Controversial referee Ivan Barton to take charge of France-Spain semi-final

El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton has been appointed to officiate the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain. FIFA announced the appointment on Monday, July 13. This will be his fourth match in the current tournament.

Barton, an experienced referee from the CONCACAF region, regularly officiates in tournaments like the Nations League and the Gold Cup. The 2022 Qatar World Cup was his first World Cup. In this edition, he has officiated the group-stage matches between Turkey and Paraguay, and Japan and Sweden, as well as the Round of 16 clash between Colombia and Switzerland.

He came into the spotlight for a decision made during the Turkey-Paraguay match. During added time in the first half, Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron covered his mouth while speaking to Turkey's Mert Muldur. After consulting VAR, Barton showed Almiron a direct red card for his actions. It was the first red card shown in the World Cup for covering one's mouth while speaking to an opponent.

Barton will be assisted by his compatriots David Moran and Antonio Pupiro. Sweden's Glenn Nyberg will be the fourth official, with Mahbod Beigi as the reserve assistant referee.

With this appointment, Barton will also create a new piece of history—he will become the first Salvadoran referee to officiate a men's World Cup semi-final.