Ricardo Arellano

Ricardo Arellano Nieves (born May 5, 1976 in Aguascalientes City) is a Mexican football referee who became professional in 2003.

His debut at the Primera Division de Mexico was in 2007.

He won the "Balon de Oro[1]" in Mexico and got his distinction as an international referee in 2010 (Mexican FIFA Referees).[2]

Up to now, Arellano Nieves has officiated more than 130 matches as a central referee in the Primera Division de Mexico, including play-offs. In the Liga de Ascenso, Ricardo completed around 56 matches.

As international referee, Ricardo Arellano has participated in the 2012 Toulon Tournament[3] officiating three matches, including the third place play-off between France and Netherlands. He received satisfactory comments regarding his participation and was pre-selected for the final match, in which he could not participate because the Mexico was involved in it. He has also participated in the 2011 Pan American Games,[4] pre-World Cup 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup,[5] CONCACAF Champions League[6] and North America SuperLiga.[7]

Ricardo has participated several times in the marathon "Guadalupano"[8] in Aguascalientes city, which is in honour of the Virgin of Guadalupe.[9] In 2009, he was number 482 and his time was 1h 15' 35".