The International Federation of Football announced last Friday the appointment of Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to manage the decisive clash between Iraq and Bolivia in the final global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, scheduled at Monterrey Stadium.

Barton is considered one of the most prominent referees in the CONCACAF region, with an international career that began in 2018. He is known for his disciplinary strictness on the field, earning him the nickname 'Lover of Red Cards,' as he has issued more than 108 red cards during his career.

He is also known for his frequent use of colored cards, with an average of more than five yellow cards per match, indicating a match managed with high firmness from the start whistle.

Outside the field, Barton works as a university professor in chemistry, which gives him a notable academic background alongside his strict refereeing personality.

The Salvadoran referee has extensive experience in managing major matches in the Saudi Professional League 'Roshen League,' where he led important encounters for clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Shabab, gaining insight into the unique fan atmosphere and high pressure in the region.

Internationally, Barton participated in managing matches during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, including strong clashes such as Brazil against Germany and France against Japan, reflecting his accumulated experience in major events.

His appointment to lead the playoff final places players under a strict refereeing standard requiring high discipline and avoiding unnecessary contacts, especially in a match decided by small details and potentially extending to extra time.