Interview with the french referee Pascal Fritz

by Damon Shaw from Tripoli

Pascal Fritz is a well travelled FIFA referee and has refereed some big tournaments, including the UEFA EURO 2010. He talks to us about the Mediterranean Futsal Cup, France’s great performance to reach the semi final and how he felt about THAT penalty in the EURO 2010 (check video at the bottom!).

Damon Shaw: What do you think of the Mediterranean Futsal Cup so far?
Pascal Fritz: It’s a very interesting tournament , not only for the teams but also for the referees. We are from different countries, from different Confederations and we have the opportunity with this kind of tournament, to learn many things from each other.
I would like to say many thanks at the Libyan Football Federation and at the Local Organization Committee for this great tournament and for the very good organization.

DS: The French are in the semi finals, is this a surprise result?
PF: I’m not surprised by this result. I’m a National Futsal Referee since 2003 and International since 2006, I’m appointed for all friendly matches from our National team if they play at home, so I know very well the development of the French National team. They’re on the right track to join the best European teams.


DS: How has french futsal developed over the last several years? And are tournaments like this important for growing nations who may not have the chance to play in EURO or WORLD finals?

PF: In France we have for the second year now a National League, with 2 groups of 12 teams. More and more players from these teams play only Futsal. They’re not professionals but they have stopped their football career and chosen Futsal.
The French Football Federation has started an important Futsal development plan. This plan is to help all components, players, coaches, referees, National teams, women Futsal, young players ... This plan is the sign that Futsal is now considered as very important in the French Federation.
I think that this kind of tournament can be a perfect preparation for the next Euro or World Cup qualifications.


DS: You have excelled as a futsal referee and been involved in some big tournaments, how does the Mediterranean Futsal Cup compare to for example, the EURO?
PF: In my answer before I spoke about preparation of the teams, but also for the referees is this Mediterranean Futsal Cup is a very important part of preparation for the upcoming competitions. The technical and tactical levels of the teams are good and I’m sure that 3 or 4 teams will qualify for the EURO Final Tournament.

DS: What can you tell us about THAT penalty in the EURO?
PF: That penalty kick in the Euro 2010 was terrible for me. I think I feel the same as a goal keeper if he makes a big mistake. It was a very important match in the tournament, maybe the most important and during the match there was nothing special, it was good for the referees. Maybe we were so happy that the match ended without any problems and so we lost our concentration during the penalty kicks.

DS: What do you think about the new rules and is it improving the game?
PF: It’s not my job to give my opinion about the new rules, the referees job is to apply the rules. With the FIFA Futsal Instructors, Mister Pedro GALAN NIETO and Mister Andrea LASTRUCCI we have here two of the most experienced Futsal Instructors and we can discuss the right application of the new rules. It’s very important for the uniformity of our refereeing.


DS: As a referee what do you think we can do to improve the popularity of futsal in developing countries?
PF: I think that the Federations of this developing countries have the answer of this question. For example, Futsal can be a part of the learning process for young football players. In my opinion it’s important that Futsal entry in schools and also in professionals football clubs.

In France Futsal need support from the Football Federation and the Federation now very well that Futsal is a chance for Football.

Pascal Fritz was talking to Damon Shaw of FutsalPlanet.com during the 1st Mediterranean Futsal Cup in Tripoli.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com