Being in the right place, knowing the rules, managing conflicts, making difficult decisions, leading a team. These are the characteristics of a leader – a positive leader, just like the referees working on every pitch in competitions UEFA and that on Matchday 4 of the Champions League, scheduled for 6 and 7 November, they will take to the pitch with the message “BE A REFEREE!” on their shirts.

An initiative to encourage young people to pursue a career in refereeing and become positive role models both on the pitch and in life. Becoming and being a referee means developing professionalism, technical and athletic skills, problem-solving abilities and leadership. It is a journey of personal growth that is also essential for achieving success in one’s professional life on a daily basis.

Values that are widely shared by Macron, “Official UEFA Referee Match Kit Supplier”, which is partnering with UEFA on this initiative. The message “BE A REFEREE” will in fact be clearly visible on both the front and back of the shirts worn by match officials in all Champions League fixtures. As well as the customised kits, the campaign will also be ‘amplified’ by visual displays on stadium screens and highlighted by commentators before and during matches.

“At work and in life, developing decision-making skills, managing critical issues and conflicts, understanding the subject matter and the rules, and knowing how to lead a team enables you to achieve important goals, – he said Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron. – Whether in a company or on the pitch, these are winning qualities, and the training programme for referees today produces people of this calibre. We wholeheartedly support this initiative and the values it embodies. The role played by referees is crucial, and we are delighted to be able to contribute by providing them with the highest technical quality combined with comfort and practicality.”

“The role of a referee is a very difficult one, and the most important quality required is courage – he declaredRoberto Rosetti, Chairman of the UEFA Referees’ Committee – ”Protecting football and safeguarding the game’s image is our shared goal. UEFA referees are delighted to welcome Macron into our family. We share the same values and face major challenges for the future.”