Argentina’s Facundo Tello, who will referee the World Cup quarter-finals between France and Morocco, has attracted attention for his strict refereeing style and a controversial match in 2022 in which he showed 10 red cards. FIFA’s decision also sparked controversy as the entire refereeing team for the match was from Argentina.Tello became famous after receiving 10 red cards during the Argentine Super Cup match between Boca Juniors and Atlético Club due to numerous fights and fierce confrontations. As Boca had fewer than seven players, the match had to be called off, in violation of the rules.Since becoming a referee in 2012, Tello has handed out more than 2,000 yellow cards and more than 75 red cards. He has overseen two group games at this World Cup, showing five yellow cards in Canada’s win over Bosnia and two in South Africa’s victory over South Korea. France’s Michael Aulis also needs to avoid a yellow card as another yellow card will rule him out of the semi-finals.FIFA confirmed that Tello will officiate alongside assistants Juan Pablo Berati and Gabriel Child in the quarter-finals, the first match at the 2026 World Cup to feature an all-Argentine refereeing staff. The decision raises eyebrows as Argentina remains part of the World Cup squad.However, French players insist they are not worried about the appointment. Defender Dayot Upamecano said: “I will not focus on who the referee is. We have never done this before, we will focus on Morocco.”Goalkeeper Robin Riise also expressed support for the referees, saying: “There’s been a certain amount of pain over the years since the last final, but that’s part of the game. If these referees are there, it’s because they’re up to the level of the game.”
