Multi-millionaire referee Jonas Eriksson to officiate Euro 2016 semi-final between Portugal and Wales

For the love of the game

"Even in the competitive world of elite refereeing you wouldn't hear any backbiting about Jonas - he's universally liked and respected."

This is what popular former referee Howard Webb had to say about Jonas Eriksson.

In case you were wondering, he is the man charged with officiating the Portugal versus Wales semi-final clash at Euro 2016. And he is no run-of-the-mill referee either.

Jonas Eriksson is worth $13 Million dollars today, having sold his stocks in a sports media rights agency based in Stockholm in 2007.

A referee from 1994, the 42-year old Swede has also been in charge of other high profile occasions, including the UEFA Super Cup in 2013 between Chelsea and Bayern Munich and the Europa League Finals earlier this year between Sevilla and Liverpool.

He was also a part of the referee panel for the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil and was the fourth official for the Champions League Final between Barcelona and Juventus last year.

According to walesonline.co.uk, Eriksson had this to say about his career;

“I love football and I love to referee. Every week when I step out onto the grass I'm doing what I love most. I've had a fantastic life as a businessman as well, but since 2011 I've dedicated myself to being a professional referee and I'm having the time of my life."

In the money-spinning world of football today, it is indeed refreshing to see someone truly participate for the love of the beautiful game.