Renowned Serbian official Milorad Mažić has assumed a pivotal role as the head of refereeing at the Russian Football Union. His appointment marks a new chapter for the RFU as it seeks to elevate the standards and consistency of officiating across Russian football. Mažić will begin his duties in Moscow, arriving on June 29, and will participate in the upcoming Russian Premier League referees’ meeting as part of his onboarding. He secured a two-year contract with the RFU, with the possibility of extending for another season based on performance and organizational needs.
Mažić will be supported in his mission by Dalibor Džurdžejvić, a trusted former deputy whose responsibilities include driving improvements to the video assistant referee system and ensuring that VAR decisions are both timely and accurate. Pavel Kamantsev will continue to serve as head of the referees’ jury, maintaining continuity in evaluation and oversight of on-field officiating decisions.
The Serbian official brings a wealth of international experience to his new role. Mažić has officiated at multiple high-profile events, including the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, the 2017 Confederations Cup, and the 2018 UEFA Champions League final. His career has spanned many of football’s most demanding fixtures, underscoring a reputation for precision, composure, and decision-making under pressure. Beyond his on-field duties, Mažić has contributed to the game from a development and education perspective, including governance and judiciary roles in Cyprus and a teaching stint with FIFA, reflecting a broad engagement with global football governance and refereeing standards.
Since September 2022, Mažić has been a member of the expert-judicial commission under the RFU president, a position that emphasizes his involvement in shaping policy and oversight mechanisms for officiating across Russian football. His appointment is viewed within the sport as a signal of the RFU’s commitment to raising refereeing quality through experienced leadership, structured development programs, and closer integration with international best practices.
The decision has been framed within a larger context of reform and modernization in Russian football officiating. As the RFU looks to strengthen the credibility and consistency of refereeing, Mažić’s international perspective, coupled with his track record of high-stakes decision-making, is expected to influence training methodologies, match-day protocols, and the ongoing refinement of video technology in officiating. The collaboration with Džurdžejvić and Kamantsev is poised to deliver a coordinated approach that empowers referees at all levels and aligns Russian standards with global expectations.
Industry observers note that the move could help attract international referees to participate in Russian competitions and foster closer ties with European and world football authorities. For fans and clubs, the emphasis will be on clearer communication from officials, more consistent application of the rules, and a transparent pathway for refereeing development that supports fair play and competitive balance across leagues. The impact of these changes will unfold over the coming seasons as the technical team implements new training modules, performance reviews, and collaborative exchanges with established refereeing bodies in Europe and beyond.
Mažić’s leadership is expected to coincide with a broader cultural shift within Russian football, one that values rigorous standards, continuous education, and accountability. The federation’s governance structures are likely to adapt to emphasize measurable improvements in officiating outcomes, while also ensuring that referees at all levels have access to the latest tools and knowledge necessary to perform at an international level. The overall aim remains clear: to elevate the quality and credibility of officiating, thereby enhancing the integrity and enjoyment of the game for players, coaches, and spectators alike.