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'The World's Richest Referee' Will Be In Charge Of England vs Italy And His Story Is So Bizarre

'The World's Richest Referee' Will Be In Charge Of England vs Italy And His Story Is So Bizarre

He's worth more than some footballers.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

England take on Italy in the Euro 2020 final and it'll be under the watchful eye of Bjorn Kuipers - dubbed 'the world's richest referee.'

The Three Lions are hoping to win their first piece of silverware since 1966 and Kuipers will be in charge at Wembley.

Kuipers has been an international referee for 15 years and you'll recognise his face... but you probably don't know he's worth a ridiculous amount of money.

Per The Sun, the Dutchman was worth a staggering £11.5 million back in 2016 and is a well known entrepreneur in his home country.

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PA

He co-founded supermarket chain Jumbo Kuipers which runs across the Netherlands and Belgium, while also running hair salons alongside his wife Marlies.

The 48-year-old has even been named the best franchisee thanks to his business knowledge.

Kuipers holds a business administration degree from the Radboud University so he clearly knows his stuff.

Although, can you really be worth £11.5 million if you don't know your stuff?

Kuipers has refereed an England vs Italy clash before, but it won't settle England nerves before this weekend.

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PA

Italy defeated England 2-1 at the 2014 World Cup and it was Kuipers on referring duties.

England manager Gareth Southgate is aware of the challenge Italy will offer, with Roberto Mancini's side impressing this summer.

He said following the Demark clash: "It's an incredible occasion to be a part of - we knew it wouldn't be straightforward. We said to the players we'll have to show our resilience and come back from some setbacks, and we've done that tonight.

"The most pleasing thing is that we've given our fans and our nation a fantastic night, and the journey continues on for another four days.

"There's one more massive hurdle to try to conquer. Italy are a very good side. They've shown outstanding form and have defensive warriors at the back who have been through everything. It's something to look forward to."

Do you think England can win Euro 2020?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Euro 2020, England, Italy