Brazil and Croatia.
Italian referee Daniele Orsato will take charge of the first semi-final between Argentina and Croatia on Tuesday. FIFA are expected to announce the referee for the other semi-final between Morocco and France later on Monday.
The World Cup’s first female referee Stephanie Frappart has also gone home as the pool is naturally reduced with fewer matches to work on.
