Soccer
Referee confirmed for England vs. Argentina World Cup semi-final
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As the anticipation continues for Wednesday's World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, FIFA has confirmed the referee for the match in Atlanta.
That will be 44-year-old American Ismail Elfath, who will be leading a refereeing team which consists of fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins as assistants, and Italy's Maurizio Mariana as the fourth official.
Elfath has refereed three matches so far at this World Cup. Two of these came in the group stage when Japan faced the Netherlands and Uruguay clashed with Spain.
He was also the man in the middle for Norway's 2-1 win over Brazil in the last 16.
Elfath has shown a red card during this tournament, and that was to Uruguay midfielder Agustin Canobbio after a high challenge on Spain's Pau Cubarsi. He has also shown six yellow cards.
Is Elfath a good luck charm for Messi?
This will not be the first time Elfath has been an official during an Argentina international match which involves Lionel Messi.
Elfath was the fourth official for the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, which the former won on penalties. Messi scored twice that day and also put away his penalty in a 4-2 shoot-out win.
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One year later, Elfath was the referee for Messi's first trophy win with Inter Miami after a penalty shootout win against Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final.
In addition to this announcement, it was confirmed that English referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor will not be able to officiate Sunday's World Cup due to a conflict of interest which breaches FIFA regulations.
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