The Copa America 2024 quarterfinal clash between Colombia and Panama will be officiated by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani. The match will take place on Saturday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Mariani has been appointed as part of a cooperation agreement between CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) and UEFA (Union of European Football Associations). This agreement has seen the exchange of referees between the two continents, with Argentinian referee Facundo Tello appointed for Euro 2024.
Mariani is a seasoned referee with experience in top-tier European competitions. He has officiated in Serie A, the top flight of Italian men’s league soccer, since 2013. He made his debut in the UEFA Champions League in 2022/23. Additionally, he has refereed matches in the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Nations League, and qualifiers for the European Championship and the World Cup.
Mariani’s appointment as the sole European referee at the 2024 Copa America highlights the increasing collaboration between CONMEBOL and UEFA. This partnership aims to foster exchange and enhance the quality of officiating in both continents. The Colombia vs Panama quarterfinal match promises to be an exciting encounter, with Mariani’s experience and expertise ensuring a fair and impartial game.
