The football season is almost here, and for many, that means focusing on the players and their grueling preseason. But behind the scenes, another group faces their own tough tests: the referees. This year, the start of the season brings a quiet upset for four officials who couldn’t clear the bar.
Sources tell Record that four individuals, including two main referees and two assistant referees, did not pass the required physical tests. This happened during the very first training camp of the new season. The officials who fell short are João Gonçalves from Porto’s football association, Iancu Vasilica from Vila Real, assistant referee Rui Teixeira from Setúbal, and assistant referee João Bessa Silva from Aveiro.
Because they didn’t pass these crucial fitness evaluations, none of the four can be chosen to officiate any matches during the opening weekend of the new season. It’s a strict rule, but one that ensures only the fittest are out on the pitch.
This turn of events has already caused some last-minute changes for upcoming European matches. In the Conference League, for example, Francisco Pereira and Pedro Ramalho will step in. They are replacing João Bessa Silva and Iancu Vasilica. João Bessa Silva was originally set to be the fourth official, and Iancu Vasilica an assistant referee, for the second leg of the Koper-Viking game. That match is scheduled for this Thursday.
It’s worth remembering that João Gonçalves, one of the referees who failed the test, actually ranked third in the official list released by the Refereeing Council last season. This shows that even top-performing officials face constant demands to stay in peak physical condition. It’s a reminder that in football, fitness is non-negotiable for everyone, from the players sprinting down the wing to the officials keeping pace with the play.
