He expelled Totti in 2002 and then was imprisoned for 5 years in the United States

Born in the city of Quito, Ecuador, Byron Moreno had a brief but highly controversial international refereeing career spanning just seven years. He is perhaps most remembered for his officiating of the 2002 World Cup match between South Korea and Italy.

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During the round of 16 match, Moreno sent off Italian captain Francesco Totti for alleged simulation, a decision that was widely criticized. He also disallowed a legitimate Italian goal and awarded a penalty to South Korea.

Both Totti and then-Italy manager Giovanni Trapattoni, as well as the Italian media, accused Moreno of bias in favor of the Asian hosts. The Italian sports newspaper, Corriere dello Sport, conducted an investigation and concluded that South Korea had been favored in their matches against both Italy and Spain to advance further in the tournament.

Suspension and Subsequent Arrest

Following the highly controversial match, Moreno was suspended for 20 games by the Ecuadorian Football Association and faced an investigation. After serving his suspension, he returned to refereeing but was soon suspended again for issuing multiple unjust red cards in a domestic match.

A month later, Moreno decided to retire from refereeing. However, controversy continued to follow him. In 2010, he was arrested at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport and charged with attempting to smuggle six kilograms of heroin into the United States. Moreno was convicted and sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Legacy of Controversy

Byron Moreno's name remains synonymous with controversial refereeing. His decisions in the 2002 World Cup match continue to be debated by football fans around the world. The Italians, in particular, feel that Moreno's performance robbed them of a place in the quarterfinals.

The case of Byron Moreno serves as a reminder of the immense pressure that referees face and the potential consequences of making high-profile mistakes. It also highlights the importance of fair play and the need for accountability in sports.