We're running towards the end of the UMBRO Futsal Awards 2009, 10th Edition of the traditional prizes released by Futsalplanet.com! As happened twelve months ago, before finding out who's the best player of the futsal globe, we will pay tribute to the best referee in the year 2009. This is an extremely important category for us: we believe that "whistles" are a basic part of our sport, deserving the same respect and consideration we attribute to players, coaches and all futsal characters. Let's hope that the club of "professional victims and chronic complainers" can finally understand it! Everything is now ready to announce the winner of the Best Referee of the World category: standing ovation for the brazilian whistle Michel Jean Bonnaud!

Paulista reference
Though we're talking about a well known international interpreter of the referees category, Michel Jean Bonnaud never forgets his important role in the paulista federation competitions, where he still operates at all levels, youth matches included. That was the starting point towards the highest standard of refereeing. Former coach in the women competitions, the 37 years old officiated in a huge number of eagerly awaited games, gaining a notable experience and consideration along the FPFS, CBFS and FIFA offices.

Grand Prix call & Lusophone experience
No doubts on the fact that a great event like the Grand Prix tournament is in need of the best referees to succeed. That's the reason why, together with an impressive amount of top refs, the name of Michel Jean Bonnaud was in the CBFS list. Also, the year 2009 registered an interesting and prestigious experience for Bonnaud, who was selected for the second ever edition of the Lusophone Games in Lisbon. Last but not least, he officiated in the decisive match between Brazil and Portugal (have a look at the video below!), with his portuguese colleague Francisco Parrinha. No holiday in August: the final of the Brasileiro de Seleções between Sergipe and Paranà was waiting for him as first whistle.

Liga Futsal final: hat trick!
A season of important tasks could not have a better ending, as Michel Jean Bonnaud completed an historical hat trick regarding the Liga Futsal final. After the good performances in the catarinense derby (Malwee vs Joinville) of 2007 and the 2008 double (Malwee vs Ulbra), the paulista whistle was again appointed for the second and decisive 2009 final between Malwee and ACBF.

That's surely enough to name Michel Jean Bonnaud as winner of the Best Referee of the World category of the UMBRO Futsal Awards 2009 - 10th Edition by Futsalplanet.com!!

Parabéns Michel Jean!


UMBRO Futsal Awards by Futsalplanet.com

Best Referee of the World - Winners
2009 -> Michel Jean Bonnaud (Brazil)
2008 -> Karoly Torok (Hungary)
2007 -> Antonio Cardoso (Portugal)
2006 -> not celebrated
2005 -> not celebrated
2004 -> Pedro Galan Nieto (Spain)