El Salvador referee Ivan Barton hits back at Didier Deschamps over World Cup semi-final criticism

El Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton has dismissed criticism from France coach Didier Deschamps over his handling of France’s 2-0 defeat by Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, insisting years of hard work earned him the right to officiate at the highest level.

Deschamps questions referee’s level

Deschamps had publicly raised doubts about Barton’s suitability to take charge of a World Cup semi-final immediately after France’s loss to Spain.

He said: “If I say anything at this moment, I risk being considered a complainer because we lost. But the question I pose to all of you is: does this referee have the required level to officiate a World Cup semi-final?”

The defeat ended France’s hopes of reaching another World Cup final, prompting scrutiny of several refereeing decisions during the match. Deschamps stopped short of detailing specific incidents, but his suggestion that Barton lacked the necessary standard drew widespread attention.

Barton: ‘No comment will shake our convictions’

Speaking to journalist Jorge Ramos in an interview reported by Spanish newspaper AS, Barton responded calmly to the French coach’s remarks, saying they had not unsettled him.

He said: “No, absolutely not. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. We know what we have been through, what we have fought for, and how we deserved it, and we know why we are here. No comment will shake our convictions in our goal.”

Barton stressed that his appointment to such a high-profile fixture was the culmination of a long professional journey rather than an accident or a favour.

He underlined that his pathway through domestic and international refereeing ranks had involved years of preparation, assessment and performance at elite level tournaments before being entrusted with a World Cup semi-final.

Pride in representing a ‘small’ football nation

Away from the controversy, Barton used the opportunity to highlight what his presence on the World Cup stage means for El Salvador and for referees from smaller football nations.

He expressed immense pride in representing El Salvador globally and argued that his career was proof that officials from less heralded footballing countries could rise to the very top of the game.

Barton believes his story can serve as inspiration for referees across Central America and beyond, showing that background and nationality do not have to be barriers to officiating at major tournaments.

Collina praise ‘one of the great achievements’

The referee also revealed that the backing he received from Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, after the semi-final was among the standout moments of his World Cup campaign.

Barton described the congratulations and support from Collina as one of his most significant achievements at the tournament, interpreting it as validation of his performance and confirmation that he met FIFA’s required standards.

While debate over referee decisions remains a staple of major tournaments, Barton’s comments underline his determination not to be drawn into a war of words with one of world football’s most high-profile coaches and his resolve to focus instead on his professional journey and the example he sets for others.