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“Colina’s position is one of my most notable achievements in the tournament.”
Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton responded to the coach of the French national team, Didier Deschamps, who criticized him after the Roosters’ match with Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
“If I say something at this moment, I risk complaining because we lost. But the question I ask all of you is: Does this referee have the level required to officiate a World Cup semi-final match?”
Deschamps’ comments came after the Roosters lost 2-0 to Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview with journalist Jorge Ramos, the newspaper reports “come onThe Salvadoran referee confirmed that the statements of the French coach did not affect him, stressing that his reaching this level is the result of many years of hard work.
He continued. “No, absolutely not. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. We know what we’ve been through, what we’ve fought for, how we deserve it, and we know why we’re here. No comment will shake our convictions about our cause.”
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Despite the ongoing controversy, Barton expressed his great pride in representing El Salvador on the world stage.
The referee believes that his career proves the ability of referees from smaller countries to reach the highest levels, and he hopes to set an example for other referees in the region.
He also pointed out the support and congratulations he has received Pierluigi CollinaThe president of the FIFA refereeing committee said after the match that it was one of his most significant achievements in this tournament.
