Byron Moreno facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Byron Moreno

Moreno in 2021
Full name	Byron Aldemar Moreno Ruales
Born	(1969-11-23) November 23, 1969 (age 53) Quito, Ecuador
Domestic
Years	League	Role
0000–2003	Serie A	Referee
International
Years	League	Role
1996–2003	FIFA listed	Referee

Byron Aldemar Moreno Ruales (born November 23 1969) is an Ecuadorian former football referee who served in the FIFA World Cup as an International Referee from 1996 to 2003.

Refereeing career

During the 2002 FIFA World Cup Moreno refereed the round of 16 match between Italy and co-hosts South Korea on June 18. Following Italy's elimination from the tournament after a 2–1 extra-time loss, Moreno's performance was criticized for several decisions: he awarded South Korea a penalty in the first half, and later disallowed a possible golden goal by Damiano Tommasi for offside, as well as showing a second yellow card to Francesco Totti for an arguable dive in South Korea's penalty area in extra-time while he was 40 yards away from the play.

In September 2002, while seeking election to the Quito City Council, Moreno was suspended for twenty matches and investigated by Ecuadorian football authorities. This came after he made timekeeping errors in a match he officiated between Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito and Barcelona Sporting Club. FIFA also investigated him due to controversies "...in Japan, Italy and South America over the past few months".

In May 2003, in his third game back from his suspension, Moreno was again suspended, for one match, after he sent off three players from visiting Deportivo Quito in a 1–1 draw at Deportivo Cuenca. He retired the following month, blaming low performance marks for his retirement.

Legal trouble

..... In January 2011, he pleaded guilty to the charges in a New York courthouse, facing a possible ten years in prison. ..... He was released from prison 26 months later and returned to Ecuador.

See also

In Spanish: Byron Moreno para niños