Giving back to refereeing

Vítor Manuel Melo Pereira enjoyed an outstanding career as a referee – and is delighted to be putting his experience back into the game as a senior European refereeing official.

At UEFA’s disposal
The Portuguese took charge of countless major European and world matches in a career which ended after the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and has now placed his services at UEFA's disposal as a member of the governing body's Referees’ Committee.

Invaluable time
Pereira is currently in Hungary, where he and his colleagues are giving invaluable time to the team of referees and assistants at the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship. He is an expert in preparation and fitness and has been taking the daily training sessions.

Work and pleasure
The activities are both work and pleasure for Pereira. "Football and refereeing are my life, and I'm happy to be giving my time to the game," he told uefa.com. "When you have had such a strong career as a referee, it is important that you share your experiences with young referees, and in particular the young women referees at this competition."

'Development'
"Just as the young players are starting out on their own careers, as beginners, the same can be said of the referees," he added. "It is important that tournaments such as this help their development."

'Hard work'
Pereira's work involves debriefing and practical training sessions, during which the referees can discuss their performances and keep themselves in tune. "There's a lot of hard work for the referees, especially given the warm weather. But we are very happy with what they have done so far," he says.

'Enjoy it'
Women referees are now taking charge of domestic matches across Europe. What would be Pereira's advice to a young girl wanting to try his hand at officiating? "Do it – try it, enjoy it and work hard."