Rizzoli to ref World Cup final

Rio de Janeiro - Nicola Rizzoli of Italy will referee the Soccer World Cup final between Germany and Argentina, according to FIFA officials.

With a European and South American team playing, many had expected FIFA to appoint an Asian referee for Sunday's game. However, Jim Boyce, the chairperson of the FIFA's refereeing committee, said Rizzoli would get the duty.

"We choose the best referees for the best matches, and the Italian will referee the final," Boyce said.

FIFA has not yet made an official announcement on the World Cup final, but Massimo Busacca, head of refereeing for FIFA, confirmed that Rizzoli will be in charge of the match.

Rizzoli has already worked three matches at this year's World Cup, including two played by Argentina: A quarter-final victory over Belgium and a group win over Nigeria.

Rizzoli also handled the high-profile match between the Netherlands and Spain on the second day of the tournament.

Rizzoli was the referee for the all-German Champions League final in 2013, when Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in London.