Tuesday, 6 March 2018

Champions League 2017/18 - Referee Appointments - Round of 16 (Second Leg, I)

UEFA Referees Committee has chosen the following officials to kick off the second legs of 2017-18 Champions League Round of 16 games.  Two German officiating crews have been appointed. Felix Brych will officiate his second game in this stage of the competition, while Felix Zwayer will make his debut. 
06.03.2018, 20:45 CET
Parc des Princes, Paris (FRA)
Paris SG FC - Real Madrid CF 
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Mark Borsch (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Stefan Lupp (GER)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Marco Fritz (GER)
Fourth Official: Markus Häcker (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Kyros Vassaras (GRE)
UEFA Delegate: Nebojša Ivković (SRB)

06.03.2018, 20:45 CET
Anfield, Liverpool (ENG)
Liverpool FC - FC Porto
Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)
Assistant Referee 1: Thorsten Schiffner (GER)
Assistant Referee 2: Marco Achmüller (GER)
Additional Assistant Referee 1: Daniel Siebert (GER)
Additional Assistant Referee 2: Sascha Stegemann (GER)
Fourth Official: Rafael Foltyn (GER)
UEFA Referee Observer: Terje Hauge.(NOR)
UEFA Delegate: Aristeidis Stavropoulos (GRE)
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102 comments:

  1. CroRef4 March 2018 at 11:19

    Brych: Nebojsa Ivkovic (Srb) and Kyros Vassaras
    Zwayer: Aresteidis Stavropoulos (Gre) and Terje Hauge.

    I am surprised with Brych in Paris. But since Vassaras is observer and I do not see why would commitee member observe Brych, I guess he is replace for someone (Skomina, Mazic, Marciniak maybe)...

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    1. Chefren4 March 2018 at 11:26

      About Vassaras, I don't think that Brych is a replacement.
      We see always committee members in top clashes (remember Rocchi in first leg), so there shouldn't be a specific reason, committee just makes this choice because the game is a big match and a very important observer for the referee is assigned.

      Delete
    2. CroRef4 March 2018 at 11:35

      Yes, you are right about that. It will be interesting if Commitee will have the same logic when it comes to Barcelona-Chelsea. I would rather see Brych in Barcelona and maybe Cakir in Paris. Upcoming appointments will be very interesting...

      Delete
    3. Soham4 March 2018 at 12:44

      Marciniak is available for Barcelona

      Delete
  2. Chefren4 March 2018 at 11:22

    Zwayer was expected there. Big surprise with Brych.
    I think it is the first time in recent history that a referee gets both a first leg and a second leg of this round of the competition (round of 16). We all remember Cakir in two semifinals, but in Round of 16 it never happened in recent times if I'm not wrong.
    Of course, a reward for a very good performance in Juventus - Tottenham (he has indeed won our poll, as well), but at the same time I would say that committe doesn't want absolutely to "risk" candidates for the CL final in such kind of clashes, with high pressure on the official. So, this explains the choice of Brych, who in any case got a deserved game.

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    1. CroRef4 March 2018 at 11:31

      If I remember well Benquerenca is the last who was appointed two times in Round of 16.

      Delete
    2. Mikael W4 March 2018 at 11:34

      Indeed, and Stark in 2008/09 (as a replacement for Fandel in the second case)

      Delete
    3. Soham4 March 2018 at 12:38

      Another logic may be Brych was left with 2 CL group games because of early injury so Committee wanted to bring him on level terms with the rest maybe? :D

      Delete
  3. Soham4 March 2018 at 12:43

    One more theory :

    It maybe possible that the Committee initially appointed Kuipers for Juventus v Tottenham on 1st leg but then we know closely before the R16 Kuipers got injured and maybe that's why Brych came in to replace him??

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  4. Unknown4 March 2018 at 12:49

    In Paris Mazic, Skomina, Marciniak, Eriksson....
    Nonsense repeat Brych.

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    Replies
    1. Soham4 March 2018 at 12:55

      Brych deserves these kinds of games but yes the repeat could've been avoided that's for sure!!

      Delete
  5. Soham4 March 2018 at 13:46

    OT :

    All Serie A matches postponed this weekend after the untimely and tragic demise of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori at the age of 31 only. We all pay respect to the departed soul from this blog and also hope that his soul may rest in eternal peace :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren4 March 2018 at 16:44

      A shocking news, it was a mandatory decision by our federation to postpone all the games planned for today.
      I'm really speechless and I reflect about the meaning of the life.
      We already experienced something like that 6 years ago with Piermario Morosini, he died during a serie B game in 2012 and it was a similar situation to what happened today.
      Let me add some thoughts... sometimes we talk about stupid things, we "fight" against each other, but for what? We lose contact with reality. We must always remember that health is the first thing and all the rest is not important. We must be happy just because we are here every day. Today I'm really touched and I think that such tragedies should never happen. He was only 31 years old with a very young daughter (2 y. o.). How to explain what happened? Deep sadness.
      May he rest in peace... thanks for you kind message, Soham.

      Delete
    2. Soham4 March 2018 at 16:53

      We all share the pain Chefren as football lovers and the biggest of all as humans :(

      Delete
  6. Unknown4 March 2018 at 15:49


    For me the best referees of Spain are Undiano Mallenco and
    Del Cerro Grande and not Matéu Lahoz and Gil Manzano.
    Today Gil Manzano in FC Barcelona-Atlético. Mamma mia! ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Soham4 March 2018 at 15:58

      For 'you' is the keyword... Not for UEFA, FIFA and the most of us out here :D

      Delete
    2. M4 March 2018 at 16:02

      Everyone has their own opinion.
      In my opinion,even though Mateu was not great in Las Palmas-Barca match he is still,to me,first name in Spain,you can see that UEFA appreciates him by giving him dome big matches(Italy-Sweden,Monaco-Juventus semifinals of CL,PSG-Bayern,City-Napoli.
      I would like to add another name in discussion,Sanchez Martinez.He will for sure be top name in Spain in future.

      Delete
    3. DA4 March 2018 at 16:02

      Alberto,

      What problems do you see in Manzano?

      Delete
    4. Soham4 March 2018 at 16:05

      Nicely put forward by M in this context... After Mateu Lahoz I think Gil Manzano will be the next Spanish No. 1 ;)

      Delete
    5. Quilava4 March 2018 at 17:34

      57' Maybe a missed YC for dissent and a YC for Busquets for SPA with handball...but overall still a good match management for him.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous4 March 2018 at 18:40

    Excellent Gil Manzano, perfect

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    1. Soham4 March 2018 at 19:42

      Probably Alberto will be satisfied now :D

      Delete
    2. Mikael W4 March 2018 at 23:54

      Agreed, very good and sophisticated performance this afternoon. Also by the ARs, great and crucial call by first assistant to cancel a 1-1 at about 86'.
      I am certain he will join Elite, when Fernandez Borbalan retires his spot at the end of the season.

      Delete
    3. Unknown7 March 2018 at 15:37

      Nobody is perfect.

      Delete
  8. Soham4 March 2018 at 19:46

    I can confirm an excellent Michael Oliver in the big Premier League match Manchester City v Chelsea tonight!!

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  9. Soham4 March 2018 at 19:49

    OT :

    Chefren, can we play some guess the referee game from Quarter final onwards?? If you wish I can take the responsibility... Would be great if we can play something, not for prizes but just for fun :)

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous4 March 2018 at 20:07

      Good idea.....

      Delete
    2. Chefren4 March 2018 at 21:13

      Let's see if we can manage to organize something like that :) Thank you for your proposal, Soham.

      Delete
    3. Soham4 March 2018 at 21:38

      My pleasure always :)

      Delete
  10. RayHD4 March 2018 at 20:54

    Huge clash between Legia Warszawa and Lech Poznań, refereed by Szymon Marciniak, has been decided by the late handball penalty decision. Lech's coach Nenad Bjelica said Marciniak should be ashamed of this call. There is no clear intention to handle the ball, but the ball should be classified as expected, hands are in an unnatural position, the player makes himself bigger... Correct decision for my taste.

    https://streamable.com/ndhp4

    Also one situation from the first half. Unsporting behaviour or violent conduct (attack on the face)? Borderline, I think, and Marciniak should be backed in my opinion.

    https://streamable.com/5faej

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    1. Soham4 March 2018 at 21:05

      Sorry but that is just not a penalty IMO... That never ever a "deliberate" handball in a million years... Plain wrong call going by LOTG wordings...

      The situation from the first half is also very clear and it's a violent conduct so definitely a RC for my taste... Not impressed with the devisions made by Marciniak in either as far as I'm concerned...

      Delete
    2. Chefren4 March 2018 at 21:50

      Penalty is very harsh, but maybe Marciniak could be even backed, given the strict instructions about handballs in Poland.
      I disagree with Soham about the incident in first half. Not a violent conduct, YC is definitely enough, it is the correct decision by Marciniak. Player made also a bit of scene there, but of course the action must be punished.

      Delete
    3. RayHD4 March 2018 at 21:56

      Szymon Marciniak was interviewed and he stated that he had no choice - expected ball, unnatural hand position and also the fact that the Legia player won the position, was privileged and the contact that threw the Lech player off the balance has been initiated by him, not by the Legia player.

      Delete
    4. Soham4 March 2018 at 22:26

      That unnatural hand position is the point which is a good argument in favour of Marciniak's call... Maybe it will be backed because of that but either way it's really harsh...

      On the second incident I think the fouled player creating a scene has conned me :D I surely would've pulled my red out there...

      Delete
    5. Stake5 March 2018 at 10:29

      In the first incident: Marciniak can definitely be backed in my taste due to the unnatural position of the arm and the ball was clearly expected. So definitely not a mistake for my taste, I would have whistled it myself as well.

      On the second incident: this is more unsporting behaviour in my view than violent conduct, I'm okay with a yellow card here. As Chefren already stated, the player makes more out of the situation, it's a bit of theatre if you ask me.

      Delete
  11. Philipp S4 March 2018 at 21:15

    We probably expect Marciniak, Mateu, Mazic and Skomina now for the remaining 4 open matches. In that case, Brych's appointment also indicates that UEFA doesn't trust anyone else with these big games. In my opinion that is especially a bad sign for Karasev, who should be behind Turpin now, looking at the WC.
    But of course, there might be more surprises. E.g. any of the 4 above could get a direct QF without R16 match.

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    Replies
    1. Soham4 March 2018 at 21:37

      Kuipers is a candidate for a direct QF

      Delete
    2. Chefren4 March 2018 at 21:56

      New predictions:
      Mateu TOT - JUV
      Makkelie MCI - BAS
      Marciniak BAR - CHE
      Mazic MNU - SEV
      Skomina ROM - SHA

      Delete
    3. Chefren4 March 2018 at 21:58

      I forgot Besiktas - Bayern, very difficult to make prediction there, but again, I would bet on Taylor.

      Delete
    4. Soham4 March 2018 at 22:27

      Besiktas v Bayern I expect Makkelie and Sidiropoulos in Man City v Basel

      Delete
    5. Chefren4 March 2018 at 22:58

      Maybe Undiano Mallenco is a candidate for Besiktas - Bayern as well, if they want to appoint him in a CL game.

      Delete
    6. Soham4 March 2018 at 23:14

      Surely won't be undeserved :)

      Delete
    7. George5 March 2018 at 00:46

      @Chefren: very likely you got it right ;) Like in Mateu's prediction for this week (let's see tomorrow), for that week Del Cerro Grande is appointed on Monday... without his regular AR1 Yuste Jiménez who has lately been Undiano's AR2. Undiano himself is appointed for Friday, so it is indeed very possible that he is in the middle for Besiktas-Bayern.

      Delete
    8. Soham5 March 2018 at 12:55

      Very likely it's not going to happen :D @George

      Delete
    9. George5 March 2018 at 14:10

      Yep, it seems that CTA's appointments are not something to take into account for predictions, even though they are really strange sometimes.

      Delete
    10. George5 March 2018 at 17:48

      After checking, it is surely not going to happen: Manuel Díaz Vega is the observer for that game.

      Delete
    11. Chefren5 March 2018 at 19:20

      We can only expect Makkelie's debut in CL KO stage in this game, otherwise it would be strange to see Zwayer but not the Dutch.

      Delete
    12. Soham5 March 2018 at 21:06

      But I'm a little surprised that Sidiropoulos misses out... Last he was perfect in Arsenal v Bayern Munich game and so he should've had a game this time round as well... Maybe instead of Kralovec I'd say!!

      Delete
    13. Mikael W5 March 2018 at 21:09

      He wasn't perfect, I remember he rather struggled to be honest, and that combined with mistakes in Paris - Ludogorets facilitated this low-key season for the Greek.

      Delete
    14. Soham6 March 2018 at 20:12

      But Arsenal v Bayern all key decisions were correct??

      Delete
  12. Daniel6 March 2018 at 20:53

    It seems quite sure Undiano Mallenco has an appointment for next week, maybe Roma-Shaktar

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  13. Soham6 March 2018 at 20:56

    Parcs des Princes in Paris is full of smoke... Looks so clumsy and polluted...

    ReplyDelete
  14. VG6 March 2018 at 21:05

    Ronaldo should have gotten a red card minute 16. Violent conduct. Attempting to kick the oponent before restart of play.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Chefren6 March 2018 at 21:05

    Something like a violent conduct as reaction by Cristiano Ronaldo... he is always lucky, because one referee could send him off for such behavior. Nothing new from the Portuguese.

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  16. Chefren6 March 2018 at 21:09

    Correct YC to Verratti.

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  17. George6 March 2018 at 21:14

    Another card (this time, a YC) forgiven to Real Madrid for displacing the ball after a free kick was whistled.

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  18. Mlacko6 March 2018 at 21:20

    Correct YC to Kovacic.

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  19. Soham6 March 2018 at 21:22

    Brych stamping his authority on the match pretty well

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    Replies
    1. Paddy6 March 2018 at 21:33

      For sure!
      Now the match is more and more difficult

      Delete
  20. Soham6 March 2018 at 21:32

    It's heating up in the middle... Will be a very, very interesting 2nd half

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  21. Chefren6 March 2018 at 21:33

    Good first half by Brych, I'm sure the second will be more challenging.

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    Replies
    1. George6 March 2018 at 21:35

      IMO, the decision not to send off Ronaldo must be considered a crucial mistake. Too obvious VC even if Alves was not hit.

      Delete
    2. Paddy6 March 2018 at 21:37

      Sorry but this would have been a desaster...

      Delete
    3. VG6 March 2018 at 21:41

      Yes it is a clear red card. Contact or no contact makes no difference. And Brych lets Cavani protest and doesn’t punish delaying of restarts either in this match.

      Delete
    4. Chefren6 March 2018 at 21:43

      This decision would have "marked" for a long time Brych, as it was for Çakır in 2013 after Manchester United - Real Madrid, but you are right. It must be, at least on the paper, a crucial mistake, because according to LotG it is RC. Very difficult argument.

      Delete
    5. VG6 March 2018 at 21:46

      What you are saying is true but also shows the lack of courage by pro referees. I understand if a division 6 referee is scared to give a red for that but a professional referee should not care a second about being mentioned on the news for a clear red. This is sad.

      Delete
    6. Mikael W6 March 2018 at 21:48

      Fully agreed with victor, George- in LOTG, this is a Red Card.
      But everyone knows the referee that sends off Ronaldo in that situation, does not whistle a CL Final, WC Final etc.

      Delete
    7. Paddy6 March 2018 at 21:49

      On the paper - yes but on the pitch everything right!
      Good match so far

      Delete
    8. Paddy6 March 2018 at 21:50

      Mikael exactly that

      Delete
    9. RayHD6 March 2018 at 21:53

      From what I know, it is not a violent conduct as it had to be an "attempt to kick an opponent"and that has place only in case of deliberate avoiding the contact by the victim. In this situation Ronaldo just misses an opponent who is not aware of Ronaldo's behaviour. Therefore, it is an unsporting behaviour and yellow card should have been issued.

      Delete
    10. Soham6 March 2018 at 21:55

      Brych need not be scared I think... He is as big a name in refereeing as Ronaldo is as a player... Referees like Brych need to set examples and not bottle big calls... Collina I think supports his referees quite a lot for good decisions??

      Delete
    11. RayHD6 March 2018 at 21:55

      Here a video:
      https://streamable.com/7lw2h

      Delete
    12. Chefren6 March 2018 at 21:59

      @RayHD from what I know, the attempt of hitting opponent is enough in any case for a RC, even if the player fails in his intent. I didn't know about the difference you are talking about (opponent who deliberately avoids the contact). Is that based on the LotG?

      Delete
    13. George6 March 2018 at 22:03

      Ray, I'm sorry but I completely disagree. I'd agree if it is a kick in the air that could never hit the opponent. Tonight, Ronaldo only misses because Alves was running away (without being aware of the kick, just because they were in a hurry). So, in this situation, it is (for me, of course), a clear RC.

      Mikael, if that is the case, then it is a very poor signal from the committee.

      Delete
    14. DA6 March 2018 at 22:04

      Please
      Ronaldo when he moves with his leg, the opponent was already far away.
      RC, never!
      I am portuguese.

      Delete
    15. DutchRef6 March 2018 at 22:08

      The LotG require brutality and/or excessive force for a VC, and Ronaldo’s action in my opinion is reckless at most. I’m quite sure UEFA doesn’t consider this a VC. One can agree or disagree on this interpretation, but this is the way UEFA instructs their referees. In the latest RAP a clip is included showing a more brutal/excessive kick, which is still deemed a YC.

      Delete
    16. RayHD6 March 2018 at 22:50

      Just to explain my statement: this is what has been said by Polish Referees Committee after that tackle

      https://streamable.com/ffsvr

      and what is included in written instructions for Polish referees.

      'Attempt to strike an opponent' or 'attempt to kick an opponent' should be punished as the same act done. The terms 'attempt to strike an opponent' and 'attempt to kick an opponent' should be understood that the player didn't strike (kick) an opponent only because that the opponent avoided being stroke/kicked with a dodge.

      Delete
  22. Soham6 March 2018 at 21:56

    How are so many flares allowed into the stadium??? It's seriously affecting visibility now!!

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  23. Soham6 March 2018 at 22:11

    Veratti sent off at 66'

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  24. Mlacko6 March 2018 at 22:11

    Correct second YC to Verratti.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Chefren6 March 2018 at 22:13

    Second YC to Verratti for dissenting behavior. A very blatant protest by the Italian player was immediately punished by Brych.

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    Replies
    1. Teo6 March 2018 at 22:44

      Just one single question (and one answer): Would, Brych sent off, for example, C. Ronaldo for such behavior if he had YC? Not in a billion years! Situation with Ronaldo in first half explains that better than anything. That is the problem and the same problem occurs from one year to another.
      We saw what happened last year (lots of offside goals, crucial RC for Vidal which was blatant mistake...) and Real won the title. Year before again everything gone in favor of Real, including decisive offside goal in final against Atletico (Clattenburg as referee). In the future I will escape Real matches in CL... Simply because of my felling for justice.

      Delete
    2. Soham6 March 2018 at 22:48

      You can't make assumptions like ttat based solely on your feelings, Teo... To say that Brych would've bottled the decision without seeing what he does when he gets the opportunity is very wrong IMO

      Delete
    3. Paddy6 March 2018 at 22:53

      100 % that brych also Sent of CS in that case...

      Delete
    4. Chefren6 March 2018 at 22:57

      I'm sure Brych would have sent off Cristiano Ronaldo in case of such behavior. The situation in first half is different and you can't compare it. In that case, Brych wouldn't have punished a player from PSG as well.

      Delete
    5. Teo6 March 2018 at 23:14

      Of course, you can call it as mine assumpions, but I can't explain how it is possible that for one refs' mistake that goes against Real come 10 in favor of Real. I understand that Real is probably the biggest club on the world and that it is not easy to make a decision against it, but too often refs close their eyes when they should make big decision against it (e.g. remember how many times last year Casemiro escaped red cards - he deserved them in almost every match). Simply, this is the true and you don't have to agree with me.

      Delete
    6. Soham7 March 2018 at 11:33

      But Viktor Kassai and Felix Brych are vastly different referees...

      Delete
  26. Quilava6 March 2018 at 22:13

    What a stupid red card! Well done by Brych.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Philipp S6 March 2018 at 22:25

    OT (not completely...): DFB has confirmed, that Bastian Dankert and Felix Zwayer are candidates for the VAR role at the WC.
    Strangely, in Bundesliga both had only 1 VAR appointment in 2018 so far.

    ReplyDelete
  28. George6 March 2018 at 22:40

    Not taking into account Ronaldo's incident, good performance from Brych.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Mikael W6 March 2018 at 22:49

    Did anyone see Felix Zwayer tonight?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DA6 March 2018 at 23:18

      I saw.
      Simple game. There are two possible penalty calls.

      Delete
    2. Chefren7 March 2018 at 08:43

      Minutes of the penalty incidents?

      Delete
    3. Soham7 March 2018 at 11:33

      How was Seater's overall performance?? 8.4 level or less??

      Delete
    4. Soham7 March 2018 at 13:21

      Zwayer became Seater because of autocorrect... Sorry :D

      Delete
  30. Chefren6 March 2018 at 22:56

    Yes, a very good performance by Brych. The incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a particular analysis, but all the rest was excellent. Game was challenging but not so challenging as one could have expected, because PSG didn't manage to put in trouble Real Madrid and the Spanish team had always the control of the game. Brych candidate for a semifinal after this game.

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    Replies
    1. Soham6 March 2018 at 22:57

      He always is a candidate for big games :D Very good referee :D

      Delete
  31. RayHD7 March 2018 at 10:10

    Both penalty incidents from Liverpool - Porto:
    https://streamable.com/wbjqt
    https://streamable.com/d7kmn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren7 March 2018 at 11:02

      I think Zwayer can be backed, about the first incident I really don't understan where this contact occurred...

      Delete
    2. Unknown7 March 2018 at 15:42

      Not penalties. Very well Zwayer.

      Delete
  32. RayHD7 March 2018 at 13:10

    U17 qualifiers

    Group 2
    Date: 9-15 March 2018
    Host Country: Croatia
    Teams: Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Sweden
    Referees: Eldorjan Hamiti (ALB), Christopher Jäger (AUT), Nejc Kajtazovič (SVN)
    UEFA Referee Observers: Alain Hamer (LUX), Michael Thomas Ross (NIR)

    Group 5
    Date: 7-13 March 2018
    Host Country: Netherlands
    Teams: Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey
    Referees: Yigal Frid (ISR), Rohit Saggi (NOR), Julian Weinberger (AUT)
    UEFA Referee Observers: Kim Milton Nielsen (DEN), Uno Tutk (EST)

    ReplyDelete

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