Jonas Eriksson: “Without us, there is no game”

Refereeing at the world’s biggest youth tournament is something very special. As Gothia Cup’s referee ambassador, Jonas Eriksson supports referees from all over the world. – It’s the best job in the world, he says.

Jonas Eriksson – a former FIFA referee who has worked at the World Cup, European Championship and Champions League – is now a referee ambassador for Gothia Cup.
He walks between football pitches, matches and referee tents to support referees from all over the world.
– It’s a job no one sees. But without referees, there’s no game. People forget that, he says.

Gothia Cup is the world’s biggest international youth football tournament. Around 5,000 matches are played in just one week – and every match needs a referee. Eriksson is there to help, give advice and support.
– I try to say hello, give advice´s, encourage them and just be there. I’ve been to several venues and l am planning to visit many more the coming days, he says.

Jonas started as a referee when he was 13 years old, mostly because he was frustrated.
– I was angry at all the bad referees and thought, ‘How hard can it be?’ Later, I found out it is hard – but it’s also a lot of fun, he says.

For Jonas, the hardest part of being a referee is also the best part – making hundreds of decisions under pressure.
– When no one remembers you were the referee, that means you did a good job. You never know how a game will go. It’s different every time – high energy, big crowds, sometimes tough games, but also an amazing atmosphere, he says.

Jonas thinks the referee’s role will change at the top level with more technology, but at grassroots level, it’s still about feeling and understanding the game.
– The rulebook is the same in Ghana and in Gothenburg. That’s what’s great. Football is the same everywhere, he says.

But the most important thing, he says, is that more people should try being a referee.
– Just do it. People aren’t angry at you, they’re angry at your decisions. Prepare, practise and learn. It’s the best job in the world, says Jonas Eriksson.