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Mike Dean

Referee: Mike Dean

Appointed to FIFA International Referees list in 2002 and took charge of Australia v Argentina on 11 September 2007 in Melbourne. Mike refereed the 2004 FA Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium, as well as the FA Trophy Final later that year.

Mike also took charge of the 2006 Championship Play-Off final, before his appointment to the FA Cup Final in 2008, which featured Portsmouth and Cardiff City.
 

craig weir, United Kingdom

I am 14-years-old and I'm currently a youth referee in Northern Ireland and would like to know how you became a professional referee and how long did it take?

I became a Select Group referee in 2001. I started refereeing in 1985 so from start to Select Group it took 16 years. Today this target can be reached in a much shorter time depending on how good you are and also the dedication you show and you also need a little bit of luck along the way.

joseph gargano, England

If you had to pick a stadium anywhere in the world to go and referee in, what stadium would you pick?

I would love one day to referee at either Barcelona or Real Madrid. I've been 4th official there but to referee in such wonderful stadiums as them would be a dream come true.

joseph gargano, England

What is the most exciting game you have ever refereed?

The FA Cup Final in 2008 between Portsmouth and Cardiff City was obviously a great occasion for me and my family. Also my trip to Australia in September 2007 to referee Australia versus Argentina was special, to see Lionel Messi close up was brilliant.

simon walker, England

When do you get to know which fixture you will be officiating and who lets you know?

We get the appointments every Monday or Tuesday morning just five days prior to the game.