English referee Michael Oliver replaced for first World Cup match two days before game
Michael Oliver has been replaced as referee for Ivory Coast v Ecuador due to injury.
The 41-year-old and Anthony Taylor are the two English referees who have been appointed for the World Cup.
Oliver is one of the country’s most experienced officials, having taken charge of 427 Premier League matches since 2010.
He was confirmed to be refereeing the Group E clash between Ivory Coast and Ecuador on June 15 at 12am UK time.
Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring were due to be his assistants.
However, FIFA announced on Friday evening that Oliver will no longer referee the match because of a minor injury.
Francois Letexier has been selected as his replacement, with Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni his chosen assistants.
Letexier refereed the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England, as well as May’s Europa League final with SC Freiburg and Aston Villa.
Has Oliver ever refereed at the World Cup?
Oliver made his first appearance as a World Cup official in 2022.
He officiated the 1-0 win for Costa Rica against Japan in Group E and a 2-1 Mexico victory against Saudi Arabia in Group C.
Furthermore, Oliver took charge of the quarter-final between Croatia and Brazil, which the former won on penalties.
Although he will miss Ivory Coast v Ecuador, FIFA say he is expected to become available for selection again in the coming days.
Who else is playing in Group E?
Ivory Coast and Ecuador will begin their World Cup campaigns at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The other opening fixture sees 2014 champions Germany take on debutants Curacao at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on June 14.
Germany v Ivory Coast and Ecuador v Curacao are the second fixtures in Group E.
Then, it’s Curacao facing Ivory Coast and Ecuador against Germany in their bids to qualify for the last 32.
Whoever finishes top meets the best third-placed side out of Groups A, B, C, D and F.
The runners-up will go up against the second-placed side in Group I, which will be one of France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
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