The Impossible Job

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
At last a book on the referees that does justice to their incredible and irreplaceable contribution to football. In contrast to the dimwitted caricatures that dominate fan cultures, William Ralston’s impossible job - by turns sharp empathetic and funny - captures elite referee’s humanity, integrity and talents. It is hard after reading this book not to see referees, not to see referees who facet impossible and contradictory demands of the game, as the heroes of the spectacle. – David Goldblatt, author of THE BALL IS ROUND
A superb insight into football’s most misunderstood subject. We all read the game differently—but do we really know the rules? – Jamie Carragher
A brilliantly researched and impeccably written study of the most misunderstood position in football. Ralston uses his access, contacts and first-hand experience to cut through decades of rage, prejudice and wilful ignorance, and in so doing achieves the impossible feat: depicting referees as recognisably human. – Jonathan Liew
A gripping, immersive, and deeply humane portrait of a group of people whose work has long been unseen and misunderstood. – Rory Smith, author of EXPECTED GOALS
Refereeing is not about being liked, but about being trusted and trust is hard to earn, easy to lose. This book understands that. – Slavko Vincic * 2024 Champions League final referee *
Loving football from the perspective of someone who enforces the rules gives you a different way of seeing the game. This book captures the complexity of an often criticised role and the emotional weight referees carry. It shows the human being behind the referee – their emotions, his fears, and joys. – Marco Guida * Champions League and Serie A referee *
An important and deeply human portrait of referees — crucial in a football culture increasingly shaped by suspicion and conspiracy theories. – Carlos Clos Gómez * Director of VAR in La Liga *
Meticulously researched and superbly written, this book takes you behind the scenes like never before. A must for all football fans. – Darren Cann * 2010 World Cup Final Assistant Referee *
The Impossible Job delves deep into the emotional rollercoaster that is refereeing, revealing the demands and challenges faced by referees at all levels like never before. – Anthony Taylor * Premier League and Champions League referee *

William Ralston is a freelance writer living in London. His work has appeared in the Financial Times, GQ, the Guardian, Vanity Fair, and Wired, among other publications. He won the Best Sportswriting award at the 2023 British Journalism Awards.

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