How much do referees get paid for the 2018 World Cup?
FIFA has selected the best referees in the football world to attend the 2018 World Cup. This means that the referees' salaries are proportional to the global level of the tournament.
The biggest sporting event on the planet, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, will be held in Russia for over a month. This tournament not only brings together many star players but also international referees.
This year, a total of 36 referees and 63 assistant referees from 46 countries will take part in 64 exciting matches.
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| Argentinian referee Nestor Pitana was given the responsibility by FIFA to officiate the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia. |
Of course, with an event of this magnitude, FIFA has selected the best referees in the football world to attend. This means that the referees' salaries are directly proportional to the global level of the tournament.
At the 2018 World Cup, each referee will receive about $70,000 for the entire tournament taking place in Russia. In addition, the referee will receive an additional $3,000 bonus per match.
This is the highest salary of a referee in World Cup history.
In 2006, each referee was paid $35,000. For the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, referee salaries were raised to $50,000.
"Every expense of the World Cup has increased compared to 2014. This is not surprising when commercial revenue is higher," shared Jonathan Rest, a reporter for Sportcal.
"The prize money has increased by 40% to 400 million USD for the 32 participating teams. Each country with a competing team will receive 1.5 million USD to prepare. Compared to 2014, the event held in Brazil was 1 million USD. Therefore, increasing the salary for referees is no exception."
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| At the 2018 World Cup, each referee will receive about $70,000 for the entire tournament taking place in the land of white birch. Photo: Getty. |
This year's World Cup referees come from 46 countries. As usual, Europe has the most representatives with 10 names. Next are Asia (6), Africa (6), CONCACAF (6), South America (6) and Oceania (2).
According to FIFA, the referee selection process is based on skill and personality, as well as understanding of football and ability to read different tactics used by teams.
Each referee is assisted by a small team of assistants (now including a secondary assistant who will act as a VAR).
The salary for an assistant referee at the World Cup is lower than that of the main referee. Their salary is $25,000 for the whole season, plus $2,000 for each match.