The stage is set for a crucial Group C clash in the 2024 Copa America, as the host nation, USA, prepares to face Panama at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday. This encounter will be officiated by El Salvador’s Ivan Barton, a seasoned referee with a distinguished career on the international stage.
Barton, a chemistry graduate, boasts a wealth of experience, having taken charge of numerous high-profile matches, including the Gold Cup, the CONCACAF Nations League, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and even the prestigious Club World Cup. His credentials extend to the FIFA World Cup, where he was a prominent figure during the 2022 edition in Qatar. Barton played a key role in three matches, notably including England’s last-16 victory over Senegal.
This will be far from Barton’s first encounter with either of the participating nations. He has previously officiated four Panama matches, most recently overseeing their 5-1 loss to the USA in a 2022 World Cup qualifier. In his most recent engagement involving the USA, the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Mexico in June 2023, Barton issued red cards to four players, including American stars Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie. The match was marred by homophobic chants from Mexican supporters, prompting Barton to end the game early after repeated stadium announcements proved ineffective.
Barton’s decisions have not always been without controversy. In a 2023 Nations League match between Mexico and Honduras, he sparked debate by adding 12 minutes of stoppage time, a move that led to Honduras threatening legal action. Given his history of officiating both Panama and the USA, and his past controversies, Barton’s presence in the Copa America match promises to be a source of intrigue and potential drama.
