Chairman of Swedish referees ashamed of World Cup referreing

Swedish referees chief Bo Karlsson has added to the growing criticism against refereeing decisions at the World Cup by suggesting FIFA should abandon their policy of having no country represented by more than one referee.

Refereeing standards at the World Cup have caused a huge storm after Italy and Spain were eliminated after rows with officials during Korea’s last two dramatic matches in their march to the last four.

And Karlsson, the chairman of Sweden’s refereeing association, said: ‘‘It’s terrible to say, but I have been ashamed over some referees’ achievements.

‘‘The most horrible mistake came in the game between Spain and Korea when the referee waved that the ball had crossed the line just before Spain should have taken the lead. What a mistake.

‘‘The best referees in the world must be at the World Cup, even if it means that one country will have more than one referee, contrary to what the rules are today.

‘‘I mean if Italy have three of the best referees in the world than all three should be involved in the World Cup.’’

Spain eventually lost on penalties to hosts South Korea on penalties, but were the victims of a poor display from Egyptian Gamal Ghandour and his two linesmen.