Referee Webb in contention for final

Howard Webb has impressed FIFA's referees chiefs and is still being considered as a candidate for the final, it can be revealed.

The Yorkshire official was not chosen for any of the quarter-finals, prompting speculation that he has missed out on the final.

But a source close to the referees' committee says Webb's handling of three matches so far - Spain vs Switzerland, Italy vs Slovakia and Brazil vs Chile - has been exemplary, especially with two crucial offside decisions made by his assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey.

He also pointed out that Pierluigi Collina did not referee any of the quarters or semis in 2002 before being appointed to the final.

The source told Press Association Sport: "Webb has done really well here and with England out that helps too, so don't read anything into him not refereeing a quarter-final.

"Collina did not in 2002 so it's still very possible.

"It would also help him if it is an all-South American final. If it is two European teams that would probably rule him out, and there would be less of a chance if one European team (makes the final)."

FIFA refused to say whether Sepp Blatter would ratify the referees committee's decision for the final, but it is clear the FIFA president has been embarrassed by two already infamous mistakes.

Apart from the Frank Lampard howler, the Italian referee team led by the hitherto respected Roberto Rosetti missed a blatant offside when Carlos Tevez scored for Argentina against Mexico.

In contrast, Cann got a tight call to rule out a Fabio Quagliarella equaliser for Italy spot on, while Mullarkey was equally praiseworthy for allowing Luis Fabiano's goal in Brazil vs Chile.