A trio of Canadian match officials is set to make their mark at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing their skills on an international stage. With a solid foundation built on years of teamwork and a blend of professional lives, assistant referees Micheal Barwegen and Lyes Arfa, alongside referee Drew Fischer, are ready to officiate games across North America this summer.
Balancing Dual Careers
When he’s not officiating matches, Micheal Barwegen teaches mathematics at Coalhurst High School in Alberta. Meanwhile, Lyes Arfa is a partner at a law firm in Quebec City. Both men have had to temporarily step away from their day jobs to fulfil their roles at the World Cup, and they express gratitude for the support from their employers.
Barwegen shared, “Once summer hits, it’s a little easier for me to have some time off to focus on the officiating side.” He noted that the nature of Arfa’s profession means he is always engaged in legal matters, making his dual role more complex. Arfa reciprocated the sentiment, praising his firm, Stein Monast, for enabling him to pursue both his legal career and officiating duties. “I know they have my back,” he said, reflecting the mutual understanding that allows him to excel in both arenas.
A Trust Built on Experience
The trio of officials joined 166 others for a pre-tournament training camp in Miami that kicked off on May 31. While Somali referee Omar Artan was initially slated to join them, he faced difficulties gaining entry into the United States. The three Canadians have since remained in Miami, travelling to their designated matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Fischer, a seasoned referee from Calgary, recently served as the fourth official for a match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, while Barwegen fulfilled the role of reserve assistant referee. Their collaborative experience over the past three years, including domestic competitions leading up to the World Cup, has fostered a crucial rapport among the officials.
“We often have only a split second to make a decision,” Arfa explained. “So the communication needs to be on point. And it’s by working together, having the experience, we’re able to be as efficient as we are.” This level of trust and understanding is vital in high-pressure situations where split-second decisions can significantly impact the flow of the game.
Navigating Life and Officiating
For Barwegen, the challenge of juggling officiating and family life is a familiar one. He lives in Coaldale, just east of Coalhurst, with his wife, Carmel, a nurse, and their two-year-old daughter. Balancing a busy schedule requires him to travel frequently; for Saturday Major League Soccer games, he often leaves school on Friday, drives to Calgary, and then flies out to his destination, returning home on Sunday.
“I definitely know that highway drive pretty well, through all sorts of weather,” he quipped, highlighting the commitment needed to pursue his passion.
Similarly, Arfa, who will celebrate his 40th birthday on June 12, is well-versed in the demands of travel. His journey often begins at the Quebec City airport, where he has developed a calm approach to potential delays. “I got used to it,” he said, “I’m not as stressed as other people in the airport if there’s a delay.” He utilises this time to study the teams he will be officiating, understanding that each has its unique style of play.
A Lifelong Commitment to Officiating
Barwegen’s journey into officiating began at the tender age of 12, initially as a means to earn some pocket money. As he transitioned from playing soccer to focusing on officiating, he has steadily climbed the ranks since joining Canada Soccer’s list of referees and assistant referees in 2012, and earning his FIFA badge in 2018. The thrill of being selected for international tournaments never fades.
“I was like, ‘This is insane. Twelve-year-old me would never believe any of this,’” he recalled, reflecting on his rapid ascent in the world of officiating.
Arfa, who speaks several languages fluently, including French and Russian, began refereeing at 16 due to a shortage of officials in his area. “I did like it. And then it began a new career,” he noted. Since making Canada Soccer’s list in 2011 and FIFA’s list in 2021, he has found greater opportunities as an assistant referee, despite also holding certification as an assistant video referee. He prefers the dynamic nature of being on the pitch.
“I feel comfortable here,” he stated, emphasising the unique pressures officials face from fans and governing bodies alike. “You’re only as good as your last game,” Barwegen added, a reminder of the relentless scrutiny that accompanies their profession.
Why it Matters
The participation of these Canadian officials in the FIFA Club World Cup not only showcases their individual talents but also highlights the growing presence of Canadian referees on the global stage. Their achievements exemplify the dedication and hard work that goes into officiating at such a high level. As they represent Canada in international football, they serve as a testament to the country’s commitment to developing and supporting its officials, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in this often-overlooked aspect of the beautiful game.
