Dave Gantar

David Gantar (born June 27, 1975) is a retired Canadian soccer referee from Edmonton, Alberta. He officiated as a referee for the Professional Referee Organization (PRO). He has been a Canadian National Referee since 2004, and became a FIFA Referee in 2011. Gantar had a highly successful first year of international duty, officiating at three international tournaments — including one major tournament — and in the CONCACAF Champions League and 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualification.

Early life Gantar grew up in the North Edmonton community of Kilkenny, where he played youth soccer. He completed his first referee clinic at the age of 12 and began officiating local matches. He advanced quickly through the refereeing ranks, developing a long-term interest in officiating.

Career

Gantar had a successful first year as a FIFA referee, attending three international tournaments. His year included appointment to the Gold Cup (the continental championship) ahead of fellow Canadian FIFA Referee Paul Ward. The appointment came despite Ward's seniority and experience; coupled with Gantar's inclusion on CONCACAF's Elite Referee List.

He was the match referee for international friendlies involving the Brazil national team twice in 2013 and 2014, and Colombia twice in 2014. Brazil and Colombia are among the most prominent international sides he officiated.

On April 27, 2019, Gantar was the match official for the inaugural match of the Canadian Premier League.

Gantar retired following the 2021 season. His final match was the 2021 Canadian Championship Final.

His unofficial final refereeing appearance took place on June 4, 2022, at John Barnett School in the Kilkenny neighbourhood of Edmonton, Alberta—the same field where he had officiated his first match and where he grew up.

He is a founding member of the Grande Prairie Soccer Referees Association and the Grande Prairie Men's League.

Tournament statistics

Card statistics

Statistics for all competitions, including domestic, CONCACAF and international friendlies/tournaments.

Honours Award of Excellence (Alberta Soccer Association): 2021 Ray Morgan Memorial Award: 2018 International Achievement Award (Canada Soccer): 2017