Lucas Novelli Sanz
| Born |
May 15, 1986 Tandil, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | |||
| Years | League | Role | |
| Argentine Primera División | Referee | ||
| International | |||
| Years | League | Role | |
| 2021– | FIFA / IFAB (VAR certified) | Video Assistant Referee (VAR) | |
Lucas Ariel Novelli Sanz (born 15 May 1986) is an Argentine football referee and Video Assistant Referee (VAR). He officiates matches organized by the Argentin Football Association (AFA) and has served as a VAR official in international competitions following certification by FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB).[1][2]
Early life
Novelli Sanz is from Tandil, in Buenos Aires Province. In interviews, he has stated that his interest in refereeing was influenced by his family environment and early exposure to local football. Before becoming a full-time referee, he worked outside professional football while progressing through the officiating ranks.[3]
Refereeing career
Novelli Sanz began refereeing in regional competitions before advancing through the AFA system and later officiating matches in Argentina's professional divisions, including the Primera División.[3]
He has spoken publicly about the implementation of VAR in Argentine football, describing it as a technological support tool that assists referees while maintaining the authority of on-field officials.[4]
VAR certification and international role
In 2021, Novelli Sanz was among the first group of Argentine referees to receive official VAR certification from FIFA and IFAB, as announced by the AFA.[2]
In 2024, he was designated as an international VAR referee, enabling him to serve as a video official in CONMEBOL competitions.[5]
Notable assignments
Novelli Sanz has been appointed as a VAR or assistant VAR in high-profile domestic matches. He served as assistant VAR for the 2022 Trofeo de Campeones final between Boca Juniors and Racing Club.[6]
Personal life
According to interviews, Novelli Sanz is married and has children. He has discussed balancing family life with the professional demands of refereeing, particularly after transitioning to full-time officiating.[3]
References
- ^ "Lucas Novelli » Perfil". www.livefutbol.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 January 2026.
- ^ a b "IFAB y FIFA enviaron la certificación de los primeros árbitros VAR" [IFAB and FIFA sent the certification of the first VAR referees]. Sitio Oficial de la Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 January 2026.
- ^ a b c Eco, El. "Hoy, mano a mano con Lucas Ariel Novelli Sanz" [Today, one-on-one with Lucas Ariel Novelli Sanz]. El Eco (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 January 2026.
- ^ Eco, El. "La implementación del VAR, el camino en el arbitraje y las jugadas que definen: un mano a mano con Lucas Novelli" [The implementation of VAR, the path in refereeing and the decisions that define matches: a one-on-one with Lucas Novelli]. El Eco (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 January 2026.
- ^ Eco, El. "Lucas Novelli, internacional para el VAR" [Lucas Novelli appointed as an international VAR official]. El Eco (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 January 2026.
- ^ "Tello será el árbitro de Boca vs. Racing por el Trofeo de Campeones - TyC Sports" [Tello appointed referee for Boca vs. Racing in the Trofeo de Campeones]. www.tycsports.com (in Spanish). 3 November 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2026.