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

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.

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.

“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.

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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.”