English referee Michael Oliver suffered an embarrassing moment during Spain’s World Cup match against Belgium.
The official took charge of the quarter-final contest as the two sides bid for a spot in the last four.
Oliver’s mix-up came 35 minutes in, with Spain taking a corner short as the ball moved onwards to Fabian Ruiz.
The midfielder switched the field of play towards Dani Olmo on the edge of the penalty area.
Michael Oliver suffered an embarrassing moment during Spain’s match against Belgium
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As the attacking midfielder was set up for a strike on goal, Oliver backpeddled, bumping and nearly knocking Olmo to the floor.
The English referee immediately blew his whistle to stop the game, putting both hands up in the air in apology for the moment.
Oliver made sure Olmo was fine, who saw the lighter side of the situation, laughing.
Marc Cucurella appeared frustrated with the official, making a point of shooting a look of frustration in his direction.
Michael Oliver made sure Olmo was fine following the incident
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Fifa recently confirmed Oliver and fellow English referee Anthony Taylor will not be able to officiate Argentina fixtures.
A spokesman said the Falklands War, which took place 44 years ago, remains a consideration when assigning match officials.
A source familiar with the process described it as “quite fluid”, noting there are no rigid rules governing such decisions.
Neither Oliver nor Taylor would be permitted to officiate Argentina’s quarter-final clash with Switzerland this weekend, given the outcome could determine England’s potential semi-final opponents.
Michael Oliver apologised following the moment
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Standard Fifa regulations already prevent referees from officiating their own nation’s matches or any group stage fixture involving their country’s opponents.
The Fifa Referees Committee, headed by former World Cup final referee Pierluigi Collina, maintains ongoing oversight of official performance as the primary factor in match appointments.
England and Argentina being on the same half of this year’s draw raises the prospect of history repeating itself.
The Three Lions are in action tomorrow against Norway to potentially book a spot in the semi-final.
England are back in World Cup action tomorrow
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England have enjoyed a fantastic run so far, which included beating Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in the last-16.
Thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, the Three Lions won 3-2 in a memorable night in Mexico City.
Thomas Tuchel could potentially be without Marc Guehi and Declan Rice tomorrow, with the centre-back nursing a hamstring issue and Rice being ill and missing training.
