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{{use mdy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{use American English|date=October 2015}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2015}}
{{short description|American soccer referee}}
{{Infobox football official
{{Infobox football official
| name = Mark Geiger
| name = Mark Geiger
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| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| otheroccupation = Mathematics teacher
| otheroccupation = {{ubl|Senior director of match officials, [[Professional Referee Organization]]|Mathematics teacher}}
| years1 = 2002–2004
| years1 = 2002–2004
| league1 = [[A-League (1995–2004)|A-League]]
| league1 = [[A-League (1995–2004)|A-League]]
| role1 = [[Referee (association football)|Referee]]
| role1 = [[Referee (association football)|Referee]]
| years2 = 2004–2019
| years2 = 2011–2017
| league2 = [[Major League Soccer|MLS]]
| league2 = [[North American Soccer League (2011–2017)|NASL]]
| role2 = [[Referee (association football)|Referee]]
| role2 = [[Referee (association football)|Referee]]
| years3 = 2011–2019
| years3 = 2004–2019
| league3 = [[North American Soccer League|NASL]]
| league3 = [[Major League Soccer|MLS]]
| role3 = [[Referee (association football)|Referee]]
| role3 = [[Referee (association football)|Referee]]
| internationalyears1 = 2008–2019
| internationalyears1 = 2008–2019
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}}
}}


'''Mark William Geiger''' (born August 25, 1974) is a corrupt American sports administrator and former [[Association football|soccer]] [[Referee (association football)|referee]]. He is the senior director of match officials at the [[Professional Referee Organization]] (PRO), which oversees domestic referees in [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS). Geiger previously officiated in MLS and was on the [[FIFA International Referees List]] from 2008 to 2019. At the international level, Geiger refereed the [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics|2012 Olympics]]; at the [[2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup|2013]] and [[2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup]]s; and at the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]] and [[2018 FIFA World Cup]]s. At the 2014 World Cup, he became the first referee from the United States to officiate a knockout match at a World Cup tournament. Before becoming a full-time referee, Geiger was a high school [[mathematics]] teacher.
'''Mark William Geiger''' (born August 25, 1974) is an American sports administrator and former [[Association football|soccer]] [[Referee (association football)|referee]]. He is the senior director of match officials at the [[Professional Referee Organization]] (PRO), which oversees domestic referees in [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS). Geiger previously officiated in MLS and was on the [[FIFA International Referees List]] from 2008 to 2019. At the international level, Geiger refereed the [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics|2012 Olympics]], the [[2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup|2013]], [[2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup|2015]], and [[2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup]]s, and the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]] and [[2018 FIFA World Cup]]s. At the 2014 World Cup, he became the first referee from the United States to officiate a knockout match at a World Cup tournament. Before becoming a full-time referee, Geiger was a high school [[mathematics]] teacher.


==Refereeing career==
==Refereeing career==
Geiger first took up refereeing in 1988. He became a [[United States Soccer Federation]] National Referee in 2003 and officiated in [[Major League Soccer]] from 2004 to 2018. He has officiated in [[CONCACAF]] tournaments since becoming a [[FIFA]] referee in 2008, and has officiated controversial matches [[CONCACAF Gold Cup|Gold Cup]] and other international tournaments and fixtures. Geiger was selected for the [[2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship|CONCACAF U-20 Championship]] in 2011, where he refereed the final.<ref name="concacaf-u20final">{{cite web|url=http://www.concacaf.com/page/CL/NewsDetail/0,,12813~2425158,00.html |title=Geiger to referee U-20 final, CCL Round 2 |publisher=CONCACAF |date=August 19, 2011 |accessdate=October 7, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925222919/http://www.concacaf.com/page/CL/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C12813~2425158%2C00.html |archivedate=September 25, 2012 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>
Geiger first took up refereeing in 1988. In 2003, he was named Referee of the Year by the New Jersey Soccer Association.<ref name="nj-referee-of-the-year">{{cite web |title=Referee of the Year |url=https://www.soccernjsa.com/referee-of-the-year/ |website=soccernjsa.com |publisher=New Jersey Soccer Association |access-date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925073509/https://www.soccernjsa.com/referee-of-the-year/ |archive-date=25 September 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> He became a [[United States Soccer Federation]] National Referee in 2003 and officiated in [[Major League Soccer]] from 2004 to 2018. He has officiated in [[CONCACAF]] tournaments since becoming a [[FIFA]] referee in 2008, and has officiated [[CONCACAF Gold Cup|Gold Cup]] and other international tournaments and fixtures. Geiger was selected for the [[2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship|CONCACAF U-20 Championship]] in 2011, where he refereed the final.<ref name="concacaf-u20final">{{cite web|url=http://www.concacaf.com/page/CL/NewsDetail/0,,12813~2425158,00.html |title=Geiger to referee U-20 final, CCL Round 2 |publisher=CONCACAF |date=August 19, 2011 |access-date=October 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925222919/http://www.concacaf.com/page/CL/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C12813~2425158%2C00.html |archive-date=September 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Geiger officiated at the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup]] in [[Colombia]].<ref name="us-soccer-2011u20wc">{{cite web | url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/03/17/13/03/mark-geiger-and-mark-hurd-invited-to-referee-at-2011-fifa-u20-world-cup | title=U.S. Soccer Referee Mark Geiger and Assistant Referee Mark Hurd to Participate at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia | publisher=U.S. Soccer | date=May 16, 2011 | accessdate=October 7, 2015}}</ref> He officiated the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup#Group E|Group E]] game between eventual tournament champions [[Brazil national under-20 football team|Brazil]] and [[Austria national under-20 football team|Austria]] at [[Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez]] in Barranquilla.<ref name="fifa-brazilvsaustria">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145877/report.html | title=Match Report - Brazil 3-0 Austria | publisher=FIFA | accessdate=October 10, 2015}}</ref> He then took charge of the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup#Group B|Group B]] game between [[Uruguay national under-20 football team|Uruguay]] and [[Cameroon national under-20 football team|Cameroon]] at [[Estadio El Campín]] in [[Bogotá]].<ref name="fifa-uruguayvscameroon">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145861/report.html| title=Match Report - Uruguay 0-1 Cameroon | publisher=FIFA | accessdate=October 10, 2015}}</ref> He was appointed to the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup#Round of 16|Round of 16]] match between [[Spain national under-20 football team|Spain]] and [[South Korea national under-20 football team|South Korea]] at [[Estadio Palogrande]] in Manizales.<ref name="fifa-spainvskorea">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255639/match=300145889/report.html| title=Match Report - Spain 0-0 Korea Republic| publisher=FIFA | accessdate=October 10, 2015}}</ref> Finally, he refereed the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup#Final|Final]] with American Assistant Referee Sean Hurd and Canadian Assistant Referee Joe Fletcher, between [[Brazil national under-20 football team|Brazil]] and [[Portugal national under-20 football team|Portugal]] at [[Estadio El Campín]] in Bogotá.<ref name="fifa-brazilvsportugal">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255635/match=300145903/report.html| title=Match Report - Brazil 3-2 Portugual| publisher=FIFA | accessdate=October 10, 2015}}</ref> This is the first time a referee from the [[United States]] has ever officiated a major men's tournament final.<ref name="psra-u20final">{{cite web | url=http://www.refereeassociation.net/articles.php?ID=83 | title=Geiger, Hurd and Fletcher to Officiate FIFA U20 World Cup Final | publisher=Professional Soccer Referees Association | accessdate=October 10, 2015 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723080617/http://www.refereeassociation.net/articles.php?ID=83 | archivedate=July 23, 2015 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
Geiger officiated at the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup]] in [[Colombia]].<ref name="us-soccer-2011u20wc">{{cite web | url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/03/17/13/03/mark-geiger-and-mark-hurd-invited-to-referee-at-2011-fifa-u20-world-cup | title=U.S. Soccer Referee Mark Geiger and Assistant Referee Mark Hurd to Participate at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia | publisher=U.S. Soccer | date=May 16, 2011 | access-date=October 7, 2015}}</ref> He officiated the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup#Group E|Group E]] game between eventual tournament champions [[Brazil national under-20 football team|Brazil]] and [[Austria national under-20 football team|Austria]] at [[Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez]] in Barranquilla.<ref name="fifa-brazilvsaustria">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145877/report.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430113506/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145877/report.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 30, 2012 | title=Match Report - Brazil 3-0 Austria | publisher=FIFA | access-date=October 10, 2015}}</ref> He then took charge of the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup#Group B|Group B]] game between [[Uruguay national under-20 football team|Uruguay]] and [[Cameroon national under-20 football team|Cameroon]] at [[Estadio El Campín]] in [[Bogotá]].<ref name="fifa-uruguayvscameroon">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145861/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914133159/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255641/match=300145861/report.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=September 14, 2011| title=Match Report - Uruguay 0-1 Cameroon | publisher=FIFA | access-date=October 10, 2015}}</ref> He was appointed to the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup#Round of 16|Round of 16]] match between [[Spain national under-20 football team|Spain]] and [[South Korea national under-20 football team|South Korea]] at [[Estadio Palogrande]] in Manizales.<ref name="fifa-spainvskorea">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255639/match=300145889/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410044615/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255639/match=300145889/report.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=April 10, 2012| title=Match Report - Spain 0-0 Korea Republic| publisher=FIFA | access-date=October 10, 2015}}</ref> Finally, he refereed the [[2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup#Final|Final]] with American Assistant Referee Sean Hurd and Canadian Assistant Referee [[Joe Fletcher (referee)|Joe Fletcher]], between [[Brazil national under-20 football team|Brazil]] and [[Portugal national under-20 football team|Portugal]] at [[Estadio El Campín]] in Bogotá.<ref name="fifa-brazilvsportugal">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255635/match=300145903/report.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309034130/http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/matches/round=255635/match=300145903/report.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=March 9, 2012| title=Match Report - Brazil 3-2 Portugal| publisher=FIFA | access-date=October 10, 2015}}</ref> This was the first time a referee from the [[United States]] has ever officiated a major men's tournament final.<ref name="psra-u20final">{{cite web | url=http://www.refereeassociation.net/articles.php?ID=83 | title=Geiger, Hurd and Fletcher to Officiate FIFA U20 World Cup Final | publisher=Professional Soccer Referees Association | access-date=October 10, 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723080617/http://www.refereeassociation.net/articles.php?ID=83 | archive-date=July 23, 2015 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>


[[File:Referee Mark Geiger advantage.jpg|thumb|right|Geiger signalling for [[Fouls and misconduct (association football)#Advantage|advantage]] during a 2012 MLS match]]
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Controvetialy, Geiger was selected as the Major League Soccer referee of the year for the 2011 season, and then again in 2014.<ref name="mls-refofyear2011">{{cite web | url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2011/11/10/mls-veteran-geiger-named-referee-year | title=MLS veteran Geiger named Referee of the Year | publisher=Major League Soccer | date=November 10, 2011 | accessdate=October 7, 2015}}</ref><ref name="mls-refofyear2014">{{cite web | url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/11/25/mark-geiger-named-mls-referee-year-paul-scott-voted-assistant-referee-year | title=Mark Geiger named MLS Referee of the Year; Paul Scott voted Assistant Referee of the Year | publisher=Major League Soccer | date=November 25, 2014 | accessdate=October 7, 2015 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221163408/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/11/25/mark-geiger-named-mls-referee-year-paul-scott-voted-assistant-referee-year | archivedate=February 21, 2015}}</ref>


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Geiger was selected as the Major League Soccer referee of the year for the 2011 season, and then again in 2014.<ref name="mls-refofyear2011">{{cite web | url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2011/11/10/mls-veteran-geiger-named-referee-year | title=MLS veteran Geiger named Referee of the Year | publisher=Major League Soccer | date=November 10, 2011 | access-date=October 7, 2015}}</ref><ref name="mls-refofyear2014">{{cite web | url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/11/25/mark-geiger-named-mls-referee-year-paul-scott-voted-assistant-referee-year | title=Mark Geiger named MLS Referee of the Year; Paul Scott voted Assistant Referee of the Year | publisher=Major League Soccer | date=November 25, 2014 | access-date=October 7, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221163408/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/11/25/mark-geiger-named-mls-referee-year-paul-scott-voted-assistant-referee-year | archive-date=February 21, 2015}}</ref>
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In 2012, Geiger was selected as one of 16 referees to officiate at the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] in London. Geiger took charge of the Group D [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament – Group D#Spain vs Japan|match between Spain vs. Japan]]<ref name="fifa-spainvjapan">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mensolympic/matches/round=256009/match=300197675/index.html |title=Matchcast - Spain 0:1 Japan |publisher=FIFA |accessdate=October 7, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524035202/http://www.fifa.com/mensolympic/matches/round%3D256009/match%3D300197675/index.html |archivedate=May 24, 2013 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> and the [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament – Knockout stage#Japan vs Egypt|quarterfinal between Japan vs. Egypt]]. In 2013, Geiger was an official at the [[2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup]].<ref name="PRO Referee Roster">{{cite web|title=PRO Referee Roster|url=http://www.proreferees.com/roster-referees.php|publisher=Professional Referee Organization|accessdate=October 6, 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603223128/http://www.proreferees.com/roster-referees.php|archivedate=June 3, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


⚫
In 2012, Geiger was selected as one of 16 referees to officiate at the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] in London. Geiger took charge of the Group D [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament – Group D#Spain vs Japan|match between Spain vs. Japan]]<ref name="fifa-spainvjapan">{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mensolympic/matches/round=256009/match=300197675/index.html |title=Matchcast - Spain 0:1 Japan |publisher=FIFA |access-date=October 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524035202/http://www.fifa.com/mensolympic/matches/round%3D256009/match%3D300197675/index.html |archive-date=May 24, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the [[Football at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament – Knockout stage#Japan vs Egypt|quarterfinal between Japan vs. Egypt]]. In 2013, Geiger was an official at the [[2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup]].<ref name="PRO Referee Roster">{{cite web|title=PRO Referee Roster|url=http://www.proreferees.com/roster-referees.php|publisher=Professional Referee Organization|access-date=October 6, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603223128/http://www.proreferees.com/roster-referees.php|archive-date=June 3, 2013}}</ref>
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Geiger was selected as [[CONCACAF|CONCACAF's]] representative referee for the [[2013 FIFA Club World Cup|2013 Club World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/22/25/89/fcwc2013matchofficials_neutral.pdf|title=FCWC 2013 Appointments of Match Officials|publisher=FIFA}}</ref>

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Geiger was selected as [[CONCACAF|CONCACAF's]] representative referee for the [[2013 FIFA Club World Cup|2013 Club World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/22/25/89/fcwc2013matchofficials_neutral.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112130017/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/22/25/89/fcwc2013matchofficials_neutral.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 12, 2013|title=FCWC 2013 Appointments of Match Officials|publisher=FIFA}}</ref>


===2014 FIFA World Cup===
===2014 FIFA World Cup===
Geiger was the worst referee out of 25 referees appointed for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/media/newsid=2261111/index.html|title=Referee trios and support duos appointed for 2014 FIFA World Cup™|publisher=FIFA|date=January 15, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/26/13/55/2014fwcrefereesselected_neutral.pdf|title=Referees & Assistant referees for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™|publisher=FIFA|date=January 14, 2014}}</ref> Geiger described the assignment to the World Cup as "an immensely proud moment".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proreferees.com/news--mark-geiger-excited-to-fulfil-world-cup-dream.php|title=Mark Geiger excited to fulfil World Cup dream|publisher=Professional Referee Organization|date=January 20, 2014}}</ref>
Geiger was one of 25 referees appointed for the [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] in Brazil.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/media/newsid=2261111/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115154322/http://www.fifa.com//worldcup/media/newsid=2261111/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 15, 2014|title=Referee trios and support duos appointed for 2014 FIFA World Cup|publisher=FIFA|date=January 15, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/26/13/55/2014fwcrefereesselected_neutral.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116084943/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/26/13/55/2014fwcrefereesselected_neutral.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 16, 2014|title=Referees & Assistant referees for the 2014 FIFA World Cup|publisher=FIFA|date=January 14, 2014}}</ref> Geiger described the assignment to the World Cup as "an immensely proud moment".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proreferees.com/news--mark-geiger-excited-to-fulfil-world-cup-dream.php|title=Mark Geiger excited to fulfil World Cup dream|publisher=Professional Referee Organization|date=January 20, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723085609/http://www.proreferees.com/news--mark-geiger-excited-to-fulfil-world-cup-dream.php|archive-date=July 23, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Geiger officiated the 2014 World Cup [[2014 FIFA World Cup Group C|Group C]] match between [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] and [[Greece national football team|Greece]] at the [[Estadio Mineirão]] in Belo Horizonte;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=referee-designations-for-matches-5-8-2368666.html |publisher=FIFA|date=June 12, 2014|title=Referee designations for matches 5-8|accessdate=October 7, 2015}}</ref>
Geiger officiated the 2014 World Cup [[2014 FIFA World Cup Group C|Group C]] match between [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] and [[Greece national football team|Greece]] at the [[Estadio Mineirão]] in Belo Horizonte;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=referee-designations-for-matches-5-8-2368666.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614052854/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=referee-designations-for-matches-5-8-2368666.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 14, 2014 |publisher=FIFA|date=June 12, 2014|title=Referee designations for matches 5-8|access-date=October 7, 2015}}</ref>
the 2014 World Cup [[2014 FIFA World Cup Group B|Group B]] match between [[Chile national football team|Chile]] and [[Spain national football team|Spain]] at the [[Estádio do Maracanã|Maracanã Stadium]] in Rio de Janeiro;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186498/index.html#nosticky |title=2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil Match Result: Spain v Chile|publisher=FIFA}}</ref>
the 2014 World Cup [[2014 FIFA World Cup Group B|Group B]] match between [[Chile national football team|Chile]] and [[Spain national football team|Spain]] at the [[Estádio do Maracanã|Maracanã Stadium]] in Rio de Janeiro;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186498/index.html#nosticky |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607234913/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255931/match=300186498/index.html#nosticky |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 7, 2014 |title=2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil Match Result: Spain v Chile|publisher=FIFA}}</ref>
and the 2014 World Cup [[2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stage|Round of 16]] match between [[France national football team|France]] and [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] at the [[Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha|Estádio Nacional]] in Brasilia, the first American to referee in the knockout round of a FIFA World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proreferees.com/news-pro-2014-world-cup-assignments.php|title=PRO 2014 World Cup assignments|publisher=Professional Referee Organization|date=June 28, 2014}}</ref>
and the 2014 World Cup [[2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stage|Round of 16]] match between [[France national football team|France]] and [[Nigeria national football team|Nigeria]] at the [[Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha|Estádio Nacional]] in Brasilia, the first American to referee in the knockout round of a FIFA World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proreferees.com/news-pro-2014-world-cup-assignments.php|title=PRO 2014 World Cup assignments|publisher=Professional Referee Organization|date=June 28, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714235856/http://www.proreferees.com/news-pro-2014-world-cup-assignments.php|archive-date=July 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===2017 FIFA Confederations Cup===
===2017 FIFA Confederations Cup===
Geiger was selected to officiate the [[2017 FIFA Confederations Cup]] in [[Russia]]. In the Group Stage, Geiger officiated the [[2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Group B|Group B]] match between [[Australia national soccer team|Australia]] and [[Germany national football team|Germany]] in [[Sochi, Russia|Sochi]] as well as the [[2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Group A|Group A]] match between [[New Zealand national football team|New Zealand]] and [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] in [[Saint Petersburg, Russia|Saint Petersburg]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Australia-Germany Match Overview|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=274633/match=300334890/index.html#nosticky|publisher=FIFA|date=June 19, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Zealand-Portugal Match Overview|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=274633/match=300334887/index.html#nosticky|publisher=FIFA|date=June 24, 2017}}</ref>
Geiger was selected to officiate the [[2017 FIFA Confederations Cup]] in [[Russia]]. In the Group Stage, Geiger officiated the [[2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Group B|Group B]] match between [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]] and [[Germany national football team|Germany]] in [[Sochi, Russia|Sochi]] as well as the [[2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Group A|Group A]] match between [[New Zealand national football team|New Zealand]] and [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] in [[Saint Petersburg, Russia|Saint Petersburg]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Australia-Germany Match Overview|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=274633/match=300334890/index.html#nosticky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220092339/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=274633/match=300334890/index.html#nosticky|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2017|publisher=FIFA|date=June 19, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Zealand-Portugal Match Overview|url=https://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=274633/match=300334887/index.html#nosticky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220094258/http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/matches/round=274633/match=300334887/index.html#nosticky|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2017|publisher=FIFA|date=June 24, 2017}}</ref>


===2018 FIFA World Cup===
===2018 FIFA World Cup===
Geiger was the worst referee out of 36 referees selected for the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]], working with a North American crew of [[Joe Fletcher (referee)|Joe Fletcher]] from Canada and Frank Anderson from USA.<ref>https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/36-referees-and-63-assistant-referees-appointed-as-russia-2018-match-officials</ref> Geiger served as referee on three matches at the tournament and was VAR on five matches.
Geiger was one of 36 referees selected for the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]], working with a North American crew of [[Joe Fletcher (referee)|Joe Fletcher]] from Canada and Frank Anderson from the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/36-referees-and-63-assistant-referees-appointed-as-russia-2018-match-officials|title=36 referees and 63 assistant referees appointed as Russia 2018 Match Officials|website=FIFA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association|date=March 29, 2018|access-date=April 12, 2020}}</ref> Geiger served as referee on three matches at the tournament and was VAR in five matches.


Geiger’s first assignment was the second group stage match of Group B between [[2018 FIFA World Cup Group B#Portugal vs Morocco|Portugal and Morocco]] where he gave total advantage to portugal. Geiger worked as the [[Video assistant referee|VAR]] In the match between [[2018 FIFA World Cup Group C#Denmark vs Australia|Denmark and Australia]]. During the match he advised the referee, [[Antonio Mateu Lahoz]], to review a possible handball in the penalty area. After review, Lahoz awarded a penalty kick that allowed the Socceroos to score and secure a 1-1 draw.<ref>http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=498181</ref> He subsequently worked as VAR for the Group D match between Argentina and Iceland, the Group E match featuring Belgium and Tunisia and the Round of 16 contest between Uruguay and Portugal before his final assignment in the tournament’s Third Place match.
Geiger's first assignment was the second group stage match of Group B between [[2018 FIFA World Cup Group B#Portugal vs Morocco|Portugal and Morocco]]. Geiger worked as the [[Video assistant referee|VAR]] In the match between [[2018 FIFA World Cup Group C#Denmark vs Australia|Denmark and Australia]]. During the match he advised the referee, [[Antonio Mateu Lahoz]], to review a possible handball in the penalty area. After review, Lahoz awarded a penalty kick that allowed the Socceroos to score and secure a 1–1 draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=498181|title=Australia salvage draw against Denmark with VAR-awarded penalty|website=espn.com|publisher=ESPN|date=June 21, 2018|access-date=April 12, 2020}}</ref> He subsequently worked as VAR for the Group D match between Argentina and Iceland, the Group G match featuring Belgium and Tunisia and the Round of 16 contest between Uruguay and Portugal before his final assignment in the tournament's Third Place match.


Geiger then officiated the Group F third match between [[2018 FIFA World Cup Group F#South Korea vs Germany|South Korea and Germany]].<ref>http://www.sportingnews.com/soccer/news/world-cup-2018-south-korea-germany-marco-reus-timo-werner-laud-son-heung-min/x01b4wpdza3n1r8b8hpr2inyg</ref> South Korea defeated Germany 2-0, but neither team advanced since Sweden defeated Mexico.<ref>https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/match/300331532/#match-summary</ref> He then officiated the controversial match at the Round of 16 game between [[2018 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Colombia vs England|Colombia and England]]. England advanced on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Geiger was selected as one of the final 12 referees on the shortlist to officiate the final or third place play-off match,<ref>{{Cite web |title=PRO referee Mark Geiger among those selected for final phase of World Cup |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/10/pro-referee-mark-geiger-among-those-selected-final-phase-world-cup |work=MLS Soccer |date=10 July 2018 |accessdate=2018-07-11}}</ref> and was ultimately selected to be VAR on the 3rd place match between [[2018 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Third place play-off|Belgium and England]].<ref>https://twitter.com/fifamedia/status/1017489193906425865</ref>
Geiger then officiated the Group F third match between [[2018 FIFA World Cup Group F#South Korea vs Germany|South Korea and Germany]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/soccer/news/world-cup-2018-south-korea-germany-marco-reus-timo-werner-laud-son-heung-min/x01b4wpdza3n1r8b8hpr2inyg|title=World Cup 2018: South Korea vs. Germany preview, players to watch, key stats|website=sportingnews.com|publisher=Sporting News|date=June 25, 2018|access-date=April 12, 2020}}</ref> South Korea defeated Germany 2–0, but neither team advanced since Sweden defeated Mexico.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/match/300331532/#match-summary|title=2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Matches - Korea Republic-Germany|website=FIFA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association|date=June 27, 2018|access-date=April 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705180403/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/match/300331532/|archive-date=July 5, 2018}}</ref> He then officiated at the Round of 16 game between [[2018 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Colombia vs England|Colombia and England]]. England advanced on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Geiger was selected as one of the final 12 referees on the shortlist to officiate the final or third place play-off match,<ref>{{Cite web |title=PRO referee Mark Geiger among those selected for final phase of World Cup |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/10/pro-referee-mark-geiger-among-those-selected-final-phase-world-cup |work=MLS Soccer |date=July 10, 2018 |access-date=July 11, 2018}}</ref> and was ultimately selected to be VAR on the 3rd place match between [[2018 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Third place play-off|Belgium and England]].<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1017489193906425865|user=fifamedia|title=VAR designations for 2018 FIFA World...|date=July 12, 2018}}</ref>

== Controversies ==
Geiger has been criticized for making controversial calls, such as the [[2015 Gold Cup]] semi final between [[Panama national football team|Panama]] and [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]], when he called a controversial penalty for Mexico with Panama up 1–0 in the 90th minute.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-09|title=The controversies that marked Mark Geiger's referee career|url=https://us.as.com/us/2019/01/09/futbol/1547074517_831361.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=AS USA|language=es-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Gaines|first=Cork|date=23 July 2015|title=Panama got screwed by a bogus 89th-minute penalty against Mexico and then went ballistic|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/gold-cup-panama-mexico-penalty-2015-7|access-date=2020-09-18|website=Business Insider}}</ref> He admitted to making mistakes in that match as well.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wells|first=Adam|date=July 25, 2015|title=Referee Admits Game-Altering Errors in Mexico vs. Panama 2015 Gold Cup Semifinal|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2531090-referee-admits-game-altering-errors-in-mexico-vs-panama-2015-gold-cup-semifinal|access-date=2020-09-18|website=Bleacher Report|language=en}}</ref> [[Panamanian Football Federation]] president [[Pedro Chaluja]] said the match was "fixed", and he also wanted FIFA and CONCACAF to investigate.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-07-24|title=Mexico game was fixed - Panama FA chief|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/panama/story/2535280/panama-mexico-game-was-fixed-says-panama-fa-chief|access-date=2020-09-18|website=ESPN.com|language=en}}</ref>


==Retirement==
==Retirement==


On January 9, 2019, Geiger announced that he would retire from refereeing and take up a position within PRO as its director of senior match officials.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 9, 2019 |title=Top American soccer referee Mark Geiger is retiring |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/01/09/top-american-soccer-referee-mark-geiger-is-retiring/38869363/ |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=March 10, 2019}}</ref>
On January 9, 2019, Geiger announced that he would retire from refereeing and take up a position within PRO as its director of senior match officials.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 9, 2019 |title=Top American soccer referee Mark Geiger is retiring |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/01/09/top-american-soccer-referee-mark-geiger-is-retiring/38869363/ |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>


==FIFA World Cup record==
==FIFA World Cup record==
Line 65: Line 71:
! Date !! Match !! Venue !! Round
! Date !! Match !! Venue !! Round
|-
|-
| June 14, 2014 || {{fb|COL}} – {{fb|GRE}} || [[Mineirão|Belo Horizonte]] || Group stage
| June 14, 2014 || {{fb|COL}} 3–0 {{fb|GRE}} || [[Mineirão|Belo Horizonte]] || Group stage
|-
|-
| June 18, 2014 || {{fb|ESP}} – {{fb|CHI}} || [[Maracanã Stadium|Rio de Janeiro]] || Group stage
| June 18, 2014 || {{fb|ESP}} 0–2 {{fb|CHI}} || [[Maracanã Stadium|Rio de Janeiro]] || Group stage
|-
|-
| June 30, 2014 || {{fb|FRA}} – {{fb|NGA}} || [[Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha|Brasília]] || Round of 16
| June 30, 2014 || {{fb|FRA|1974}} 2–0 {{fb|NGA}} || [[Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha|Brasília]] || Round of 16
|-
|-
! colspan="4" | 2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia
! colspan="4" | 2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia
Line 75: Line 81:
! Date !! Match !! Venue !! Round
! Date !! Match !! Venue !! Round
|-
|-
| June 20, 2018 || {{fb|POR}} – {{fb|MAR}} || [[Luzhniki Stadium|Moscow]] || Group stage
| June 20, 2018 || {{fb|POR}} 1–0 {{fb|MAR}} || [[Luzhniki Stadium|Moscow]] || Group stage
|-
|-
| June 27, 2018 || {{fb|KOR}} – {{fb|GER}} || [[Kazan Arena|Kazan]] || Group stage
| June 27, 2018 || {{fb|KOR}} 2–0 {{fb|GER}} || [[Kazan Arena|Kazan]] || Group stage
|-
|-
| July 3, 2018 || {{fb|COL}} – {{fb|ENG}} || [[Otkritie Arena|Moscow]] || Round of 16
| July 3, 2018 || {{fb|COL}} 1–1 {{fb|ENG}} || [[Otkritie Arena|Moscow]] || Round of 16
|-
|-
|}
|}


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Geiger was born on August 25, 1974 and grew up in [[Beachwood, New Jersey]]. After studying teaching at [[Trenton State College]], he became a mathematics teacher at [[Lacey Township High School]] in [[Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey]], a role that he gave up to become a full-time referee. While at Lacey Township High School, Geiger was among 103 recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2010.<ref name="fifa-2014prospectiverefs">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/04/76/97/open_list_prospective_referees__assistants_2014fwcrefereesproject2012_march2013.pdf | title=Open list of prospective referees & assistant referees for the 2014 FIFA World Cup | publisher=FIFA | accessdate=October 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name="whitehouse">{{cite press release | url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-math-and-science-teachers-award-release | title=Presidential Math and Science Teachers Award Release | publisher=The White House | date=June 7, 2010 | accessdate=October 6, 2015 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723125224/https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-math-and-science-teachers-award-release | archivedate=July 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="washpost-refereeprofile">{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/retired-math-teacher-mark-geiger-is-the-only-american-selected-to-referee-the-world-cup/2014/06/10/3a544ad6-efda-11e3-bf76-447a5df6411f_story.html | title=Retired math teacher Mark Geiger is the only American selected to referee the World Cup | work=The Washington Post | date=June 10, 2014 | accessdate=October 6, 2015 | author=Day, Timothy D.}}</ref>
Geiger was born on August 25, 1974, and grew up in [[Beachwood, New Jersey]]. After studying teaching at [[Trenton State College]], he became a mathematics teacher at [[Lacey Township High School]] in [[Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey]], a role that he gave up to become a full-time referee. While at Lacey Township High School, Geiger was among 103 recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2010.<ref name="fifa-2014prospectiverefs">{{cite web | url=https://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/04/76/97/open_list_prospective_referees__assistants_2014fwcrefereesproject2012_march2013.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418025519/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/02/04/76/97/open_list_prospective_referees__assistants_2014fwcrefereesproject2012_march2013.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=April 18, 2013 | title=Open list of prospective referees & assistant referees for the 2014 FIFA World Cup | publisher=FIFA | access-date=October 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name="whitehouse">{{cite press release | url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/presidential-math-and-science-teachers-award-release | title=Presidential Math and Science Teachers Award Release | date=June 7, 2010 | access-date=October 6, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216172118/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/presidential-math-and-science-teachers-award-release | via=[[NARA|National Archives]] | work=[[whitehouse.gov]] | archive-date=February 16, 2017}}</ref><ref name="washpost-refereeprofile">{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/retired-math-teacher-mark-geiger-is-the-only-american-selected-to-referee-the-world-cup/2014/06/10/3a544ad6-efda-11e3-bf76-447a5df6411f_story.html | title=Retired math teacher Mark Geiger is the only American selected to referee the World Cup | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=June 10, 2014 | access-date=October 6, 2015 | author=Day, Timothy D.}}</ref>


==Honors==
==Honors==
* New Jersey Soccer Association Referee of the Year: 2003<ref name="nj-referee-of-the-year" />
⚫
*[[MLS Referee of the Year Award|MLS Referee of the Year]]: [[2011 Major League Soccer season|2011]], [[2014 Major League Soccer season|2014]]
* Morgan J. Hellebuyck North American Officials Award 2006
* Morgan J. Hellebuyck North American Officials Award 2006
⚫
*[[MLS Referee of the Year Award|MLS Referee of the Year]]: [[2011 Major League Soccer season|2011]], [[2014 Major League Soccer season|2014]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.proreferees.com/roster-mark-geiger.php Profile] at Professional Referee Organization
* {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707114743/http://www.proreferees.com/roster-mark-geiger.php |date=July 7, 2014 |title=Profile at Professional Referee Organization}}
* [http://worldreferee.com/site/copy.php?linkType=referee&contextType=bio&linkID=1646 Profile] at worldreferee.com
* {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624121341/http://worldreferee.com/site/copy.php?linkID=1646&linkType=referee&contextType=bio |date=June 24, 2018 |title=Profile at WorldReferee.com}}
* [https://int.soccerway.com/referees/mark-geiger/82588/ Profile] at int.soccerway.com
* {{Soccerway referee|mark-geiger/82588}}
* {{WorldFootball.net referee}}
* {{WorldReferee.com}}


{{CONCACAF Awards}}
{{2014 FIFA World Cup referees}}
{{2014 FIFA World Cup referees}}
{{Major League Soccer referees}}
{{Major League Soccer referees}}
{{2017 FIFA Confederations Cup referees}}
{{2017 FIFA Confederations Cup referees}}
{{2018 FIFA World Cup referees}}
{{2018 FIFA World Cup referees}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Geiger, Mark}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Geiger, Mark}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American schoolteachers]]
[[Category:Schoolteachers from New Jersey]]
[[Category:American soccer referees]]
[[Category:American soccer referees]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer referees]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer referees]]
[[Category:Mathematics educators]]
[[Category:American mathematics educators]]
[[Category:North American Soccer League referees]]
[[Category:North American Soccer League (2011–2017) referees]]
[[Category:People from Beachwood, New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from Beachwood, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Olympic football referees]]
[[Category:Olympic football referees]]
[[Category:Football referees at the 2012 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Football referees at the 2012 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:CONCACAF Champions League referees]]
[[Category:CONCACAF Champions Cup referees]]
[[Category:CONCACAF Gold Cup referees]]
[[Category:CONCACAF Gold Cup referees]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup referees]]
[[Category:2014 FIFA World Cup referees]]
[[Category:2018 FIFA World Cup referees]]
[[Category:2018 FIFA World Cup referees]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Ocean County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Ocean County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Educators from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Copa América Centenario referees]]

Latest revision as of 05:35, 14 July 2024

Mark Geiger
Geiger in 2018
Full name Mark William Geiger
Born (1974-08-25) August 25, 1974 (age 50)
Beachwood, New Jersey, U.S.
Other occupation
Domestic
Years League Role
2002–2004 A-League Referee
2011–2017 NASL Referee
2004–2019 MLS Referee
International
Years League Role
2008–2019 FIFA listed Referee

Mark William Geiger (born August 25, 1974) is an American sports administrator and former soccer referee. He is the senior director of match officials at the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), which oversees domestic referees in Major League Soccer (MLS). Geiger previously officiated in MLS and was on the FIFA International Referees List from 2008 to 2019. At the international level, Geiger refereed the 2012 Olympics, the 2013, 2015, and 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cups, and the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. At the 2014 World Cup, he became the first referee from the United States to officiate a knockout match at a World Cup tournament. Before becoming a full-time referee, Geiger was a high school mathematics teacher.

Refereeing career

[edit]

Geiger first took up refereeing in 1988. In 2003, he was named Referee of the Year by the New Jersey Soccer Association.[1] He became a United States Soccer Federation National Referee in 2003 and officiated in Major League Soccer from 2004 to 2018. He has officiated in CONCACAF tournaments since becoming a FIFA referee in 2008, and has officiated Gold Cup and other international tournaments and fixtures. Geiger was selected for the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in 2011, where he refereed the final.[2]

Geiger officiated at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.[3] He officiated the Group E game between eventual tournament champions Brazil and Austria at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez in Barranquilla.[4] He then took charge of the Group B game between Uruguay and Cameroon at Estadio El Campín in Bogotá.[5] He was appointed to the Round of 16 match between Spain and South Korea at Estadio Palogrande in Manizales.[6] Finally, he refereed the Final with American Assistant Referee Sean Hurd and Canadian Assistant Referee Joe Fletcher, between Brazil and Portugal at Estadio El Campín in Bogotá.[7] This was the first time a referee from the United States has ever officiated a major men's tournament final.[8]

Geiger signalling for advantage during a 2012 MLS match

Geiger was selected as the Major League Soccer referee of the year for the 2011 season, and then again in 2014.[9][10]

In 2012, Geiger was selected as one of 16 referees to officiate at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Geiger took charge of the Group D match between Spain vs. Japan[11] and the quarterfinal between Japan vs. Egypt. In 2013, Geiger was an official at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[12]

Geiger was selected as CONCACAF's representative referee for the 2013 Club World Cup.[13]

2014 FIFA World Cup

[edit]

Geiger was one of 25 referees appointed for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.[14][15] Geiger described the assignment to the World Cup as "an immensely proud moment".[16] Geiger officiated the 2014 World Cup Group C match between Colombia and Greece at the Estadio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte;[17] the 2014 World Cup Group B match between Chile and Spain at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro;[18] and the 2014 World Cup Round of 16 match between France and Nigeria at the Estádio Nacional in Brasilia, the first American to referee in the knockout round of a FIFA World Cup.[19]

2017 FIFA Confederations Cup

[edit]

Geiger was selected to officiate the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. In the Group Stage, Geiger officiated the Group B match between Australia and Germany in Sochi as well as the Group A match between New Zealand and Portugal in Saint Petersburg.[20][21]

2018 FIFA World Cup

[edit]

Geiger was one of 36 referees selected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, working with a North American crew of Joe Fletcher from Canada and Frank Anderson from the United States.[22] Geiger served as referee on three matches at the tournament and was VAR in five matches.

Geiger's first assignment was the second group stage match of Group B between Portugal and Morocco. Geiger worked as the VAR In the match between Denmark and Australia. During the match he advised the referee, Antonio Mateu Lahoz, to review a possible handball in the penalty area. After review, Lahoz awarded a penalty kick that allowed the Socceroos to score and secure a 1–1 draw.[23] He subsequently worked as VAR for the Group D match between Argentina and Iceland, the Group G match featuring Belgium and Tunisia and the Round of 16 contest between Uruguay and Portugal before his final assignment in the tournament's Third Place match.

Geiger then officiated the Group F third match between South Korea and Germany.[24] South Korea defeated Germany 2–0, but neither team advanced since Sweden defeated Mexico.[25] He then officiated at the Round of 16 game between Colombia and England. England advanced on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Geiger was selected as one of the final 12 referees on the shortlist to officiate the final or third place play-off match,[26] and was ultimately selected to be VAR on the 3rd place match between Belgium and England.[27]

Controversies

[edit]

Geiger has been criticized for making controversial calls, such as the 2015 Gold Cup semi final between Panama and Mexico, when he called a controversial penalty for Mexico with Panama up 1–0 in the 90th minute.[28][29] He admitted to making mistakes in that match as well.[30] Panamanian Football Federation president Pedro Chaluja said the match was "fixed", and he also wanted FIFA and CONCACAF to investigate.[31]

Retirement

[edit]

On January 9, 2019, Geiger announced that he would retire from refereeing and take up a position within PRO as its director of senior match officials.[32]

FIFA World Cup record

[edit]
Mark Geiger and goalkeepers Jordan Pickford from England and David Ospina from Colombia before the penalty shootout in the Round of 16
2014 FIFA World Cup – Brazil
Date Match Venue Round
June 14, 2014  Colombia 3–0  Greece Belo Horizonte Group stage
June 18, 2014  Spain 0–2  Chile Rio de Janeiro Group stage
June 30, 2014  France 2–0  Nigeria Brasília Round of 16
2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia
Date Match Venue Round
June 20, 2018  Portugal 1–0  Morocco Moscow Group stage
June 27, 2018  South Korea 2–0  Germany Kazan Group stage
July 3, 2018  Colombia 1–1  England Moscow Round of 16

Personal life

[edit]

Geiger was born on August 25, 1974, and grew up in Beachwood, New Jersey. After studying teaching at Trenton State College, he became a mathematics teacher at Lacey Township High School in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey, a role that he gave up to become a full-time referee. While at Lacey Township High School, Geiger was among 103 recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2010.[33][34][35]

Honors

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Referee of the Year". soccernjsa.com. New Jersey Soccer Association. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  2. ^ "Geiger to referee U-20 final, CCL Round 2". CONCACAF. August 19, 2011. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  3. ^ "U.S. Soccer Referee Mark Geiger and Assistant Referee Mark Hurd to Participate at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia". U.S. Soccer. May 16, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  4. ^ "Match Report - Brazil 3-0 Austria". FIFA. Archived from the original on April 30, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  5. ^ "Match Report - Uruguay 0-1 Cameroon". FIFA. Archived from the original on September 14, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  6. ^ "Match Report - Spain 0-0 Korea Republic". FIFA. Archived from the original on April 10, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  7. ^ "Match Report - Brazil 3-2 Portugal". FIFA. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  8. ^ "Geiger, Hurd and Fletcher to Officiate FIFA U20 World Cup Final". Professional Soccer Referees Association. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  9. ^ "MLS veteran Geiger named Referee of the Year". Major League Soccer. November 10, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  10. ^ "Mark Geiger named MLS Referee of the Year; Paul Scott voted Assistant Referee of the Year". Major League Soccer. November 25, 2014. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  11. ^ "Matchcast - Spain 0:1 Japan". FIFA. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  12. ^ "PRO Referee Roster". Professional Referee Organization. Archived from the original on June 3, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2013.
  13. ^ "FCWC 2013 Appointments of Match Officials" (PDF). FIFA. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 12, 2013.
  14. ^ "Referee trios and support duos appointed for 2014 FIFA World Cup". FIFA. January 15, 2014. Archived from the original on January 15, 2014.
  15. ^ "Referees & Assistant referees for the 2014 FIFA World Cup" (PDF). FIFA. January 14, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 16, 2014.
  16. ^ "Mark Geiger excited to fulfil World Cup dream". Professional Referee Organization. January 20, 2014. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  17. ^ "Referee designations for matches 5-8". FIFA. June 12, 2014. Archived from the original on June 14, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  18. ^ "2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil Match Result: Spain v Chile". FIFA. Archived from the original on June 7, 2014.
  19. ^ "PRO 2014 World Cup assignments". Professional Referee Organization. June 28, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved June 30, 2014.
  20. ^ "Australia-Germany Match Overview". FIFA. June 19, 2017. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017.
  21. ^ "New Zealand-Portugal Match Overview". FIFA. June 24, 2017. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017.
  22. ^ "36 referees and 63 assistant referees appointed as Russia 2018 Match Officials". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. March 29, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  23. ^ "Australia salvage draw against Denmark with VAR-awarded penalty". espn.com. ESPN. June 21, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  24. ^ "World Cup 2018: South Korea vs. Germany preview, players to watch, key stats". sportingnews.com. Sporting News. June 25, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  25. ^ "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Matches - Korea Republic-Germany". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. June 27, 2018. Archived from the original on July 5, 2018. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  26. ^ "PRO referee Mark Geiger among those selected for final phase of World Cup". MLS Soccer. July 10, 2018. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  27. ^ @fifamedia (July 12, 2018). "VAR designations for 2018 FIFA World..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  28. ^ "The controversies that marked Mark Geiger's referee career". AS USA (in Spanish). January 9, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
  29. ^ Gaines, Cork (July 23, 2015). "Panama got screwed by a bogus 89th-minute penalty against Mexico and then went ballistic". Business Insider. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
  30. ^ Wells, Adam (July 25, 2015). "Referee Admits Game-Altering Errors in Mexico vs. Panama 2015 Gold Cup Semifinal". Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
  31. ^ "Mexico game was fixed - Panama FA chief". ESPN.com. July 24, 2015. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
  32. ^ "Top American soccer referee Mark Geiger is retiring". USA Today. Associated Press. January 9, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  33. ^ "Open list of prospective referees & assistant referees for the 2014 FIFA World Cup" (PDF). FIFA. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 18, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  34. ^ "Presidential Math and Science Teachers Award Release". whitehouse.gov (Press release). June 7, 2010. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved October 6, 2015 – via National Archives.
  35. ^ Day, Timothy D. (June 10, 2014). "Retired math teacher Mark Geiger is the only American selected to referee the World Cup". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
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