Michel Vautrot

Who is Michel Vautrot?

Michel Vautrot is a retired football referee from France. He is mostly known for supervising 5 matches in the FIFA World Cup: two in 1982 and three in 1990. He refereed the Club World Cup final in 1983 on National Stadium Tokyo between Hamburg S.V. and Grêmio F.B.P.A.. Also refereed three European Championships in 1984 in 1988, including the final game between the USSR and the Netherlands. In addition, he refereed in the European Cup 1985–86, including the final game between the FC Steaua Bucharest and FC Barcelona.

In 1986, Roma president Dino Viola was banned by UEFA because Roma had bribed referee Michel Vautrot with £50,000 prior to the European Cup semi-final 2nd leg between Roma and Dundee United in 1984. Roma trailed Dundee United 2-0 from the 1st leg at Tannadice Park, and sought to bribe Vautrot to ensure their passage to the final which was to be held at their own stadium. Roma went on to win the 2nd leg 3-0, aided by a very clear penalty decision and after 2 goals disallowed by the referee. After the game the Scottish Football association representative at UEFA Ernie Walker demanded a probe.