Massimo Busacca is making headlines in India after a visit to Kochi last week

by Nancy Singh August 3, 2016

FIFA Head of Referees, Massimo Busacca is making headlines in India after he paid a visit to Kochi last week. To empower the Indian Refereeing scenario, he believes it’s important to continue the good work. Busacca having being declared ‘Best Referee in the world’ in 2009 spoke to All India Football Federation (AIFF) about Indian Referees earning a spot in FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, their preparation for a match and underlying support from FIFA to India.

 About his experience in India, Busacca says It is an honour to be in this beautiful and huge Country. Calling his India trip, a positive and hopeful one. Busacca said to AIFF “I am always positive when I do something and it was nice to see many young talented Referees focusing on the job. It’s refreshing to see that here is a group who desires to excel in the profession.”

Leaving further decision making to All India Football Federation to develop further stating the meet was good but not enough and that we need to work more towards development.

Bucassa believes footballing and Refereeing development goes hand in hand, India has lot of potential in this country but development of Referees is not possible without development of footballing state in the nation. Otherwise, the Referee won’t ever have the experience and the mentality to be on the same page which prevails around the World.

The FIFA development Office is working a lot on Football development in this Country and it will also have an effect on the development of the Referees.

Talking about Indian Referees officiating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, he states that the Referee has to earn the slot and in no way is a gift.

“Also depends on the Asian Football Confederation not on FIFA. Normally the appointment of Referees is always made in association with the Confederation. If they propose us a top Referee to officiate in Competition, we will use him.”

FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, playing a vital role in giving the Indian Referees boost in the field. Bucassa believes it will be a huge learning process for the definite number of Indian delegation comprising of Referees, Assistant Referees, Instructors and Assessors.

On the job of a Referee, Busacca feels a ref is 70 percent born referee. “It’s simple – either you have the quality or you don’t have the quality. But there is always the remaining 30 percent where in your career you can improve yourself.”

Being the best in the world, Busacca explains how every match was difficult even for all the knowledge and gracing the almighty, it isn’t enough.

“You have to prepare yourself for the entire week. It’s important to stay calm and away from stress. One needs to conserve as much energy as possible for the big day and stay focused on the job. However, as human beings we have limitations. Even if you prepare everything, there is always that something which may crop up. It’s like a puzzle.”