Ľuboš Micheľ: Whistling is like playing the violin, you can't forget it

The quality of the EMF EURO 2022 tournament in Košice will also be emphasized by the participation of the well-known Slovak football referee Ľuboš Michel. The former top arbiter will take the whistle again at an international event after a 14-year hiatus.

Ľuboš Micheľ: Whistling is like playing the violin, you can't forget it

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He refereed the finals of the Champions League, a number of matches in European Cup competitions and international events and will now be one of the Referees at the exceptional EMF EURO 2022 Minifootball championships in Košice.

How did you come to Referee at EMF EURO 2022?

SZMF President Peter Králik and national team coach Laco Borbély asked me if I would like to brush up my refereeing career a bit. They explained what it was about and after a moments thought, I immediately agreed.

What did you have to do to be able to Referee in Košice?

Of course, I had to sit tests about the rules of Minifootball, also do some preparatory matches. I believe that then I will be ready enough to be able to officiate the matches at the European Championships.

Do you feel nervous after such a long break ahead of the upcoming championship?

I'm not afraid. I take this as a new challenge. Although I ended my refereeing career in 2008, I rely on the fact that the griffin remains in the human being. Like when someone hasn't played the Violin for a long time, but when they catch it, it suddenly goes by itself.


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How do you feel about this tournament compared to what you have experienced in your refereeing career?

It seems that EMF EURO 2022 in Košice will be an extremely important event for this sport. The organizers are preparing a great program and the quality of the tournament should be at a high level. I have a lot of expectations, but I will still be surprised by the experience.

What do you expect from your participation in EMF EURO 2022?

First of all, I want to manage all the matches in which I will Referee. It is important that I do not make any mistakes or shame. I want to enjoy it, the European Championships at home are exceptional. We'll see what it does to me. Maybe it catches me so much that I finally restart my career as a Referee in small football. Although I don't know what the age limits for Referees are in this dynamic sport.

Why, from your point of view, is  Minifootball an attractive sport for spectators?

Although Minifootball today may be a bit in the shadow of big football, its speed and dynamics will easily gain the attention of every fan. The field is smaller, it is played from one side to the other, many goals are scored, it is very attractive for spectators. I am convinced that a lot of fans will come to Košice and in the Steel Arena we will have an unforgettable week full of great sport in a great atmosphere.