| Full name | Juan Pablo Pompei | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Born | (1968-09-18)September 18, 1968 (age 57) Olavarría, Argentina | ||
| Other occupation | Instructor and referee assessor | ||
| Domestic | |||
| Years | League | Role | |
| 1999–2018 | Argentine Primera División | Referee | |
| International | |||
| Years | League | Role | |
| 2004–2011 | FIFA listed | Referee | |
Juan Pablo Pompei (born 18 September 1968) is an Argentine former football referee. He officiated in theArgentine Primera División from 1999 to 2018 and was aFIFA-listed international referee between 2004 and 2011. Pompei is regarded as one of the most experienced referees of his generation in Argentine football.[1][2]
Pompei was born inOlavarría, Buenos Aires Province. His family had a strong connection to refereeing: both his father and brother were local referees. Before turning professional, he played amateur football and at age 21 took the referee course run by his father.[2]
Pompei began his officiating career in Olavarría's local league and advanced through regional divisions before debuting in theArgentine Primera División in December 1999, refereeing a match betweenColón de Santa Fe andArgentinos Juniors.[2]
Over nearly two decades, he officiated more than 420 matches in the top flight, including many involvingBoca Juniors,River Plate, and other major clubs. He recalled that the 2006 season was the only one in which he worked every league round without missing a match.[3]
Pompei became aFIFA-listed referee in 2004, which allowed him to officiate in continental competitions such as theCopa Libertadores andCopa Sudamericana until 2011.[4]
Pompei took charge of several high-profile domestic derbies. He officiatedBoca Juniors–Newell's Old Boys games during Boca's long unbeaten run in the early 2010s.[5]
A widely remembered match occurred on 18 August 2005 betweenNewell's Old Boys andRosario Central, when defenderNicolás Spolli made a brutal tackle onPaulo Ferrari. Pompei showed only ayellow card, a decision that provoked heavy media debate.[6][7]
Pompei retired from refereeing in May 2018 after nearly 19 years in the top division. His final match was betweenLanús andAtlético Tucumán.[4][2] Following retirement, he expressed his wish to remain involved as a referee instructor and mentor to younger officials.[4]
Pompei is married and has two children. His son Valentín Pompei has also become a referee. He has spoken about the personal sacrifices of the profession, including time away from family and missed celebrations.[2]