WMF Executive Committee appoints Marian Cristian Lupu as Chairman of Referee Committee
The World Minifootball Federation has named Marian Cristian Lupu the new Chairman of its Referee Committee. A seasoned leader in referee management and international sports from Romania, Lupu will lead the Committee in modernizing referee education, strengthening referee standards worldwide, and implementing strategic programs to support the growth and professionalism of refereeing across all WMF competitions.
Standardization, Performance, and Education – Three Pillars of WMF’s New Refereeing Strategy
Congratulations on your appointment as Chairman of the Referee Committee. What new vision do you bring to this position?
Thank you. My vision is to strengthen collaboration across continents, establish consistent standards, and raise the profile and professionalism of referees worldwide. I also strongly believe in mentorship and transparency—principles that will guide every step we take moving forward.
The WMF seems to be entering a key stage of growth and professionalization. What is the strategic direction of the Referee Committee under your leadership?
Our strategy is clear and ambitious: to create a fully unified and transparent global refereeing system. This involves aligning rules, procedures, and educational standards across all WMF member countries. Whether a referee is from any continent—America, Europe, Africa, Asia, or Oceania- they will be trained, evaluated, and developed under the same consistent framework.
What exactly does this standardization mean?
There are several essential components: updating the Rules of the Game, translating them into all major languages used by member federations to eliminate misinterpretations, defining clear refereeing protocols, and creating a unified operational framework for all referee committees affiliated with WMF. The aim is to ensure that the game is officiated the same way everywhere.
Will you also implement a unified educational system?
Yes. That is a top priority. We are developing a Standardized Educational Curriculum that will be applied at all levels—from beginners to international referees. This will include: manuals and guides with the latest rule updates, video analysis of complex game situations, training sessions on communication and match management, and modules on ethics and professional conduct. Continuous learning is essential for modern refereeing.
What role does international recognition of certifications play?
It is vital. Referees’ work and qualifications must be globally recognized.. If you’re certified at the international level, that certification should be valid across all WMF competitions and events—regardless of the country. This reinforces unity, builds professionalism, and allows for international mobility of referees.
Finally, how do you see the future of refereeing in minifootball?
Transparent, modern, and based on continuous education. Our referees will not only apply the rules but also represent the values and integrity of the game worldwide. The future is about trust, consistency, and growth.
