35 international referees to participate in Donosti Cup 2025
The Donosti Cup has been recognized by various federations as a stepping stone for young talented referees before reaching the elite level.
Since the beginning of its partnership with Referee Abroad, more than 400 referees from 30 different nationalities have taken part in the Donosti Cup, establishing the tournament as a benchmark in international refereeing. This year, the tournament will welcome referees from Italy, Poland, England, France, Germany, Czechia, Ireland, and Austria. In previous editions, referees from distant countries such as the United States, Japan, and Australia have also participated, reflecting the tournament’s global impact.
Most referees will be between 16 and 23 years old, and many are part of talent programs within their respective federations. Additionally, the presence of female referees will be notable, strengthening women's representation in the tournament’s officiating teams.
The high level of referee preparation is further enhanced by the presence of prestigious figures in the world of refereeing. In past editions, experts such as Manuel López Fernández, former vice president of the Spanish CTA and UEFA observer, and Lucilio Batista, a UEFA observer from Portugal, have shared their expertise with participants. For 2025, the tournament will feature the presence of an active FIFA referee from Italy, ensuring top-level training.
In addition to the international referees, the tournament will also include 200 referees from the Guipuzcoan Referees Committee. With this top-tier officiating team, the Donosti Cup reaffirms its commitment to high-quality youth football and excellence in referee training worldwide.
