South American football referees embroiled in controversy and assault

In Argentina's Liga de Fútbol de Olavarría, referee Valentín Pompei was identified as the author of a leaked WhatsApp group chat that contained derogatory remarks about local clubs. The league imposed a sporting sanction and Pompei issued a public apology, stating, “Quiero expresar mis más sinceras disculpas por las expresiones agraviantes…”.

In Peru, referee Rommel Chambi Mamani was physically attacked by a group of parents during a Sub‑9 match of the international Ciudad Blanca Cup in Arequipa. He suffered facial injuries, filed a police complaint, and tournament organizers released a statement urging calm: “Hacemos un llamado a la calma, al diálogo y al cumplimiento de las normas del juego limpio”. The football school involved also condemned the violence.