Jump directly to the content
RUSSIA BOUND

Who is France vs Belgium referee Andres Cunha and how many World Cups has Uruguayan ref officiated at?

Cunha is on his way to the World Cup in Russia and will be one of six representatives from South America

Cunha has reffed in the Copa America and Copa Libertadores

ANDRES CUNHA is one of six South Americans referees on their way to the World Cup

Fifa have selected 36 whistlers for the competition which kicked off on June 14 in Moscow - and will feature the controversial VAR system for the first time.

 Cunha has reffed in the Copa America and Copa Libertadores
3
Cunha has reffed in the Copa America and Copa LibertadoresCredit: Getty - Contributor

One of those selected is the Uruguayan, who is well known across the continent.

Who is Andres Cunha?

BORN in Montevideo, Cunha has been a Fifa-listed referee since 2013.

He entered the Uruguayan Primera three years earlier and established a reputation as a disciplinarian.

With his Fifa licence, Cunha has taken charge of games all over South America, including huge matches in the Copa Libertadores and Copa America.

 Cunha was involved in a nail-biter between Spain and Iran
3
Cunha was involved in a nail-biter between Spain and IranCredit: Getty - Contributor

Last year Cunha went to his first major tournament, taking charge of three games at the under-20 World Cup in South Korea.

So far at the World Cup he has taken charge of France vs Australia and Spain vs Iran - and will be in the middle for the semi-final between Belgium and France.

He's dished out six yellows so far and has controversially given TWO penalties.

 The Uruguayan during the Copa America 2016 clash between Brazil and Peru
3
The Uruguayan during the Copa America 2016 clash between Brazil and PeruCredit: AFP - Getty


No.1 DESTINATION For our World Cup exclusives, gossip, action, video and fun


Has he officiated at the World Cup before?

DESPITE his experience in the Copa America, this will be Cunha's first taste of the senior World Cup.

He took charge of four qualifiers on the road to Russia, including Peru vs Bolivia and Paraguay vs Argentina.

What are the problems with VAR? Including comment from Gianluigi Buffon, Arsene Wenger and Thomas Muller
Topics