ZÜRICH – The International Football Federation (FIFA) has published the list of referees for 2026.
The European Football Union (UEFA) presented the lists of Elite, first and second groups. For matches of the highest international level, the governing bodies also count on Slovak referees, while novices have also appeared on the FIFA list.
The chairman of the referees’ commission of the Slovak Football Association (SFZ), Miroslav Jaška, stated for the SFZ website: “Shortly before Christmas, the UEFA commission’s circular about referees on the international list was published. Of the five Slovak referees, Ivan Kružliak is in the highest category Elite, Michal Očenáš is on the list in the 1st group, two of our new ones are in the second.
Ákos Juhos became the new FIFA/UEFA assistant. It is gratifying that in addition to our two referees, Miriam Bočková and Zuzana Valentová, who are in the 1st group, FIFA also accepted Petra Vajdečková as the main referees and Martina Ukropová and Viktória Rugolská as assistants.”
UEFA also published the division of FIFA referees from individual countries into their quality groups. Michal Očenáš advanced to the 1st category, which is the second highest level in terms of level.
“Before Christmas, I received an e-mail from the chairman of the UEFA referees’ commission, Mr. Rosetti, about being included in the first group. I was really very happy. Every athlete is looking for higher ranks and I am no exception. I admit that in my career I also had difficult moments that hurt, but at the same time they moved me the most.
I must also mention the team – fellow assistants Jekkel and Pacák – without whom it would not have been possible. Two years ago we started something together, we believe that it will continue successfully. We are hungry for new goals, but we take everything with great humility.” responded Očenáš.
In addition to Kružliak and Očenáš, Filip Glova, Bálint Kiss and Lukáš Dzivjak appear on the lists of FIFA and UEFA referees for 2026. There are as many as nine Slovaks among FIFA referee assistants.
- Author: © List/
- Source: TASR
