Pavel Královec

Pavel Královec, the most successful Czech football referee of the 21st century, reveals the behind-the-scenes world of domestic and international football in this candid memoir. He started as a sixteen-year-old referee in the Domažlice region and, through sheer perseverance, worked his way up to Europe's refereeing elite. He has officiated at Champions League matches, European Championships, and the Olympic Games. With perspective and humour, he recounts his journey to the top, his first mistakes, controversial decisions, and the immense pressure referees face. He doesn't shy away from his own errors, penalties, or the moments that divided fans and the football community. He shares dramatic stories from Czech stadiums, tense derbies, and the backstage process of introducing the VAR video-assisted referee. He also offers a glimpse into his relationships with players, coaches, officials, and the famous personalities of European football. How did Messi behave? What about Ronaldo? Which global football star surprised him? And what is his relationship with the Czech football 'fixers'?