The Referees

Meet the Referees

Referees from Austria, Scotland, South Africa, Denmark and Australia officiated at the Homeless World Cup. Meet some of them here.

Kim Milton Nielsen

Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen, a veteran of some of the world's most important football games has participated at the Copenhagen 2007 and Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup Tournaments.

Nations competing for the Homeless World Cup Trophy are under the scrutiny of one of the top international referees when they play at the street soccer stadium on a global stage.  Milton Neilsen’s career includes 154 internationals and 53 UEFA Champions League games. He is notorious for sending off David Beckham in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, England v Argentina and Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney during a UEFA Champions League match.

Milton Nielsen is a strong supporter of the Homeless World Cup and emphasised that referees like all other World Cup matches: “The Homeless World Cup is an excellent initiative to inspire an excluded group. Football has the ability to gather people and to be used as a catalyst for changing lives."

Gerhard Holzmann
Head Referee of the Homeless World Cup

Born: 20.03.1958, Graz, Austria
Profession: Restaurant chef at Central Hospital, Graz
Referee since: 1992
History: 1999 - Regional League, 2003 - Styrian First League and Assistant Referee Austrian Regional League, 1350 matches
Homeless World Cup experience: Graz 2003, Edinburgh 2005, Final 2005, Cape Town 2006, Copenhagen 2007, Melbourne 2008, Milan 2009.

"The idea and vision of the Homeless World Cup are great. Football proves to have a unifying power between all nations and people. The life stories of the players in the Homeless World Cup show how important positive motivation can be. I am grateful to be able to support those that live at the edge of society. To be part of such a tournament is a highlight of my career."

Reinhard  Raminger 
Born: 24.03.1958, Graz, Austrial
Profession: Police officer, Graz
Referee since: 1978
History :1982 - Austrian Premier League, Referee and assistant, 80 matches. 1984 -referee in Styrian First League, 1550 matches
Homeless World Cup experience: Referee co-ordinator Graz 2003, Final 2003, Cape Town 2006, Copenhagen 2007, Melbourne 2008, Milan 2009.

 

 

Iain McGill
Born: 31/12/1976, Edinburgh, Scotland
Profession: Director of the Harmony Employment Agency who provide staff to the Social Sector in Scotland
Qualified Referee since: 2004
Referee History: SFA Referee, Edinburgh & District officiating at Amateur and youth level up to U21 in Edinburgh & Lothians
Homeless World Cup referee experience: Edinburgh 2005, Cape Town 2006 (refereed final), Copenhagen 2007, Melbourne 2008, Milan 2009

"It was too good an opportunity to miss when the tournament came to Edinburgh. By getting involved I got to mix my experience as a referee with my experience working with homeless people around the world. And once I got involved I wanted to stay involved. It is the most rewarding refereeing I have ever done."

 

Niall Waters-Fuller

Proffession: Group Procurement Manager, FirstGroup plc                                               
Homeless World Cup referee experience: Edinburgh 2005, Cape Town 2006, Copenhagen 2007, Melbourne 2008, Milan 2009.

"I am so excited to be part of the Homeless World Cup. I love it!"

 

 

Nkosinathi’ Shoes’  Mahono
Born: 23.01.1973, South Africa
Profession: Heater SEALER (Printing)
Qualifified Referee since: 1998
Referee Historty: Toyota cup final, Shell league, Castle league, Premier, Mvela  and Vodacom leagues
Homeless World Cup referee experience: Cape Town 2006, Copenhagen 2007, Melbourne 2008, Milan 2009.
"I am passionate about the game bringing change to homeless people. I believe in respect contributing to make a change for a new challenge for people who are currently homeless."

Ssekabira Ntege Abudu
Born: 12.11.1967 Kawempe (Uganda)
Profession: Training Facilitator
Referee Qualifications since: 1998
Referee History: 2006  SEMI FINAL Red Rum
2005-2002 Sec General Lesotho Referees Ass
2000 Premier Cup Referee
Homeless World Cup experience: Cape Town 2006, Copenhagen 2007, Melbourne 2008, Milan 2009.
"I am passionate about street soccer and bringing street soccer to homeless people."

Hary Milas
Born: 03.11.1965 Melbourne (Australia)
Profession: Director Refswolrd.com Referee's website
Qualified Referee since: 1997
History: FFA Sanctioned Referee. Football Federation Victoria experience in Provisional, State and Premier League level.
Homeless World Cup referee experience in Melbourne 2008 and Milan 2009.
"I was honored to b a part of the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup. To feel like you have made a difference in so many people lives is inspiring. The Homeless World Cup has been without doubt the panicle of my career; I look forward to being able to be a part of the next tournament and continuing my involvement in this powerful vision in bridging the gap with the beautiful game of football as the vehicle."