Viktor Derdo Head of the Referees Committee of the Football Federation of Ukraine Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Education
2. Football Career
3. Ukrainian Football Referee
4. International Recognition
5. Current Position and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Victor Derdo was born in the Soviet Union, where he later pursued higher education at the Odessa Pedagogical Institute named after K.D. Ushynsky. He graduated in 1980 with a degree in Physical Education.

Football Career

Derdo played for various amateur football teams in the Odessa Oblast region before embarking on his career as an official in 1979. He served as an arbitrator for local and regional championships, gradually progressing through the ranks. By 1982, he was officiating matches in the second league of the Soviet Championship and later transitioned to the Transitional League in 1991.

Ukrainian Football Referee

In 1992, Derdo began officiating matches in the Ukrainian Premier League. He reached a milestone in 1995 when he was appointed as the main referee for the Ukrainian Cup Final. Throughout his career, he officiated 32 matches in the Ukrainian Cup and 78 matches in the first and second leagues.

Derdo's exceptional performance earned him recognition as the Best Referee of Ukraine during the 1994/95 and 1996/97 seasons. From 1995 to 2000, he led the Referee Committee of the Odessa Oblast Football Federation. He later held the position of Deputy Head of the Federation from 2002 to 2003.

International Recognition

Derdo's abilities gained international attention, leading to his appointment as an instructor for FIFA and UEFA. He has been involved in various aspects of football arbitration, including observing matches at all levels of Ukrainian competitions.

Current Position and Legacy

Currently, Victor Derdo serves as Deputy Chairman of the Professional Football Committee within the Football Federation of Ukraine. His son, Alexander Derdo, has followed in his footsteps and also became a respected football referee.