We know Cédric COTREL as Regional Director of Paris region in France and as the newly appointed Regional Director for the Nord & Normandy regions, but there are fewer of us who know his career as a football referee. On the occasion of the Euro, let’s go back to a passion: football.
What has been your career as a referee?
I started refereeing in 1989 in the Somme district and the Picardy league, then I became a central referee for the French Football Federation from 1998 to 2013. I officiated in the French professional championship for 15 years (CFA / National / League 2 / League 1).
I refereed about 700 matches at National level and I was lucky enough to go and referee in Reunion and Guadeloupe for the French Cup.
Where does this passion for football come from?
It is a family passion because I am the 4th generation of referee. My father passed on this passion to me at a very young age because I often followed him. He had a magnificent career, he was appointed International Assistant Referee in the 90s and I wanted to follow him. At the beginning it was a challenge between him and me, I was lucky to have my father as a model both in terms of this passion and professionally.
Do you find similarities between your position at ATALIAN and your position as referee?
Yes, of course, in terms of management, conflict management, knowing how to manage different personalities, deciding quickly, taking responsibility for decisions, absorbing the pressure and the constant questioning, humility and managerial rigour. Arbitration is a great school of life.