Who is Ivan Barton? France v Spain referee for World Cup semi-final

Referee Ivan Barton will take charge of the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France in Dallas.

The Salvadoran official has earned a prestige appointment for the mouthwatering meeting of European heavyweights as the first place in the final is settled.

Born in Santa Ana, El Salvador’s second largest city, Barton has previously worked as a professor of organic chemistry after earning a degree in chemical sciences at university.

The 35-year-old is a regular in Concacaf’s biggest tournaments and made his World Cup debut with the whistle at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

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Earlier at this edition, Barton made history as the first referee to send a player off for covering their mouth during a confrontation, dismissing Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron during their game against Turkey. He was also in charge for the round of 16 clash between Colombia and Switzerland.

Barton was the referee who halted a 2023 Concacaf Nations League encounter between the United States and Mexico early in stoppage time due to homophobic chants from fans.