The men in the middle

Last week the list of referees, who will be officiating the matches in South Africa, was announced. 30 FIFA category referees from all continents will be there, with Europe being the most represented with 10 officials.

The name that most boldly sticks out is Swede Martin Hansson. The man, who's been a FIFA referee since 2001, was the man who "helped" France to the World Cup, suffering momentary blindness at Stade de France when Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball. Here's hoping there won't be any similar mistakes by him in South Africa.

But he's not the only controversial character in there.

Malaysia's Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh once got his red card stolen Paul Gascoing style. The incident happened when the 43-year old took charge of 2007 FIFA U-20 World Championship match between Chile and Portugal. Portugal's Zéquinha snatched the card from Mr. Salleh's hand, when the referee sent off his compatriot Manu. Another red card of course promptly followed and before the end of the match there was also time for a third.

Benito Archundia from Mexico has a reputation of missing out clear goals. Even though he's been involved on the international stage since 1993, the competence of his ability has been questioned on various occasions. And for some reason often in matches involving Canada. Guess, in that sense, this year's Winter Olympics hosts can count themselves lucky not to have qualified for South Africa 2010.

Carlos Amarilla missed out on the knock-out stages in Germany 2006 thanks to consistent mistakes in the group stage, but he's also in South Africa. A well known strict referee.

Jorge Larrionda was once suspended by the Uruguayan FA with corruption charges. This was way back in 2002 though and currently he's rated one the best referees in the world. Even though the Yanks probably won't agree with that with Larrionda allowing real savage like tackles on the USA players by Italians at Germany 2006.

Massimo Bussaca, who does have a very good reputation in Europe, for example he refereed the UEFA Cup final in 2007 and the Champions League final in 2009, was pictured showing his middle finger at the crowd during a Swiss Cup match between FC Baden and Young Boys. The man has also allegedly urinated on the pitch during a match in Qatar.

The other referees, some who might hope the leave a mark of themselves in South Africa (and no doubt some will), are:

Asia

Khalil Ibrahim Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)
Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)

Africa

Mohamed Benouza (Algeria)
Koman Coulibaly (Mali)
Jerome Damon (South Africa)
Eddy Maillet (Seychelles)

North America, Central America, Caribbean

Joel Aguilar (El Salvador)
Carlos Batres (Guatemala)
Marco Antonio Rodriguez (Mexico)

South America

Hector Baldassi (Argentina)
Pablo Pozo (Chile)
Oscar Ruiz (Colombia)
Carlos Simon (Brazil)

Oceania

Michael Hester (New Zealand)
Peter O'Leary (New Zealand)

Europe

Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)
Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)
Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Stephane Lannoy (France)
Roberto Rosetti (Italy)
Wolfgang Sttark (Germany)
Alberto Mallenco (Spain)
Howard Webb (England)