IN ENGLISH – Former referee Leonardo Gaciba has been hired by Cruzeiro to be an advisor to the presidency.
According to him:
“It’s a very broad job. It’s important to bring some of the experience we had in refereeing, such as the laws of the game, how the video referee works, the different profiles. To be able to represent Cruzeiro in meetings with the referees themselves. To do some analysis of the games, of disciplinary matters, cards; in short, to have total control of this to provide increasingly better conditions for Professor Jardim to carry out his role in the best possible way.”
Years ago, former referee Wagner “Pinguim” Tardelli was hired by Atlético Mineiro to advise the players on refereeing. It was on that occasion that, knowing there was no offside on a throw-in, Ronaldinho Gaúchowent to the end line to “pretend to drink water” and received the ball in a position to score a goal. He eliminated SPFC and, in the same year, won the Libertadores.
I advocate for something similar: a former referee at every football club, teaching the rules of the game, optimizing potential plays, helping to avoid cards, advising the youth teams, and providing this competitive advantage — the advantage of knowing the rule — for players and coaches. By the way, if any club wishes for my work, just send an email to rafaelporcari@gmail.com and we can talk.
With so many millions spent by clubs on athletes who often don’t perform, a former referee would be a low-cost investment, but of great value.