Sandro Ricci

Sandro Ricci, born on November nineteenth, nineteen seventy-four, is a distinguished retired Brazilian football referee who has made significant contributions to the sport. Currently, he holds the position of Manager of Senior Referees for PRO, where he continues to influence the world of football officiating.

Ricci's career reached a pivotal moment when he was selected as a candidate referee for the 2014 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in March two thousand thirteen. He officiated his first match in the World Cup qualifiers on March twenty-six, two thousand thirteen, between Ecuador and Paraguay, showcasing his skills on an international stage.

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Ricci made history as the Brazilian referee for the match between France and Honduras on June fifteenth, two thousand fourteen. He was the first referee globally to validate a goal using the newly implemented goal line technology, marking a significant advancement in officiating.

Ricci's expertise was once again recognized when he was selected to officiate at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Following this tournament, he announced his retirement from refereeing, transitioning to a role as a football refereeing and rules analyst for Globo, where he shares his extensive knowledge of the game.