Djamel Haimoudi, 43, is an internationally renowned referee currently presiding over matches at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Haimoudi, a native Algerian, is well regarded and has been able to avoid any significantly controversial calls. Above you can see FIFA’s official profile video on Haimoudi, as well as his odd emotionless straight-faced style of speaking.
Here is the background you need to know on Djamel Haimoudi:
1. US Coach Jurgen Klinsmann Is Unhappy Haimoudi Will Referee USA vs Belgium
Above you can hear why the USA’s Jurgen Klinsmann isn’t happy with FIFA’s choice to put Haimoudi in as referee in the July 1 match against Belgium.
Klinsmann believes that the Belgian team may have the ear of the Referee because the Algerian native and the Belgian players speak French. This could allow the Belgian team to sway calls.
2. In 2012 He Won ‘Africa’s Best Referee’
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In 2012, the Confederation of African Football bestowed the award of Africa’s Best Referee on Haimoudi at a ceremony in Accra, Ghana.
According to Haimoudi’s record, he served as referee in the 2008, 2012, and 2013 African Cup, and is expected to cover the next one as well. The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in South Africa’s 2010 World Cup stadiums.
3. He Became a FIFA Referee in 2004
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Haimoudi became an Algerian league referee in 2001, followed by his swift appointment as a FIFA judge in 2004. Since that time he’s refereed 65 international matches.
4. He Gives Around 3 Yellow Cards Per Match
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According to their World Cup referee profiles, UK’s Mirror has found that unlike other refs in the tournament, Haimoudi has a relatively low frequency of giving cards. He averages 3.35 yellow cars and .15 red cards per game.
5. He Referees the July 1 Game Belgium vs USA
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Haimoudi will take control of the anticipated USA vs Belgium World Cup match on July 1. This will be both teams’ first game in the knockout round and will determine who will play either Argentina or Switzerland in the Quarterfinals.
