Fifa Names Referee For World Cup Opener

FIFA President Gianni Infantino/File

Fifa has named Argentina’s Nestor Pitana as referee for the opening World Cup game on Thursday between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Concise News gathered that Pitana, 42, officiated at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and will be assisted by countrymen Juan Pablo Belatti and Hernan Maidana.

Also, Sandro Ricci from Brazil will be the fourth official with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) making its debut at the competition.

Italy’s Massimiliano Irrati is the designated VAR official in Moscow.

“We are ready to give our best and show consistency but without the good attitude of players it will be very difficult for us,” said FIFA’s director of referees Massimo Busacca.