WHISTLE OF HOPE IS FITTING TRIBUTE TO HOMELESS WORLD CUP REFEREE (Day 6)

For every similarity the Homeless World Cup shares with its FIFA equivalents, there’s a difference. The back stories of the players. The format of the football. And, if you were being playful, you could say the respect shown to the referees.

While the professionals might not always see eye to eye with officials, it’s often a different story at this tournament.

At the 18th edition in Sacramento, the mutual respect has been evident. Young fans have waved signs saying ‘Thank You Referees’ and ‘Great Job Referee’. Officials have stopped play to tie the laces of a player. But perhaps the most poignant manifestation of these values is the Whistle of Hope, an award made in the memory and spirit of a very special member of the Homeless World Cup family, who sadly passed away last year.

A key part of the international group of volunteer referees, Hary Milas brought personality, positivity and professionalism to every pitch he walked on. Taking charge of a Russia versus Croatia tie back at his first tournament in Melbourne 2008, a challenge from a Russian player gave Hary no choice but to send the player off. But it was how he handled the situation that’s birthed a legacy that lives on in Sacramento. Hary chose to show the card with respect, in a quiet way, something that meant the world to a player on a journey. After the game, Hary offered him his whistle to mark the moment. The ‘Whistle of Hope’ was born.

In every tournament since that Australian edition, Hary has handed out the whistle to players who embody the ethos of sportsmanship. While he may not be in Sacramento in person, Hary’s spirit is stronger than ever. Yesterday at the 20th anniversary event, Austria’s women showed amazing attitude during a defeat to France, trying their best despite the scoreline, and most importantly enjoying the occasion. This endeavour saw the referee hand them Hary’s Whistle of Hope. Today, they took to the pitch to receive applause from the Californian crowds, picking up the day’s FIFPRO Award at the same time.

Earlier in the tournament, Nikos Theodoridis was a worthy Whistle of Hope winner. A former business owner now in his 60s, Nikos fell into homelessness following the financial crash of 2009. Selling a street paper he used to buy, he’s now kicking a ball as part of a team for the first time in Sacramento. And he’s Greek, a heritage Hary shared.

The second stage of the men’s tournament took some twists and turns today. Reigning champions Mexico found themselves 3-1 down to Northern Ireland way into the second half, a calm side foot finish from captain Osama the pick of the Northern Irish goals, with keeper Holland making a string of saves Pat Jennings would have been proud of. But Mexico are trophy holders for a reason. Not to be outdone, their number nine stepped up with a quick hattrick to win the game 4-3. Watch both of these teams as the tournament moves into its final two days.

Mexico’s women’s team matched their male counterparts last time round in Cardiff, picking up the silverware in the warm Welsh weather. But it wasn’t their night tonight, beaten 5-4 by South American rivals Chile in an enthralling game. They later bounced back to beat the Finns 12-0.

Tomorrow sees the final evening’s play in Sacramento, before an early start on Saturday for finals day. Whatever happens on the pitch, you can be sure the Hary Milas’ Whistle of Hope will be playing loud and proud.