FIFA head of refereeing rejects Wueck grouse

FIFA's Head of Refereeing Massimo Busacca today took a dig at Germany coach Christian Wueck, who hit out at the referee after their "harsh" 1-2 quarterfinal elimination against Brazil in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Brazil struck twice through Weverson and Paulinho in a space of six minutes in the second-half yesterday to seal a semifinal spot.

Germany coach Wueck congratulated Brazil but was clearly unhappy with the USA referee Jair Marrufo, claiming that a legitimate penalty was denied to his team before the Selecao juniors got the lead in the 77th minute.

"Anyone who saw the game can judge himself alone without listening to somebody else," the FIFA's Head of Refereeing Department told the reporters today.

Without naming Wueck, the Swiss said one should not complain much unless there's a terrible scandal in a match.

"Honestly I don't want to single out a situation other than that of a blatant violation, or a scandal. It does not make any sense. I don't think it was a case like that yesterday. Don't lose too much time over it."

He further said everybody saw the performances and can judge easily.

"I don't want to say something when everybody has seen it, and can make an explanation himself."

In full support of the USA referee, Busacca said, "I saw what happened yesterday, because we review everyday. I know what we are doing. Honestly, it's not my habit to find excuse in life. If we commit a mistake, it's very easy for me to admit and say 'we're bad'.

"Sometimes we can have a situation but we have to admit without complaining so much. In general I can say we are very very happy with the performance of this group of referees and the assistants. In this competition, we are very happy about their decisions. We did not see any major problem."

Meanwhile, Busacca said that football is in India's blood and it's a matter of time that the nation's referees would officiate at a top-level FIFA tournament.

Having witnessed a record attendance of 66,000 plus in the Germany-Brazil quarterfinal match at the Salt Lake Stadium yesterday, the Swiss said it was a historical achievement.

"Look at the spectators you are having in a game. It's incredible to see the average number of spectators turnout. Yesterday it was amazing. We can only thank India.

"I have never seen so many spectators in a U-17 competition. That means football is in India's blood. It's not only cricket and other sports but as we have seen there's also football," the 48-year-old said.

"They have proved to the world that 'we can organise a World Cup, are ready and also enjoying football'."

He also lauded the performance of the Indian team, although they had lost all their three league games.

"Even when the national team was playing, though they did not have any big experience, we saw very good individual skills. This is the good start to the future."

The FIFA head of refereeing department is also impressed by the Indian referees, who were part of a week long workshop.

"A group of elite referees and instructors were invited by me to see how we are working. To have a feel of how professional referees can wake up every morning and be ready for the game. They understood and it's now in their hands.

"They now know how top professional referees prepare before a week during a competition. They looked very motivated. In my opinion, in a few years top referees from India will be seen at the high level FIFA competitions," he said.