Janny Sikazwe is seen by Jonas Eriksson after Belgium-Canada

Referee Janny Sikazwe came into focus during the World Cup match between Belgium and Canada.

Now he can be poked for the rest of the WC.

– This is probably the last match he plays, says Jonas Eriksson in SVT.

Belgium led 1–0 at half-time after a late goal by Michy Batshuayi, but it was three penalties for Canada that stirred emotions.

Canada was awarded a penalty in the eleventh minute, which Alphonso Davies missed. But former Fifa referee Jonas Eriksson is absolutely certain in his assessment that they should have received two more penalties.

First when Jan Vertonghen stamped on Tajon Buchanan in his own penalty area, then when Axel Witsel did the same on Richie Laryea.

– That there will be no punishment despite the help with the video images we have… I find it very difficult to understand. For me it is a breakdown of Fifa and the VAR protocol. For me as a judge, it is crystal clear, says Eriksson.

“Have no idea”

The main referee in the match is called Janny Sikazwe and made big headlines during the African Championships last winter when he blew off a match with several minutes remaining. Afterwards it was explained that Sikazwe had suffered from sunstroke.

During tonight’s World Cup match, Pierluigi Collina, chairman of Fifa’s referee committee, sat in the stands and Jonas Eriksson doesn’t think he was particularly impressed by Janny Sikazwe’s performance.

– We have a (head) referee who is unsure. He stops, he doesn’t know if he should blow, he looks and appeals to the assistants. He has no idea what is going on. But VAR exists to correct obvious mistakes and here you should step in and help, says Eriksson.

Can be poked

The question is now if Sikazwe gets to referee any more matches in the WC?

– For the referee in this case, it’s probably the last match he plays, I would think. Fifa is quite clear and merciless: If you do not perform according to their requirements, then you are not allowed to judge anymore, says Jonas Eriksson.

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