The Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Referees Committee has assigned Argentine international referee Yael Falcon Perez . This selection comes at a crucial juncture in the competition, as all eyes are on this highly anticipated "Clásico," which holds significant importance in the title race and league standings.
Who is Yael Falcon?
Yael Falcon is not just an international referee who strictly enforces the rules; he possesses a unique professional and human background. He holds a degree in physical education and works as a sports teacher, and previously served as a lifeguard. This background was more than just a job; it contributed to his international renown even before he earned his international badge.
The story of saving a player's life from death
In 2017, while officiating a match in the Argentine third division between San Miguel and Defensores Unidos, player Isaias Olariaga collapsed after a severe head injury, causing him to swallow his tongue and suffer a serious seizure. Thanks to his experience as a lifeguard, Falcon immediately intervened before the medical team arrived, clearing the player's airway and administering the necessary first aid, thus saving his life. He was widely praised by the Argentine press, who dubbed him a "heroic referee.".
Refereeing career and technical style
Falcon began his career in officiating Argentine Premier League matches in February 2019, and his level developed remarkably until he obtained the international badge from the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) in 2022. Falcon is known for his very strict style on the pitch, where he does not hesitate to show colored cards to impose control over matches, and statistics indicate that his average ranges between 5 to 6 yellow cards per match, which suggests a decisive refereeing confrontation between Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.
The importance of El Clásico and the context of using foreign referees
The Al-Hilal vs. Al-Ahli match holds immense importance not only locally but also regionally, given the immense popularity of both teams and the international stars they boast, a result of the privatization and sports development project in the Kingdom. The appointment of elite referees from South America and Europe is part of the Saudi Pro League's strategy to ensure the highest levels of fairness and impartiality in major matches, and to provide a competitive environment befitting the league's global stature. The presence of a referee with the strictness and experience of Falcon is a reassuring factor in controlling the pace of a match expected to be highly competitive, both physically and technically.
