Match officials: all-San Marino team for Gibraltar-Scotland U21, extra duties in Albania for Beltrano

Not only the San Marino national teams were involved during the international window: ASA-appointed match officials were also in action beyond the country’s borders. This was the case for Michele Beltrano (FIFA Referee for San Marino), Ernesto Cristiano and Gianmarco Ercolani (FIFA Assistant Referees), as well as William Villa – who flew to Gibraltar three days ago to take charge of the home Under-21 national team’s match against their Scottish counterparts. The game – valid for Group B of the qualifiers for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship – ended in favour of the British side (2-0).

The only one yet to return home is Michele Beltrano: the San Marino international referee had in fact another important appointment in his diary yesterday. The occasion was the friendly between the Albania and Ukraine U21 national teams, held in Elbasan. Assisted by an Albanian refereeing team, Beltrano was able to officiate in a match featuring the use of VAR. This allowed the San Marino international to obtain FIFA certification to referee games that use the VAR protocol. The process began a year ago, with training sessions in Lissone alongside Serie A and Serie B officials and a field test at the Montecchio Stadium last June. Also in Albania yesterday was Christian Brighi – acting as an FSGC supervisor. The opportunity in Elbasan was made possible by the excellent relations between the Albanian and San Marino football associations.