Piero Daniel Maza Gómez: The Rise of a Chilean International Referee
In the high-pressure world of professional football, few roles are as demanding as that of the match official. Piero Daniel Maza Gómez has emerged as one of Chile's most prominent figures in this field, ascending from domestic leagues to the pinnacle of international football. Born on October 25, 1984, in Santiago, Chile, Maza has built a reputation for precision and composure on the pitch.
Maza's career is characterized by a steady climb through the ranks of the Chilean Primera División and a successful transition into the global arena under the auspices of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association).
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Key Facts
- Full Name: Piero Daniel Maza Gómez
- Nationality: Chilean
- FIFA Listed: Since 2018 (Referee) and 2021 (Video Official)
- Major Milestone: Officiated the 2022 Finalissima between Italy and Argentina
- Domestic Honor: Named Chilean Primera División Best Referee in 2025
Professional Refereeing Journey
Domestic Beginnings
Maza began his journey in the Chilean Primera División during the 2014–15 season. He made his professional debut on July 27, 2014, officiating a match between Cobresal and Palestino. His consistent performance in the national league paved the way for his international recognition.
International Ascent and FIFA Recognition
In 2018, Maza achieved a significant milestone by being added to the FIFA International Referees List. This allowed him to officiate prestigious CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) club competitions. His first Copa Sudamericana match took place on April 10, 2018, between LDU Quito and Guabirá, followed by his Copa Libertadores debut on May 24, 2018, in a clash between Emelec and Santa Fe.
As technology integrated into the sport, Maza adapted quickly. In 2021, he was added to the FIFA list as a video match official, specializing in VAR (Video Assistant Referee), a system that allows officials to review decisions using video footage.
High-Stakes Finals and Tournaments
Maza has been entrusted with some of the most intense matches in South American football. He served as an assistant VAR official for the first leg of the 2018 Copa Libertadores Finals (Boca Juniors vs. River Plate) and the second leg of the 2018 Copa Sudamericana Finals (Atlético Paranaense vs. Junior). He continued this trend in the 2019 Copa Libertadores Final and the 2020 Recopa Sudamericana.
On September 4, 2021, he reached a domestic peak by officiating the 2021 Copa Chile final between Colo-Colo and Everton.
Global Experience and the Finalissima
Beyond South America, Maza has officiated in the Saudi Professional League (Al-Fayha vs. Al-Nassr) and the Peruvian Liga 1. His international portfolio also includes the 2017 South American U-15 Championship, the 2019 South American U-20 Championship, the 2019 Copa América, and the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The crowning achievement of his career came on May 30, 2022, when he was appointed as the referee for the Finalissima. This senior international match featured the UEFA Euro 2020 winners, Italy, against the 2021 Copa América winners, Argentina.
Career Summary Table
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Competition/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Professional Debut | Chilean Primera División |
| 2018 | FIFA Listed Referee | International Matches |
| 2021 | FIFA Video Official | VAR Assignments |
| 2022 | Main Referee | Finalissima (Italy vs. Argentina) |
| 2025 | Best Referee | Chilean Primera División |
Administrative Challenges
Maza's career was not without controversy. On April 4, 2022, he and ten other referees were dismissed by Javier Castrilli, the head of the Chilean football referees committee, who claimed the move was intended to create opportunities for younger officials. However, following pressure from the referees' union, Maza and his colleagues were reinstated within days, and Castrilli was subsequently dismissed by the Football Federation of Chile.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Piero Maza become a FIFA referee?
Piero Maza was added to the FIFA International Referees List in 2018.
What is the most prestigious match Maza has officiated?
The most prominent match of his career was the 2022 Finalissima, where he served as the referee for the match between Italy and Argentina.
Does Piero Maza have experience with VAR?
Yes, Maza was added as a FIFA-listed video match official in 2021 and has served as an assistant VAR in several major finals, including the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
Which domestic award has Maza received?
Maza was recognized as the Chilean Primera División Best Referee in 2025.
Has Maza officiated matches outside of South America?
Yes, he has officiated matches in the Saudi Professional League and served as a video referee for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.