Maltese officials achieve Uefa’s Centre of Refereeing Excellence diploma

This follows their participation for the Introductory Course held in September as part of UEFA's latest drive to improve refereeing standards across Europe through its Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE).

The main objective of this one week course was to gauge their progress registered over the past seven months when they were monitored on how they were faring in their domestic matches as well as their physical fitness preparation.  In fact, an in-depth analysis of their training sessions was carried out by Mr. Bart Gilis, while a detailed report of every match they controlled had to be sent to their mentor Mr. Jorn West Larsen.

During this course, video clips of particular incidents in every participant's domestic matches were shown and discussed by all those present.

A number of theoretical sessions were held, with the course leaders going into detail on the latest UEFA guidelines regarding violent conduct, unsporting behaviour and man management.

As was the case in September, the Maltese trio was appointed to control a match from the Swiss League – the Division 3 U21 clash between FC Sion and Young Boys, played in Sion’s Stade Tourbillon, which ended 1-1.

 All participants underwent the FIFA fitness test, with the Maltese trio performing successfully.

At the end of the course, 20 (including the Maltese officials) of the 24 participants were presented with a Diploma of Achievement.