Bits and Pieces: Some news and the three finalists for the referee of the month

Refereeing News

Greek referees could face trouble due to potential FIFA sanctions on country-by Neil Tyler

Athens, Greece- FIFA and UEFA sent a letter to the Hellenic Football Federation of Greece demanding that if amendments were not made to a bill on sports violence, they would suspend the federation. This could directly effect referees Tasos Sidiropolous, who was appointed for the UEFA U-21 Tournament this year, and Thalia Mitsi, who is scheduled to referee at the Women's World Cup in Canada, as neither would be eligible to referee internationally anymore. The Greek government is reportedly trying to work out changes, but if they don't it would not be good for referees like Sidiropolous and Mitsi who want a chance to prove themselves at a high level.

April Referee of the Month Nominees

The following three referees were selected by our writers as the Referee of the Month Nominees. Now our readers can vote in a poll on the side of this article.

Henry Bejarano (Costa Rica)- by Manuel Martinez

Why he should be referee of the month: The CONCACAF Champions League Final was not an easy assignment, and it was clear that the two teams couldn't stand each other. However, Bejarano kept cool and refereed a solid match, while keeping the game pretty much under control.

Norbert Hauata (Tahiti)-by Mark Bradford

Why he should be referee of the month: The OFC Champions League isn't as difficult as some other tournaments, but keep in mind that Hauata refereed six matches in the tournament, including a semi final and the final, with hardly any controversy. By volume of effort, he deserves the award. 

Felix Brych (Germany)-by Harrison Johnson

Why he should be referee of the month: The UEFA Champions League is one of the hardest cups in the world to referee, and Brych had a great game in one of its most difficult possible fixtures: The Madrid Derby (known for confrontations between players). Also, he has done well in the German league, one of the toughest leagues in the world to referee in.

NOTE: Refereeing News by Neil Tyler.