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Panama’s Gabriel Victoria is a binman by day… but will live his dream as an assistant referee in Russia

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FANS will often accuse officials of making some rubbish decisions.

But World Cup linesman Gabriel Victoria will not take too much offence at that suggestion.

Gabriel Victoria is the Panamanian binman set to serve as an assistant referee at this summer's World Cup in Russia
Gabriel Victoria is the Panamanian binman set to serve as an assistant referee at this summer’s World Cup in Russia
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Panama's Gabriel Victoria is an assistant referee, as well as Panama City binman
Panama’s Gabriel Victoria is an assistant referee, as well as Panama City binman
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That is because back home in Panama he works full-time cleaning the streets as a BINMAN!

It has been a long, but mainly clean, road for Victoria, who combines his work as a Fifa official with picking up litter in Panama’s capital city.

Victoria, who has cleaned the streets of Panama City for 25 years, is one of 99 officials involved at the biggest event in world football.

Back home, the grandfather of two, kicks off his long day at 3am.

Gabriel Victoria has been a binman in Panama City for the last 25 years
Gabriel Victoria has been a binman in Panama City for the last 25 years
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Gabriel Victoria is one of just two Panamanian match officials at the World Cup
Gabriel Victoria is one of just two Panamanian match officials at the World Cup
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“This work is not easy. Every day I get up at 3am, at around 5am we are already on the street doing the rounds.

“At 11am I go home to rest a little and in the afternoon I go to full training as referee.”

Victoria has been refereeing for 20 years but this will be his first World Cup finals, where he will join countryman John Pitti, a ref.

The binman said: “It has been a very positive path for me and for my partner, John Pitti.

Gabriel Victoria is taking a break from his day job to serve in Russia
Gabriel Victoria is taking a break from his day job to serve in Russia
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Dad-of-three Gabriel Victoria is excited at the prospect of his time in Russia
Dad-of-three Gabriel Victoria is excited at the prospect of his time in Russia
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Gabriel Victoria has worked as a match official for 20 years, 11 at international level
Gabriel Victoria has worked as a match official for 20 years, 11 at international level
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Gabriel Victoria still keeps his day job as a binman in Panama City
Gabriel Victoria still keeps his day job as a binman in Panama City
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“There were four years of preparation, physical and written tests, seminars and presence in several international matches.

“Thank God it will be our first time in a senior World Cup. With effort and sacrifice I have achieved wonderful things.

“Fight for your dreams. It is difficult — but not impossible.”


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