San Francisco Cup - Symposium and Field Clinic

Referee Information

Symposium and Field Clinic

2011 Referees' Symposium

2011 Referees Symposium A packed house greeted Referee Benito Armando Archundia of Mexico—one of the most accomplished referees in current history. He is known in Mexico as Armando Archundia, but appears as Benito Archundia in FIFA records. He has been a professional referee since 1985 and a FIFA referee since 1993. His first international assignment was the 1994 match between USA and Greece.

Referee Benito Armando Archundia of Mexico Archundia is the all-time leader in appearances at the FIFA World Cup, being one of only two referees who have been appointed for 8 matches. He also shares the record for the most matches officiated in a single World Cup (5 in 2006). In addition, he officiated the final of the FIFA Club World Cup twice, in 2005 and 2009.

In the Friday night symposium, Archundia spoke about his life as a referee, relived many of his top matches, shared his many ups and downs, and what it takes to get to and stay at the top level. On Saturday he delivered two field clinics (practicum sessions), and then spent the weekend with his San Francisco Cup referee colleagues—clearly enjoying the camaraderie, the soccer, and the beautiful City by the Bay.

Referee Benito Armando Archundia with Local Referees at the San Francisco Cup Referees Symposium