As with every World Cup, there has been plenty of controversy about the referees. Even before the tournament began, headlines were made as Somali official Omar Artan was controversially denied entry to the US, while more drama has since happened on the pitch.
English referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor will be glad to have largely stayed out of headlines so far this summer. They have perhaps been helped by the fact that they are banned from officiating games for one World Cup national team.
Why Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor Can’t Referee Two World Cup Teams
That game will see him take charge of his seventh World Cup match, more than any other Englishman but his options to oversee more games after that become quite limited. This is because all English referees, including Taylor, are not allowed to oversee games involving their own country, England (for obvious reasons), as well as Argentina matches.
As explained by The Athletic, Taylor was actually under consideration for the World Cup final at Qatar 2022 after an impressive tournament, but was unable to do so when Argentina advanced to meet France. This is due to political reasons, largely relating to the 1982 Falklands War between the United Kingdom and Argentina.
The conflict – which lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender as the islands were returned to British control – saw 649 members of the Argentine military, 255 members of the British military, and three Falkland Islanders all killed. Despite decades passing since the war, the subject is still contentious in Argentina, with current president Javier Milei strongly reaffirming his belief in Argentine sovereignty over the territories.
Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor Unlikely to Referee 2026 World Cup Final
Due to the FIFA rules for referee selection, both Englishmen Oliver and Taylor are unlikely to be selected to cover the 2026 World Cup final. They will only be considered if Norway (who play England in Saturday’s last-eight tie) or Switzerland (who play Argentina) advance to the tournament decider.
As well as not being able to take charge of games involving Argentina or England, the duo – as is the case with all referees at the World Cup – are not to officiate matches in their own nation’s pathway. As such, it seems unlikely that Oliver and Taylor will be selected to oversee either semi-final if Argentina or England get that far.
This is because they can’t take charge of the semi-final involving either one or both Argentina and England, while the other semi-final would have a team on the path to potentially meet the Three Lions in the final, which would compromise their status as a neutral party.
As the rules mean they can’t work on games which have direct implications for their own nationalities, Oliver and Taylor were not considered to officiate other matches in England’s Group L earlier in the tournament, including games between Croatia, Ghana and Panama, their group opponents.
Liverpool are eyeing up a move to sign Wolves star Mateus Mane this summer, but the clubs are well apart on their valuation, according to United in Focus.
The Reds are looking to rebuild their squad under new manager Andoni Iraola after a disappointing campaign in which they finished fifth in the Premier League, and they have seen key players Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, and Mohamed Salah depart since the end of the season.
Iraola has so far been able to bring in Victor Munoz in attack, while young defender Jeremy Jacquet has arrived following a deal being agreed in January, but now the Anfield club are looking at other players they could bring in to bolster the side.
Liverpool Eyeing Wolves Star Mane
According to a report, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Portugal youth international Mane in the transfer window.
The 18-year-old was one of the standout performers for Wolves in the Premier League last season as they were relegated to the Championship, but he penned a new long-term contract to commit to the club in the long-term.
However, a number of clubs are ready to test Wolves’ resolve following their relegation, with a £35m price tag reportedly put on the attacking midfielder’s head.
But while Liverpool are big fans of the youngster, who has been described as ‘special’, they are not willing to pay anywhere near the £35m asking price currently, and so far have made no plans to lodge a formal bid.
Mane is capable of playing in midfield, as a number ten, or as a winger, and that versatility has seen him impress a number of clubs. But Liverpool aren’t willing to pay such a high fee for a player with such limited first-team experience at the top level, and a deal is not currently expected to happen.
Man Utd are also showing an interest, and while they agree with Liverpool that £35m is said to be too high, they are reportedly eyeing a £20m bid to tempt Wolves. It remains to be seen if Liverpool would consider matching that should they get a positive response.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
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Liverpool Must Be Sensible With Budget
While Mane is clearly a top talent and someone who has a bright future in the game, Liverpool are in a position where they have to be sensible with their budget.
The club broke the British transfer record twice last summer in deals that didn’t work out too well, while Arne Slot has been sacked and will be due compensation. But there are also a number of positions that need strengthening this summer, which means they can’t throw the cash around in the same way.
Mane would add something to the squad undoubtedly, but at the steep price of £35m, they must prioritise other players in other positions first and then re-evaluate the situation.
Russia’s return to the Olympic Games could have a knock-on effect on their national football team, who have sat out this summer’s World Cup.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension from global competition. This has sparked backlash, particularly from Ukrainian sportspeople, including Wimbledon star Marta Kostyuk, who called the decision “terrible.”
Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions since the war in Ukraine in March 2022. The nation’s football teams have since sat out World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
FIFA and UEFA Stance on Russia Ban
Despite the IOC’s decision to provisionally lift Russia’s suspension, UEFA are prepared to block Russian teams from returning to international football. That means the country is the only UEFA member association that can’t enter the Euro 2028 qualifying process.
While UEFA haven’t commented, The Guardian claims that several national associations have said there is “no realistic prospect of Russian sides being welcomed back into European football. That also includes the 2030 World Cup because while it is a FIFA tournament, European qualifying is handled by UEFA.
FIFA are expected to review their position on its ban on Russian teams, which has been in place for four years. They have confirmed that they will “analyse the decision before deciding on next steps.”
Both football governing bodies have been embroiled in a stand-off recently amid FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup. This allowed Balogun to play in the USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in their Round of 16 clash.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked that the one-game ban be reviewed. He then thanked the sporting body for making the “right decision.”
UEFA responded with a lengthy statement, hitting out at FIFA and expressing its “disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” Should FIFA opt to follow the IOC in lifting its ban on Russian teams, it will only further harm the two organisations’ relationship.
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Infantino Presidency Could be Key
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Infantino has already hinted at welcoming Russia back to world football, and he holds a close relationship with Vladimir Putin. They worked together when the 2018 World Cup was staged in Russia.
The FIFA President claimed in February: “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.”
Infantino has come under fire during the build-up and throughout the World Cup for letting politics influence sporting decisions. Many are calling for his removal from his position following the Balogun controversy.
European lawmakers are reportedly gathering evidence to launch a probe into FIFA and Infantino. Should an investigation take place, it could affect any decision to lift the ban on Russian teams.
Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni after he agreed a contract extension at the Bernabeu, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have been pushing to upgrade their midfield options this summer after Casemiro departed at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup, leaving Michael Carrick short of options in the middle of the park.
A deal for Ederson has already been agreed with Atalanta, while United also agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos on Wednesday afternoon, adding two new faces to the squad. But they now look set to miss out on another top target after Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
