Rob Munday

Advancements in technology have drastically transformed the sports viewing experience in recent years. With real-time data and customisable camera angles, fans can now follow and support their favourite teams without ever setting foot in a stadium. While the players and heroes on the field may change over time, one thing remains constant in the competitive arena: the ever-controversial officials.

Often vilified for their decisions, referees in football (ok, soccer!) endure intense scrutiny, with abuse becoming common even at the grassroots level. Aiming to shift our perspective on the officials at the heart of “the beautiful game,” Roman Hodel’s immersive documentary turns its camera on FIFA referee Fedayi San, offering us a unique glimpse of the sport from his point of view.

The fans react to every decision FIFA referee Fedayi San makes.

The Game opens on a quiet note, as the stadium gradually fills and San, along with his team of officials, readies himself for the match. But with thousands of eyes on him – including his father’s – the pressure quickly mounts, as every decision he makes provokes a reaction from both players and fans. If football is akin to theatre, there’s no doubt that the officials play the role of the antagonist in this unfolding drama.

With eight cameras present at the match and access to the communications between officials, Hodel provides an unprecedented look at the decision-makers as they navigate the game’s fast-paced action. At just 17-minutes, The Game condenses the referee’s experience into a series of highlights rather than the full 90-minutes. Yet, the director skilfully captures the emotional highs and lows of the match, following San closely while also showcasing fan reactions (even though some were filmed at different games).

San, in the changing room at half-time, replaying a contentious decision on his phone.

However, The Game is most impactful in its quieter moments. When the roar of the crowd fades and is replaced by the soft, hurried breathing of San through his microphone, we catch a glimpse of the isolation that comes with his role. In the changing room at halftime, we witness him anxiously reflecting on a crucial first-half decision, only for a wry smile to cross his face when a commentator acknowledges, “it’s not easy” for the referee.

Being a referee may seem like a thankless job, but Hodel’s short film offers a perspective that might shift that view. Though San endures constant dissent from players during the match, there’s a genuine display of respect at the final whistle, as one team’s captain apologises for his behaviour. On the drive home, San’s father provides a brief light-hearted review of the game and his son’s performance, reminding us that behind this so-called pantomime villain is a real person – a vital distinction if we want to foster empathy for those in the role.