March 27 – The latest study from the CIES Football Observatory has highlighted major differences in refereeing trends across the top 63 leagues worldwide, exposing significant contrasts between continents in how officials enforce discipline.
The data shows that referees in Japan’s top two divisions are the least likely to issue cards for fouls, showing restraint by awarding just one penalty card for every ten infractions. Head across to South America and their counterparts in Chile and Colombia take a far stricter approach, brandishing a card for roughly every five fouls.
The study suggests these variations are not solely down to refereeing styles but also reflect differences in player behaviour. In Latin America, where matches are often played at a high intensity with frequent physical challenges, referees tend to be more stringent, creating a cycle of tougher play and stricter officiating.
In Asia, particularly Japan, football is generally more disciplined, with fewer reckless challenges resulting in a much more measured approach from referees, who frankly have a simpler time.
The research also examined the proportion of cards awarded specifically for fouls, rather than for dissent or other forms of misconduct. In Ukraine’s Premier League, 93.2% of all penalty cards are issued for fouls, making it the most foul-focused league in this regard.
Meanwhile, in Bolivia’s Primera División (59.2%) and Brazil’s Serie A (60.7%), a far greater share of cards are shown for off-the-ball incidents, disputes, or unsporting behaviour. Turkey’s top two tiers follow a similar pattern, with a significant number of cards given for non-foul offences.
These findings highlight the distinct footballing cultures that shape officiating across different regions. While consistency in refereeing remains a discussion point, the study instead underlines how interpretations of the game can vary widely from one league to another.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1745613960labto1745613960ofdlr1745613960owedi1745613960sni@g1745613960niwe.1745613960yrrah1745613960