# Valentin Ivanov

> Russian footballer and referee (born 1961)

**Wikidata**: [Q312462](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312462)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentin_Ivanov_(footballer,_born_1961))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/valentin-ivanov-q312462

## Summary
Valentin Ivanov is a Russian former association football player and referee, born on July 4, 1961. A recipient of the prestigious Master of Sport of the USSR award, he is recognized for his dual career in football and refereeing, contributing to the sport in both the Soviet and post-Soviet eras.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 4, 1961  
- **Nationality**: Russian, Soviet (until 1991)  
- **Known for**: Career as a footballer and referee; recipient of the Master of Sport of the USSR award  
- **Field(s)**: Association football, sports officiating  

## Contributions
- **Master of Sport of the USSR**: Received this distinguished athletic title, awarded to individuals demonstrating exceptional sporting achievements in the Soviet Union.  
- **Dual Career**: Actively participated in association football as a player and later transitioned to refereeing, bridging roles within the sport.  
- **Post-Soviet Era Engagement**: Continued his involvement in football into the 1990s, as indicated by his work period starting in 1993.  

## FAQs
**What is Valentin Ivanov best known for?**  
He is recognized for his dual career as a professional footballer and referee, spanning the Soviet and Russian periods, and for earning the Master of Sport of the USSR award.  

**What awards has Valentin Ivanov received?**  
He was honored with the Master of Sport of the USSR, a title conferred for outstanding athletic accomplishments during the Soviet era.  

**When was Valentin Ivanov active in his career?**  
His professional work period began in 1993, though his football career likely started earlier, given his birth year and typical sporting timelines.  

## Why They Matter
Valentin Ivanov’s career reflects the evolution of football in Russia and the Soviet Union. As both a player and referee, he contributed to the sport’s development during a transformative period in Russian history. His receipt of the Master of Sport of the USSR underscores his impact, as this title was reserved for elite athletes, ensuring his legacy as a notable figure in Soviet and Russian football history.

## Notable For
- Recipient of the Master of Sport of the USSR award.  
- Dual role as a professional footballer and referee.  
- Career spanning the Soviet Union’s dissolution and the establishment of the Russian Federation.  
- Representation of Russian football in both domestic and international contexts.  

## Body

### Early Life and Career
Valentin Ivanov was born on July 4, 1961, in the Soviet Union, which later became part of the Russian Federation after 1991. While specific details about his early life are limited, his birth year places him within a generation of athletes who transitioned from Soviet to Russian sporting structures.

### Professional Achievements
Ivanov’s career was marked by his dedication to association football, both as a player and a referee. His receipt of the **Master of Sport of the USSR** award highlights his excellence in athletics, a title awarded to individuals who achieved significant sporting success under the Soviet system. This honor positioned him among the elite athletes of his time, reflecting rigorous standards and competitive prowess.

### Transition and Legacy
By 1993, Ivanov had shifted his focus to refereeing, a period coinciding with the post-Soviet restructuring of Russian football. His dual role as a player and referee underscores his versatility and long-term commitment to the sport. While specific match appearances or refereeing assignments are not detailed in the source material, his career trajectory aligns with the broader evolution of Russian football during a critical historical juncture.

### Historical Context
As a citizen of both the Soviet Union and Russia, Ivanov’s career bridged two distinct political and sporting eras. His experiences would have been influenced by the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, which reshaped national identities and athletic institutions. His continued activity into the 1990s demonstrates adaptability and a sustained influence on the sport during a period of significant change.

### Cultural Impact
Ivanov’s achievements, though rooted in individual accolades, contribute to the broader narrative of Russian football. His story exemplifies the dedication required to excel in dual roles within the sport, leaving a legacy for future generations of players and officials. The Master of Sport award, in particular, symbolizes his enduring recognition within Soviet and Russian sporting heritage.

## References

1. FootballFakts.ru
2. Transfermarkt
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](http://www.ratetheref.net/referees/view.php?Id=34)