England’s opening match at the World Cup against Croatia on Wednesday is refereed by French official Clement Turpin. Multiple outlets report that Turpin’s appointment follows a previous reference to his officiating by Thomas Tuchel, who is now coaching England. Tuchel is said to have once labelled Turpin a “Grade E” referee, a term tied to assessments of match officials.
One report notes that Turpin previously sent Tuchel, then head coach of Bayern Munich, to the stands during Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final meeting with Manchester City, a 1-1 draw. The same accounts state that Turpin is again in charge of a high-profile game for England at the start of the tournament.
The reports do not add new details about any rule violations in the current match, focusing instead on Turpin’s assignment and the earlier “Grade E” remark. The appointment underscores continued scrutiny of referee ratings and past incidents involving the England coach and the official.
