Argentinian soccer referee Pitana will be at Olympics

Argentinian soccer referee Nestor Pitana will take part in the Olympic Games 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, the world soccer governing body FIFA announced on Monday.

FIFA confirmed that Pitana will be accompanied by assistant referees Juan Pablo Belatti and Hernan Maidana as part of the Argentinian refereeing contingency at the Rio Olympics that will last from August 5 to 21.

Pitana, 40, participated in the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, refereeing three matches in the group stage as well as the quarterfinal where Germany defeated France 1-0.

Born in the northern province of Misiones, the Argentinian started his professional career as a referee in a first division match in June 2007 and became an international referee in 2010.

So far in his career, Pitana has refereed 242 matches, including 27 tournaments organized by the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol).

Pitana has also refereed at another 10 South American friendlies and qualifying rounds.

The decision to select Pitana was taken by 16 judges designated by FIFA for the event. South Americans Sandro Ricci (Brazil) and Roddy Zambrano (Ecuador) were also chosen to oversee matches in the men's category. Olga Marlin Miranda (Paraguay) and Claudia Ines Umpierrez (Uruguay) were selected to referee in the women's category.

Like all other South American referees that will participate in Rio 2016, Pitana's continued participation will depend upon how far his national team gets in the tournament. Argentina has been drawn in Group D along with Portugal, Honduras and Algeria.

Source: XINHUA