Chelsea FanCast

Stamford Chidge interviews William Ralston about his book 'The Impossible Job' which reveals the reality of refereeing.

In this meticulously researched book, William Ralston goes deep inside football's most exposed role, speaking to officials from Sunday league pitches to World Cups to show what it takes to officiate at the highest level.

With rare access to UEFA, FIFA, and PGMO, he embeds with referees across Europe’s five major leagues – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, and the Premier League – following them through training camps, assessment rooms, and matchdays, where a single call can define a career. He also learns to referee himself, experiencing first-hand the speed and scrutiny that come with every call.

Through defining matches and controversial decisions, he examines the influence of VAR, how referees judge fouls, and the excruciatingly fine margins between control and chaos.

And he looks into the issues between Chelsea and Anthony Taylor with a little help from Chidge, JK and Dan Silver!

You can purchase the book on Amazon here