DIFA referees are highly skilled officials dedicated to maintaining fair play in deaf football and futsal worldwide. Trained to officiate at international levels, they use sign language and visual signals to ensure smooth communication on the field. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and professionalism, they uphold the integrity of the game while fostering equal opportunities for deaf athletes.

Paolo BIANCHI (ITA)
Referee / Futsal Referee

Jean-Paul FEKETE (SWI)
Futsal Referee / Assistant Referee
CV:
• ICSD Women Deaf Football Qualification England 2024

Andrew KIRST (USA)
Referee / Assistant Referee / Futsal Referee
CV:
• DIFA World Deaf Football Championship Malaysia 2023

Paul KIRBY (ENG)
Referee
CV:
• DIFA World Deaf Football Championship Malaysia 2023

Nino LANTINK (NED)
Referee / Futsal Referee
CV:
• DIFA World Deaf Football Championship Malaysia 2023
• DIFA World Deaf Futsal Championship U21 Kazakhstan 2024
• ICSD Women Deaf Football Qualification England 2024
• PANAMDES Pan-Am Games Deaf Men Futsal Brazil 2024

Mark van MARIS (NED)
Referee / Futsal Referee

Peter Jan RIJPKEMA (NED)
Referee / Assistant Referee / Futsal Referee
CV:
• DIFA World Deaf Futsal Championship U21 Kazakhstan 2024
• PANAMDES Pan-Am Games Deaf Men Futsal Brazil 2024

Marco SALATI (ITA)
Referee / Futsal Referee

Ali-Reza SHIRIPOUR (DEN)
Referee / Assistant Referee

Jason TAYLOR (SCO)
Referee
CV:
• DIFA World Deaf Football Championship Malaysia 2023
• ICSD Women Deaf Football Qualification England 2024

Arash ZAHEDIGHAD (IRAN)
Assistant Referee / Futsal Referee
CV:
• ICSD Deaflympics Deaf Football Brazil 2021