To guide the matches in the right direction, you need a strong team of referees. We spoke with Steve Janssen about his experiences during the Otten Innovation Cup.
What do you think of the Otten Innovation Cup?
“It’s a fantastic tournament. The teams are well prepared, the level is high, and that’s what makes this tournament stand out from others. With the new rules, it’s certainly different from what we’re used to. At first, it took some getting used to, but now we’ve got it under control.
This is my second year here. Compared to my first edition in 2024, the rules are largely the same. But after an entire season working with the standard rules, it does take a little adjustment to switch back. Overall, everything is well organized again, and the quality of the referee team is just as strong as last year.”
What do you think of the new rules? Do you feel some of them improve the game?
“Last year I was a bit conservative, wondering if these rules would really make a difference. But the reality is, they do. The game is much faster, much more dynamic. As a referee, you also notice that players have far less time to complain, so the game just continues. If a player isn’t paying attention, they’ll find themselves out of position and facing the consequences, which can hurt their team. It forces players to stay much more focused – that’s a real step forward.
As for playing time, you might think: two halves of 20 minutes, no problem. But with effective time, you’re actually busy for 60 to 70 minutes.”
You mentioned players have less time to waste on things like time-wasting. Do you notice them trying new ways to manage this?
“Not really. Yesterday, during Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC against Chelsea FC, I did notice that after Chelsea scored 1-0 in the 38th minute, the Jeonbuk players were eager to grab the ball and continue, while Chelsea took their time. But it doesn’t matter – it’s about effective time.
For referees, sometimes a free kick is a welcome break as well. For us, it’s also 40 minutes of total focus, with very few pauses.”
What has been a highlight of the tournament for you?
“I have to mention the refcam. It was introduced here and gives the audience a new perspective. I’ve already seen footage being used on social media, which makes for a unique experience.
It also allows us referees to review match situations afterwards and evaluate ourselves more critically. It’s still in the pilot phase internationally, so it’s great that we can test it here at the Otten Innovation Cup and see how it can be developed further.”
Where do you see yourself in five years as a referee?
“In the short term, my goal is to make my debut in the First Divisie and earn a contract with the KNVB. Looking five years ahead, I hope to be refereeing at the highest level in the Netherlands. You always have to dream.”
Are there officials who stood out at this tournament?
“Definitely. We’re here with a diverse group, all part of the KNVB’s talent pathway. That means the foundation is strong. What’s nice is that there are some new referees who are here for the first time. It’s great to see them in action – they’ve done really well.
There are also referees coming back after long injuries, some of them out for a year. It’s wonderful that they can get back into rhythm again. One of them will even referee the final, which is fantastic for him.”
You’re about to referee your last match of the tournament. What do you expect from it?
“It’s Chelsea FC against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC again. I expect the same recipe as yesterday: it was very tight, almost like a chess match. I think it will be similar again, because no team wants to finish last in a tournament.”
Finally, what is the key takeaway for you as a referee from this tournament?
“The refcam is definitely a great addition, but also the ability to review full matches is valuable – and not just with a simple bodycam, but with high-quality cameras.
On top of that, the organization is excellent, and the staff of the Otten Innovation Cup are incredibly friendly. That makes this not only a sporting challenge, but also a very enjoyable tournament for us referees to be part of.”