English Premier League referee Howard Webb will be in charge for the biggest game on earth – Sunday’s World Cup Final between the Netherlands and Spain. FIFA announced their decision on Thursday. Countrymen Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey will act as Webb’s assistants as he becomes the first Englishman to officiate at the ultimate level since Jack Taylor handled the 1974 final.

 

The three officials were also in charge of the biggest club game in Europe - the Champions League Final between Inter Milan and Bayern Munich back in May - and put in what was widely considered to be an excellent all-round performance. Webb has yet to issue a red card or award a penalty in a tournament that has had more than its fair share of controversial decisions. Despite averaging more than 5 bookings a game, he has undoubtedly been one of the most consistent if not the most consistent referees in South Africa. Webb received backing from Jack Taylor himself who said “He’s had three games and he’s been almost perfect. He’s fit, he’s strong, he’s diplomatic, he reads the game terribly well, in my opinion they couldn’t pick a better man.”