The Impossible Job

The Truly Unbelievable World of Football Referees

'William Ralston reveals the reality of refereeing. Ritually abused and remorselessly undermined by the VAR system, referees still know what they’re doing' Michael Calvin, author of The Nowhere Men

‘By turns sharp, empathetic, and funny – The Impossible Job captures elite referees’ humanity, integrity, and talents’ David Goldblatt, author of The Ball is Round
___________________

Booed by crowds. Sworn at by players. Spat on from the stands. Threatened, accused, hated. Welcome to the world of football refereeing.

We watch referees every week. But almost none of us understand what the job really demands.

In this meticulously reported 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.

An unprecedented look inside refereeing, The Impossible Job will change the way you watch football forever.
___________________

'This book helps you understand the complexities of an often criticised role.' Marco Guida, Champions League and Serie A referee.

'Delves deep into the emotional rollercoaster that is refereeing, revealting the demands and challengs faced by referees at all levels like never before' Anthony Taylor, Premier League and Champions League referee.

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.