Internet Desk: Massimo Busacca, FIFA Head of Referees who visited Kochi last week maintains that it’s time to continue the good work if Indian Refereeing is to attain the next level. In an exclusive interview with www.the-aiff.com, Busacca who was declared ‘Best Referee in the World’ in 2009 spoke at length about Indian Referees “earning” a slot in FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, FIFA’s support for India, preparation for a match and much more. EXCERPTS:
How has your experience been in India?
It has been a big honour for me to be in this beautiful and huge Country. I am always positive when I do something and it was nice to see many young talented Referees focusing on the job. It’s refreshing to see that here is a group who desires to excel in the profession. I also had a Meeting with the Referee’s Committee. It’s now up to the All India Football Federation to develop further. The feeling was good but it’s not enough – it is time to continue the work.
Over the recent years FIFA has been a huge supporter for Referees Development in India.
There is a lot of potential in this Country. But that isn’t enough. Development of Referees is never possible without developing the Football of the Country. If you want to develop Refereeing, you ought to make steps in Football development as well. It goes hand in hand. Otherwise, the Referee won’t ever have the experience and the mentality to be on the same page which prevails around the World. The FIFA development Office is working a lot on Football development in this Country and it will also have an effect on the development of the Referees.
Will we see Indian Referees officiating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017?
This depends not on FIFA but on the Asian Football Confederation. Normally the appointment of Referees is always made in association with the Confederation. If they propose us a top Referee to officiate in Competition, we will use him. But in no way can it be a gift. The Referee has to earn the slot.
Apart from officiating, what are the experiences which an Indian Referee can gain from the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017?
It will be my pleasure to invite the Indian delegation which would comprise of Referees, Assistant Referees, Instructors and Assessors for the same. Of course we cannot invite an indefinite number of participants. But the selected group would be participating and receiving the knowledge of the preparation for and during a World Cup. It will be a huge learning process for them.
Is a Referee born? Or can he be made?
Like as it is in any other job, I feel a Referee is 70 percent born. It’s simple – either you have the quality or you don’t have the quality. But there is always the remaining 30 percent where in your career you can improve yourself.
You were the Best Referee in the World. How should a Referee prepare for a match?
Even for all my knowledge and experience, every match was difficult. I used to pray to the Almighty for help me out. But that isn’t enough.
You have to prepare yourself for the entire week. It’s important to stay calm and away from stress. One needs to conserve as much energy as possible for the big day and stay focused on the job. However, as human beings we have limitations. Even if you prepare everything, there is always that something which may crop up. It’s like a puzzle.
Meanwhile, Ganesan Maniam, a well-known FIFA Referee’s Fitness Instructor who was recently in India feels the Indian Referees need to tune themselves with the “latest techniques and modern style of Refereeing.” In an exclusive interview to www.the-aiff.com after conducting a FIFA MA Referees Fitness Course, Ganeshan spoke at length about Indian Referees taking the next step, their fitness levels, the standout performers in the Course and much more. EXCERPTS:
How can Indian Referees attain the next level so that they can officiate more matches in the International stage?
They have to be at the top of their fitness level as well as grasp the laws of the game. They must be spot on during game play situations. A Referee needs to position himself perfectly to identify the fouls correctly and sanctioning them accordingly. They need to show maturity in their job and this only comes when they know the game like the palm of their hand. This only can be achieved by rigorous technical and physical sessions, possibly once in every two months.
How did you find the fitness level of Indian Referees?
The fitness level of the participants was good. Most of them knew what was there in store for them in the Course and prepared themselves well.
How would you rate Indian Referees’ fitness on a scale of 10?
(After a pause), approximately 7.5 and there’s much room for improvement in the future.
Amongst the 90 Referees who attended the session who were the standout performers?
Rahul Gupta, S Senthil Nathan and R Venkatesh have shown great potential and they have the quality to be in the top bracket in Asia and this can be only achieved through hard work, discipline and continuously tuning themselves with the latest techniques and modern style of Refereeing.
Where do you see Indian Referees in next 5 years?
With proper guidance I expect them to attain the next level and officiating matches in the bigger stages akin to the AFC Asian Cup, even FIFA competitions.