Nottingham Forest Controversy: PGMOL Criteria for Selecting Officials Explained

Nottingham Forest’s Controversial Penalty Decisions: How Officials Are Selected for Premier League Matches

Nottingham Forest found themselves at the center of controversy after their 2-0 loss to Everton, with the club questioning the decisions made by VAR official Stuart Attwell, whom they claim is a Luton fan. Forest issued a statement condemning Attwell’s selection and the denial of three penalty appeals during the match.

The spotlight is now on the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the group responsible for appointing officials for Premier League matches. The selection process involves a complex discussion led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb before each match round.

Officials are required to submit allegiance forms at the start of each season, disclosing the teams they support and any connections they have. These forms focus on geography and rivalry, ensuring that officials do not officiate matches involving teams they support or have affiliations with.

While practical decisions are made to avoid conflicts of interest, the selection process also considers performance, previous match history, and the importance of the game. PGMOL has a pool of around 80 elite officials to choose from, with up-and-coming officials given opportunities for development.

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher defended Attwell’s integrity, highlighting his experience as a VAR in the Champions League. Gallagher emphasized the importance of not questioning officials’ integrity based on decisions made during matches.

Overall, the criteria used for selecting officials for Premier League matches are complex and aim to ensure fairness and impartiality. The process involves balancing allegiances, performance, and the importance of the game to provide the best officiating possible for each match.