About Us

Building the World’s Largest International Refereeing Network

Since 2010, Referee Abroad has connected referees worldwide through elite tournaments, international partnerships, leadership development, and educational initiatives. What began as a shared passion for refereeing has grown into one of football’s most ambitious global communities, creating opportunities for match officials, observers, staff, and partner organizations across borders.

Our Journey

Referee Abroad was born from a simple idea: giving referees the chance to grow beyond borders. Over the years, that idea has become an international network built on tournaments, education, cultural exchange, and lifelong football experiences.

2010

The Beginning

Founded by Daniele Curcio and Matthew Day, Referee Abroad began as a shared vision to connect referees with international football opportunities through development, travel, and cultural exchange beyond borders.

2020

Strategic Growth

Former Serie A referee Claudio Gavillucci joined executive leadership, bringing elite technical expertise, governance, and strategic direction that strengthened Referee Abroad’s long-term institutional growth.

2022

USA Expansion

In partnership with Levon Akoghlanian and US Officials, America’s largest referee assigning network, Referee Abroad launched its U.S. chapter, creating major overseas opportunities and expanding into one of football’s most dynamic markets.

Today

A Global Refereeing Institution

Referee Abroad now stands among the world’s leading international refereeing organizations, combining tournaments, education, partnerships, and development opportunities across multiple continents.

What started as an idea between referees has grown into a platform for opportunity, development, and international connection.

Executive Leadership & Governance

Daniele Curcio 🇮🇹

President & CEO

Claudio Gavillucci 🇮🇹

Vice President - Business & Strategy

Matthew Day 🇬🇧

Vice President – Marketing & Communications

Levon Akoghlanian 🇺🇸

USA Principal & Shareholder

Referee Operations & Tournament Management

Leadership Team

Lukasz Oleskiewicz 🇵🇱

Director of Referee Operations

[Recruiting]

Senior Tournament Lead

[Recruiting]

Observers & Mentorship Lead

Operational Delivery Team

Referee Managers

International Leadership Team

Referee Appointment Officers

International Support Team

Referee Logistics Officers

International Support Team

Support Staff

Matteo Cossu 🇮🇹

Event Support Intern

Janari Vaher 🇪🇪

Staff Operations Intern

[Recruiting]

Growth & Expansion Intern

Business, Strategy & Administration

[Recruiting]

Business Secretary

Pablo Grasa 🇪🇸

Administrative Assistant

Gianluca Rossino 🇮🇹

EU Programs Lead

[Recruiting]

AI Development Lead

Marketing, Media & Communications

Strategic Media Leadership

Marcello Carrino 🇮🇹

Creative Lead

Sergio Alvarez 🇪🇸

Media Lead

[Recruiting]

Marketing Lead

Media Operations Team

Bohdan Vyhivskyi 🇺🇦

Photography Team

Jan Sytar 🇨🇿

Photography Team

Fabi Noack 🇩🇪

Photography Team

Francisco Simões 🇵🇹

Photography Team

Clement Corso 🇫🇷

Photography Team

Adam Dahir 🇮🇹

Videographer

JOIN REFEREE ABROAD

Want to Join Our Team?

Referee Abroad is always looking for passionate people ready to support international refereeing through operations, logistics, media, mentoring, and event leadership.

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