| The 2006 FIFA Soccer World Cup will be held in | | | | The 44 referee soccer World Cup candidates have |
| Germany and, with gametime approaching, the final 44 | | | | remained under close observation for an entire year. |
| referee candidates are hoping that they will be among | | | | The FIFA watch has been focused on each domestic |
| the selected officials chosen to preside over this | | | | league appearance, as well as each international event. |
| year's championship event. "I've prepared well, and I've | | | | "Their performances over the last 12 months are |
| comfortably overcome every hurdle in this last test," | | | | definitely a more important factor than the tests we've |
| admits Herbert Fandel, Germany's second | | | | performed here," Llona expressed. The observation |
| representative in the refereeing squad. World famous | | | | included a check on the candidate's skills relating to the |
| official Markus Merk declares, "I can live with the result | | | | English language, the knowledge and understanding of |
| now, whichever way it goes. You get highs and lows | | | | the soccer World Cup rules, psychology and fitness. |
| in any sport." | | | | Referee candidates were required to defeat a time of |
| The remaining 44 FIFA World Cup 2006 potential | | | | 6.2 seconds over 40 meters during each of the six |
| referees have recently gone through a final test during | | | | consecutive trials. In addition, the potential referees |
| a five-day session held near Frankfurt. The selection | | | | underwent an additional test of strength and exercise |
| process will be complete and the results announced at | | | | with their participation in a 150 meter dash and a 50 |
| the end of March. While FIFA has yet to decide on the | | | | meter walk. |
| final total number of referees to be used in this year's | | | | Australian candidate Mark Shield explains, "The refs |
| World Cup event, the expected number is thought to | | | | have never been scrutinized for so long and so |
| be no less than 30. "We've done everything we can to | | | | minutely." According to experts, the current candidates |
| ensure the referees correspond to the standards | | | | will be selected to oversee the soccer World Cup |
| expected of this wonderful World Cup in Germany," | | | | championship based solely on their performance. |
| said Angel Maria Villa Llona, who serves as an FIFA | | | | Those who are selected will be given a whistle at the |
| Executive Committee member who is responsible for | | | | tournament and will continue on to be recognized as |
| match officials. | | | | game officials. |