Uzbek referee who officiated at multiple international tournaments, including the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, and holds the record for most FIFA World Cup matches refereed.
Ravshan Irmatov is a name synonymous with excellence in football refereeing, boasting the record for officiating the most FIFA World Cup matches with an impressive 11 appearances. This Uzbek professional football referee has left an indelible mark on the sport, earning him the status of one of the elite referees in the world.
Born on August 9, 1977, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Irmatov hails from a family of football enthusiasts. His father, a referee in Soviet competitions, instilled in him a love for the game from a young age. This early exposure laid the foundation for Irmatov's remarkable career, which would take him to the pinnacle of football refereeing.
Irmatov's refereeing career began in the Uzbek League in 2000, where he officiated for nearly two decades until 2019. His exceptional skills and dedication earned him the recognition of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which appointed him as a full international referee in 2003.
Irmatov's breakthrough moment came when he was selected to officiate the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada, where he refereed the group-stage match between Gambia and Mexico, as well as the match between Chile and Congo. This exposure propelled him to the forefront of international refereeing, solidifying his reputation as a top-notch official.
Irmatov's impressive résumé boasts numerous accolades, including being named The Best Referee in Asia for four consecutive years (2008-2011) and again in 2014. He was also chosen to officiate the final of both the 2008 and 2011 FIFA Club World Cup.
Irmatov's most notable achievements include his record-breaking 11 appearances in the FIFA World Cup. He officiated the opening match between South Africa and Mexico in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, becoming the youngest referee to take charge of an opening World Cup match since 1934. He also refereed the Netherlands-Uruguay semifinal, equaling the record for the number of matches in charge in a single FIFA World Cup.
In June 2019, Irmatov was appointed as the first Vice-President of the Uzbekistan Football Association, a position that catapulted him to the de facto leadership of Uzbekistan's football. He has since been instrumental in introducing reforms in Uzbekistani football, seeking to overcome the challenges of corruption and criticism that have plagued the sport in the country.
During his inauguration, Irmatov emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort, stating, "If we all come together and work for the same goal, we will overcome any difficulties." His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of Uzbekistani football, and his influence is expected to be felt for years to come.
Ravshan Irmatov's remarkable career serves as a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for football. His achievements have inspired a generation of referees, and his commitment to reforming Uzbekistani football will have a lasting impact on the sport in his country. As a true legend in the world of football refereeing, Irmatov's legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of the beautiful game.
