Ucell is the second largest cellular operator which is part of Sweden-Finnish groupTeliaSonera,presented exclusive opportunity to several journalists at the beginning of a year. In the Head Office of the Company there was held an exclusive interview with Mr. Ravshan Irmatov who is recognized as a pride of Uzbekistan and FIFA referee of highest rank, as well he became “The best referee of 2011”, and for the fourth consecutive time “The best referee in Asia”. Irmatov cooperates with Ucell in various advertisement and social projects.

In his interview, Ravhsan Irmatov said that the referees are under huge pressure. He said that players, coaches and media put pressure to referees. He added that if referee is ready to all, it is 100% success.

At the same time, Ravshan Irmatov said that speed in football is growing and it creates some difficulties for referee. He said that sometimes it is difficult to make decision in several seconds, and to determine correctness of this or that decision, it is required to review episodes 5-6 times.

Irmatov underlined that it is time to introduce changes. But at the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the referee gets information in several seconds. He said that FIFA and UEFA carry out experiments with various systems.

Speaking about his work at the pitch, he said: “I excuse many things to players as I was former football player. I do not want to work with them only with cards. Yellow and red are only tools for game management.”

“I try to understand them and want them to understand me. I want only one thing – opponents respect each other and the match. Pele once said that football is great game. Football fans arrive to the match to see beautiful combinations and game. Let’s save this in football,” he said.

To the question which match was difficult for you, Irmatov answered that in his career he does not have unmanaged matches. He said that semifinal match of the FIFA 2010 World Cup between the Nethweland and Uruguay was difficult due to physical and psychological preparation. He added that his brigade officiate the quarterfinal match and it was difficult to recover within three days.

Speaking about his idols in football, he said that he get inspiration from Pierluigi Collina and Lionel Messi. Irmatov said that he believes that Pierluigi Collina is the best referee of last 20 years and he sacrificed many for work as referee.

Speaking about player, Irmatov said Messi without doubt. He said that he was impressed with the match between Barcelona and Santos, which he officiated recently.

“I didn’t come to this decision at once. And we don’t have financial benefits between us. Thanks God, I can support my family easily by means of my profession. I observed and learnt goals of Ucell and its art of demonstration itself. I liked it all,” Irmatov said.

“Our point of view and goals are more alike. Being a professional referee and a person I always strive to the development and achieve highest level, as well Ucell has the same goals, the brand which wishes for being the best and brightest. This company implements many charitable projects, such as, development of children sport, even use own efforts onattracting kids from orphanages to football. I can’t be in the background on it; I would like to contribute to the society, especially to the children. I want them to be proud of being a child from Uzbekistan and our victories should inspire them. That’s why I don’t stop working on myself,” – replied the best referee of 2011.