The opening match of Group F in Euro 2024 will see a unique appointment as Facundo Tello, an Argentine referee, takes charge of the game between Turkey and Georgia at the Signal Iduna Park. This marks Tello as the only non-European official presiding over a match in the tournament.
Tello, a 41-year-old referee hailing from Bahia Blanca, Argentina, has climbed the ranks of the sport. He began officiating matches in the Argentine Soccer Association in 2011 and is a member of the Bahiense Association of Referees. His rise to prominence included officiating the Superclasico between River Plate and Boca Juniors in 2018.
Tello’s international career began in 2019 when he was added to FIFA’s roster. His early international assignments included serving as the fourth official at the South American Under-20 Championship in Chile and officiating the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021.
His experience further extended to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he oversaw three matches, including two surprising losses for Portugal against Morocco and South Korea.
Beyond the World Cup, Tello made headlines in 2022 while refereeing the Champions Trophy final between Racing Club and Boca Juniors. A late goal by Racing Club midfielder Carlos Alcaraz sparked a brawl, resulting in Tello issuing a red card to Alcaraz for initiating the fight and five red cards to Boca players involved. The incident highlighted Tello’s ability to handle heated situations, having already issued 10 red cards in the match, including three player dismissals and the ejection of Boca manager Hugo Ibarra.
As Tello steps onto the pitch for the Euro 2024 opener, his experience and ability to manage high-pressure situations will be tested. His appointment as the sole non-European referee adds an intriguing element to the tournament, as the world watches to see how he handles the international stage.
