Referee of the Year - Néstor Pitana is the best CONMEBOL referee of 2018

The second contest of our "Referee of the Year", in cooperation with guesstheref.com, has ended. Néstor Pitana, with 514 points, has been elected as  CONMEBOL best referee of 2018 by our readers.

As we could have expected, Néstor Pitana from Argentina is leading the ranking of his confederation with 514 points and he is the best CONMEBOL referee in 2018 according to our readers. He has officiated 5 matches at World Cup including the final between France and Croatia. He has shown very good performances, being always in control of his games. The success he obtained at 2018 WC is surely a consequence of what he had already achieved in previous seasons. You can read a more detailed analysis about him here. 2013- 2018 The Rise of Néstor Pitana. 

Andrés Cunha from Uruguay is the runner up with 459 points. The Uruguayan can be for sure very content about his experience in Russia, with the appointment for a semifinal. This was absolutely not expected before the tournament, given the background and his past experience. So, this factor has surely increased the perception of the quality of his officiating. He was able to convince committee and he got a deserved trust. In addition, he has been appointed for 2018 Copa Libertadores final second leg (Argentinian Superclásico), but the game has been postponed. 

Sandro Ricci is third-placed in this ranking with 405 points. The Brazilian has confirmed to be a very solid referee at 2018 WC, having already matured a big experience in previous seasons. He officiated two group stage games and a quarterfinal. For sure he was also a candidate for the final, but he had a strong contender from the same confederation, Pitana. After World Cup, he has retired, and he can be definitely proud of what he achieved in his last years as FIFA referee.

CLICK HERE to read the full ranking.

Meanwhile, you can continue to send your preferences. Click here: REFEREE OF THE YEAR

The next contest is about best UEFA CL debutant.