Two British referees make World Cup list

England's Graham Poll and Hugh Dallas, of Scotland, have both been selected to officiate at this summer's World Cup. The two British referees are among 72 (36 referees and 36 assistant referees) who will take part in the tournament in Japan and South Korea.

England's Graham Poll and Hugh Dallas, of Scotland, have both been selected to officiate at this summer's World Cup. The two British referees are among 72 (36 referees and 36 assistant referees) who will take part in the tournament in Japan and South Korea.

Dallas, having previously been involved in France 1998, becomes only the second Scottish official to make it to two World Cups finals.

Dallas said: "Being there in France in 1998 was fantastic and this will be another brilliant experience. It is a great honour to be selected again for the World Cup finals because they are the highlight of anyone's career."

Dallas could find himself officiating in the later stages after an impressive display in the quarter-final between Italy and the hosts four years ago.

According to a statement from Fifa, football's governing body, a seminar will be held before the event at which referees will be issued with directives aimed at clamping down on diving, excessive use of force and the outlawed tackle from behind.

Other familiar faces among the referees will be the Italian Pierluigi Collina, widely regarded as the best in the world, and Denmark's Kim Nielsen, who sent off David Beckham during England's match against Argentina at France 98.