Kiwi referee Chris Sinclair has been selected by FIFA to officiate at this weekend’s FIFA Futsal World Cup Final, one of the highest profile appointments ever for an official from Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Sinclair will be the second assistant referee for this Sunday’s (6am Monday in New Zealand) final between defending champions Argentina and Portugal at the Kaunas Arena, Lithuania. The final is a rematch of the 2016 semi-final which saw the Argentines winning 5-2 on their way to the title. 

The 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup has had a distinctly kiwi flavour with Sinclair joined by fellow referee Antony Riley in Lithuania. Representing OFC, New Zealand Football, Central Football (Riley) and Mainland Football (Sinclair), the pair kicked-off by overseeing the hosts opening game, as Lithuania took on Venezuela at the Kaunas Arena, followed by each individually being involved in a number of other games as described in their blog from the tournament. 

New Zealand Football Referee Development Manager Lindsey Robinson appreciates how significant this has been for the game in this country:

“It’s huge for refereeing in New Zealand to show where you can go in the game. Chris and Antony are brilliant officials and it is really good to see that being recognised at the highest level.” 

Watch the FIFA Futsal World Cup Final at 6am on Monday on Sky Sport NZ.

Article added: Saturday 02 October 2021