Juan Carlos Loustau, born on July 13, 1947, is a former Argentine international referee who officiated for FIFA from 1981 to 1992, with a prestigious appearance at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. He was a standout figure in Argentine refereeing: across South America he handled two Copa Libertadores finals, officiated in two Copa América tournaments, and also worked at the 1987 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
His international career was significant as well. Loustau refereed the Intercontinental Cup match between Barcelona and São Paulo and was also appointed to officiate at the Olympic Games. Unsuccessful as a footballer, he began refereeing in youth and lower divisions before being promoted to the top flight.
Loustau’s career as a FIFA international referee
The Argentine referee was part of FIFA’s officiating list from 1981 to 1992. During that period he accumulated several major international assignments, culminating in officiating at the 1990 World Cup in Europe. He attended the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, a year later he was invited to officiate at the Seoul Olympic Games, and then he arrived in Italy to handle selected World Cup matches.
In an interview with Infobae, Loustau said that when he learned he would referee Germany against the Netherlands at the World Cup, “a chill ran down my spine,” but he later framed it as a major challenge. “I was assigned nothing less than a true early final, not only because of the quality of the two teams, but also because it was played in that city,” he stated.
That match had the particularity that the top German stars played for Inter Milan, while the Dutch stars were at AC Milan—meaning the city’s fiercest rivalry was mirrored on the pitch. How did that battle end? A 2–1 victory for Germany, with two red cards.
During that same trip to Italy, Juan Carlos Loustau said he visited major Italian cities, had a private meeting with Pope John Paul II, and recalled that in that conversation the pontiff expressed joy at the referee’s nationality.
Despite his work and FIFA trajectory—and after being selected among the best—Juan Carlos said his son (Patricio) was better in the profession because “he officiated three Copa América tournaments, the Copa Libertadores final at the Maracanã between two Brazilian teams, and finals between Boca and River.”
Participation in disciplinary and institutional roles
Within the AFA (Argentine Football Association), Juan Carlos Loustau served both as a referee and as Director of the Referees’ School. He was a professional football referee (1973 to 1993) and Director of the Referees’ School (1993 to 2001). His record includes iconic matches in Argentine football, such as several Superclásicos between Boca Juniors and River Plate.
Beyond being consistent and technically sound in his work, over time Loustau deepened his understanding of the profession and said that refereeing a match “puts you on the same level as the fan’s feeling.” In multiple interviews he explained that he always prioritized advantage “to make the sport flow.”
In the institutional sphere he consistently defended his colleagues and, drawing on experience, sought to strengthen the leadership structure of Argentine refereeing. In addition to his AFA work, he is highly regarded for influencing referee development and training.
Refereeing education and FIFA development work
From 2002 to 2010, Juan Carlos Loustau was appointed as an instructors’ instructor and as a referee coach for FIFA’s Development Department. This was a significant position, aligned with his earlier experience at football’s top governing body and with his practical work training fellow referees.
Given his institutional impact and his contribution to ethical and disciplinary formation, Loustau became a valuable asset to FIFA in that department, supported by his command of the Laws of the Game, regulatory frameworks, and on-field football culture.
It is no coincidence that he was appointed to referee Germany vs. the Netherlands at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, widely described as one of the most tense and “heated” matches before the knockout rounds.
Juan Carlos Loustau built a profile as a formative, institutional, and international referee. He earned strong consideration from the AFA—the governing body of Argentine football—and was valued by FIFA, the sport’s top global organization. A referee who remains recognized and who extended the refereeing legacy through his children.
