French arbitration is in mourning this Wednesday, November 16 with the death of referee Johan Hamel.
Very sad news for French arbitration a few days before the start of the World Cup. The Union of Elite Football Referees (SAFE) announced on Wednesday morning the sudden death of Johan Hamel, Ligue 1 referee, at the age of 42. According to the first information communicated, the latter succumbed to a stroke during his training. Johan Hamel is a figure in the French League championship and officiated in the latter since the 2015-2016 season. He notably led the Lille Rennes match on November 6, and was a video assistant during PSG-Auxerre, this Sunday. In total, Johan Hamel led 135 Ligue 1 matches and 85 Ligue 2 matches as main referee.