MLS and international referee Jair Marrufo has been given the honor of refereeing an international cup final.
FIFA named Marrufo and fellow American assistants Frank Anderson and Corey Rockwell to referee the Club World Cup final in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday between Real Madrid and local side Al Ain.
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FIFA Club World Cup 2018 - Match officials appointed for FINAL game between @alainfcae_en 🇦🇪vs. @realmadriden🇪🇸(22 December in Abu Dhabi)
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) December 21, 2018
Ref: Jair MARRUFO 🇺🇸
Asst Ref 1: Frank ANDERSON🇺🇸
Asst Ref 2: Corey ROCKWELL 🇺🇸
VAR: Danny MAKKELIE 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/mQGYKvVvgm
The 41-year-old Marrufo is coming off one of the best years of his career as a referee, working as the center official in Belgium’s 5-2 win over Tunisia at the 2018 World Cup and serving as a fourth official in three other matches. In addition, Maruffo refereed two MLS playoff games, including the second leg of the Eastern Conference final between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United.
Marrufo already officiated two prior games at this year’s Club World Cup. Al Ain’s 3-0 win over ES Tunis and then ES Tunis’ penalty kick shootout victory over Chivas.