July 25, 2026

A tiny crucifix on referee Iván Barton’s whistle has turned into a global talking point after cameras caught it during the France-Spain World Cup clash — and Barton says it’s no stunt, but a visible sign of the faith that has shadowed his career. Under the World Cup’s brutal glare, where every call is magnified and every mistake can explode, Barton says his first pregame ritual was not physical training but prayer from his Miami hotel balcony, entrusting the day to God. Behind the symbol is family history too: he once wore a cross that belonged to his grandfather.

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