Exclusive: Criticised World Cup referee was suffering extreme heat strain, data shows
A Fifa referee labelled the worst at the World Cup was experiencing a level of heat strain associated with impaired decision making, new data has revealed. Uzbek official Ilgiz Tantashev was widely criticised for his handling of France’s last-16 win over Paraguay, who escaped without any bookings despite committing repeated violent fouls. French outlet L’Equipe [...]
Fifa referee Ilgiz Tantashev, widely criticised for his performance in France's last-16 win over Paraguay, was experiencing extreme heat strain that impaired his decision-making, new data shows. Tantashev, who was monitored by wearable tech giant Core during the World Cup, had a core temperature of 39.3C and a Heat Strain Index (HSI) score of 6.7/10 during the match.
A HSI score of 3 is considered "high" and 7 or above "dangerous." Research shows that heat can affect perception, attention, and anticipation, leading to more frequent poor on-field decisions by players and referees. Core's chief commercial officer, Ross McGraw, highlighted that the data raises concerns about the protection of individuals running the game and whether the sport's duty of care covers everyone on the pitch.
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