Changes in refereeing of the Russian Premier League 
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The main football championship in Russia is not only a source of intense and impressive emotions, the RPL is constantly changing to the delight of football fans and experienced fans. Since September, a new head of the refereeing department has appeared, which cannot but affect the championship as a whole.
The Russian Football Union made an important decision: on September 23, 2021, the Portuguese Vitor Pereira was appointed head of the refereeing department. The vast experience of the new head allows us to hope for a significant improvement in the judging process, including the introduction of proven European methods and renovations.
Vitor has worked for several decades in a similar European structure, organizing and improving processes, and also has experience in refereeing at the highest level. This will help the new head notice the shortcomings in the established RFU procedure and gently change them for the better.
As a referee, Pereira took part in the World and European Championships, the UEFA Super Cup, and the UEFA Cup final. The ministry said that it is precisely this combination of skills that the Football Union needs to carry out reforms.
Vitor Pereira about his new position
The new head of the judicial department immediately outlined the range of problems and his intentions for future changes. Vitor emphasized that he perfectly understands the cultural and ethnic differences between countries. He clarified that he had already worked as a department head in 4 countries, but he realized that in such a large and dispersed country it would be much more difficult.
Pereira says that only working together will help achieve maximum results. Everyone must be involved: players, coaches, referees and VARs.
However, an experienced judge is ready to overcome difficulties. There are many differences between regions, but Pereira is determined to make the refereeing process as transparent as possible and help build connections between all sides of the football world. It is very important that the participants understand the importance and complexity of each other’s work, then it will be easier to find a compromise and survive difficult changes.
Pereira intends to become closely acquainted with the Russian refereeing system by December, delve into the situation and highlight the issues. Only after this is the Portuguese going to draw up an action plan and formulate specific tasks.
Vitor has already announced the main problem that requires close attention: the entertainment of football matches. Spectators want to see spectacular matches, a lot of goals scored and perfect technique. To achieve this result, a lot of work should be done to establish relationships between football clubs and the refereeing department.