Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Champions League 2024/25 - Referee Appointments - Matchday 8

The last Matchday of Champions League's league stage, all games to be played on Wednesday 29 January 2025.



Wednesday 29 January 2025

21:00 CET - Lisbon (Estádio José de Alvalade)
SPORTING CP (POR) - BOLOGNA FC 1909 (ITA)
Referee: Benoît Bastien FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Hicham Zakrani FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Aurélien Berthomieu FRA
Fourth Official: Thomas Leonard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Benoît Millot FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO
UEFA Referee Observer: Levan Paniashvili GEO
UEFA Delegate: Vignir Már Þormóðsson ISL

21:00 CET - Eindhoven (PSV Stadion) 
PSV (NED) - LIVERPOOL FC (ENG)
Referee: Tobias Stieler GER 
Assistant Referee 1: Christian Gittelmann GER
Assistant Referee 2:  Mark Borsch GER 
Fourth Official: Florian Badstübner GER
Video Assistant Referee: Sören Storks GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sascha Stegemann GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Frank De Bleeckere BEL 
UEFA Delegate: Balázs Makray HUN

21:00 CET - Berne (Wankdorf Stadion) 
BSC YOUNG BOYS (SUI) - FK CRVENA ZVEZDA (SRB)
Referee: Halil Umut Meler TUR 
Assistant Referee 1: Kerem Ersoy TUR 
Assistant Referee 2: Ibrahim Çaglar Uyarcan TUR
Fourth Official: Arda Kardeşler TUR
Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni ITA 
UEFA Referee Observer: Marián Ružbarský SVK
UEFA Delegate: Neil Morrow NIR

21:00 CET - Stuttgart (Arena Stuttgart) 
VFB STUTTGART (GER) - PARIS SAINT GERMAIN (FRA)
Referee: Davide Massa ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Ciro Carbone ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Stefano Alassio ITA 
Fourth Official: Michael Fabbri ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Aleandro Di Paolo ITA 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Luca Pairetto ITA
UEFA Referee Observer: Haim Jakov ISR
UEFA Delegate: Kris Bellon BEL

21:00 CET - Klagenfurt (Wörthersee Stadion)
SK STURM GRAZ (AUT) - RB LEIPZIG (GER) 
Referee: Mykola Balakin UKR
Assistant Referee 1: Oleksandr Berkut UKR
Assistant Referee 2: Viktor Matyash UKR
Fourth Official: Vitaliy Romanov UKR
Video Assistant Referee: Fedayi San SUI
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Lukas Fähndrich SUI
UEFA Referee Observer: Jon Skjervold NOR
UEFA Delegate: Cristel Brorsson SWE

21:00 CET - Manchester (City of Manchester Stadium) 
MANCHESTER CITY FC (ENG) - CLUB BRUGGE (BEL)
Referee: José María Sánchez ESP
Assistant Referee 1: Raúl Cabañero ESP
Assistant Referee 2: Iñigo Prieto ESP
Fourth Official:  César Soto Grado ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro Hernández ESP
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande ESP 
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefan Johannesson SWE
UEFA Delegate: Joseph O'Brien IRL

21:00 CET - Munich (Fußball Arena München)
FC BAYERN MÜNCHEN (GER) - ŠK SLOVAN BRATISLAVA (SVK)
Referee: João Pinheiro POR
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Jesus POR
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano Maia POR
Fourth Official: João Gonçalves POR
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Stuart Attwell ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Hugh Dallas SCO 
UEFA Delegate: Adonis Procopiou CYP

21:00 CET - Milan (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza) 
FC INTERNAZIONALE (ITA) - AS MONACO (FRA)
Referee: Irfan Peljto BIH
Assistant Referee 1: Senad Ibrišimbegović BIH
Assistant Referee 2: Davor Beljo BIH
Fourth Official: Miloš Gigovic BIH
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Piotr Lasyk POL
UEFA Referee Observer: Thomas Einwaller AUT
UEFA Delegate: Florian Prunea ROU

21:00 CET - Dortmund (BVB Stadion)
BORUSSIA DORTMUND (GER) - SHAKHTAR DONETSK (UKR)
Referee: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Mahbod Beigi SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Söderkvist SWE
Fourth Official: Adam Ladebäck SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Alan Kijas AUT
UEFA Referee Observer: Matteo Simone Trefoloni ITA
UEFA Delegate: David Moran IRL

21:00 CET - Barcelona (Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys)
BARCELONA FC (ESP) - ATALANTA BC (ITA) 
Referee: Michael Oliver ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt ENG
Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring ENG
Fourth Official: Andrew Madley ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Darren England ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Darko Čeferin SVN
UEFA Delegate: Thibault De Gendt BEL

21:00 CET - Leverkusen (BayArena) 
BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN (GER) - AC SPARTA PRAHA (CZE) 
Referee: Georgi Kabakov BUL
Assistant Referee 1: Martin Margaritov BUL
Assistant Referee 2: Martin Venev BUL
Fourth Official: Radoslav Gidzhenov BUL
Video Assistant Referee: Dragomir Draganov BUL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera ESP
UEFA Referee Observer: Stefano Podeschi SMR 
UEFA Delegate: Fródi Danielsen FRO

21:00 CET - Turin (Juventus Stadium) 
JUVENTUS (ITA) - SL BENFICA (POR)
Referee: Istvan Kovacs ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Mihai Marica ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Ferencz Tunyogi ROU
Fourth Official: Horațiu Feșnic ROU
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Angelos Evangelou GRE
UEFA Referee Observer: Mike Riley ENG
UEFA Delegate: Bart Van Soest NED

21:00 CET - Zagreb (Stadion Maksimir) 
GNK DINAMO (CRO) - AC MILAN (ITA)
Referee: François Letexier FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Jérémie Pignard FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Bastien Dechepy FRA
UEFA Referee Observer: Bernardino González Vázquez ESP
UEFA Delegate: Sviatlana Hrynkevich BLR

21:00 CET - Salzburg (Stadion Salzburg)
FC SALZBURG (AUT) - CLUB ATLÉTICO DE MADRID (ESP) 
Referee: Anthony Taylor ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Adam Nunn ENG 
Fourth Official: Sam Barrott ENG
Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Peter Bankes ENG
UEFA Referee Observer: Karen Nalbandyan ARM
UEFA Delegate: Johny Vanspauwen BEL

21:00 CET - Villeneuve d'Ascq (Stade Pierre Mauroy)
LOSC LILLE (FRA) - FEYENOORD (NED)
Referee: Slavko Vinčić SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič SVN
Fourth Official: Martin Matoša SVN
Video Assistant Referee: Alen Borošak SVN
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Dragoslav Perič SVN
UEFA Referee Observer: Itchko Lozev BUL
UEFA Delegate: Gerard Lawlor NIR

21:00 CET - Birmingham (Villa Park)
ASTON VILLA FC (ENG) - CELTIC FC (SCO) 
Referee: Clément Turpin FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Pages FRA
Fourth Official: Romain Lissorgue FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED 
UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Hamer LUX
UEFA Delegate: Adrian D. Casha MLT

21:00 CET - Grona (Estadi Montilivi)
GIRONA FC (ESP) - ARSENAL FC (ENG) 
Referee: Maurizio Mariani ITA
Assistant Referee 1: Daniele Bindoni ITA
Assistant Referee 2: Alberto Tegoni ITA 
Fourth Official: Daniele Doveri ITA
Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Valerio Marini ITA 
UEFA Referee Observer: Vladimir Petrov UKR 
UEFA Delegate: Vilmos Szabó HUN

21:00 CET - Guingamp (Stade de Roudourou)
STADE BRESTOIS 29 (FRA) - REAL MADRID CF (ESP) 
Referee: Espen Eskås NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Elias Bashevkin NOR
Fourth Official: Kristoffer Hagenes NOR
Video Assistant Referee: Christian Dingert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Pascal Müller GER
UEFA Referee Observer: Emil Bozinovski MKD
UEFA Delegate: Maria Mifsud MLT
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102 comments:

  1. Chefren27 January 2025 at 09:56

    As always, a big name for committee for an Italian team: Kovacs in Turin. It's interesting to observe that after the rather poor game in Munich, he could have ende his league stage for this season, but committee had different ideas. He got even two games more. This means two things: he has the full trust, but one can also say they don't have so many options, as it seems...
    About Nyberg in Dortmund, it's also an opportunity for the Swedish to get more games in CL after a rather below expectations period.
    Both these games appointed later than others. Let's see now the rest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown27 January 2025 at 10:46

      Tbf the game in Turin is a rather irrelevant one…

      According to Opta, both teams have an almost guaranteed spot in the play-off. Juventus has <1% chance to finish top-8.

      And to add, a higher placed ranking doesn’t mean a better draw or weaker opponent in the play-off.

      Delete
    2. anty7527 January 2025 at 10:51

      Benfica could easily miss out on the play-offs if they lose this match. For Juve I agree the match isn't so important

      Delete
    3. Unknown27 January 2025 at 11:07

      @ Anty: in theory, Man City, one of PSG/Stuttgart, Sporting and Dinamo Zagreb can pass Benfica if they lose. However, my guess is, there will be a Gentleman’s agreement (sharing the points) in Turin. Juventus doesn’t have to win this, they can safe their energy. 11 points is enough for Benfica to guarantee a spot in the play-offs.

      Delete
  2. f27 January 2025 at 10:09

    A bit dissapointing to see Meler gets a game where neither team has anything to play for, maybe his domestic form has been poor?

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    1. Ugur B27 January 2025 at 10:22

      In Turkey, there is a chaotic atmosphere and lot of pressure on referees. Therefore all referees are underperformed. UEFA referee committee is aware of situation and that's why they don't appoint Meler to a high profile game. It would be a surprise to see Meler referring any game beyond Top 16 at CL. He will mostly have games at Europa or Conference League.

      Delete
    2. Chefren27 January 2025 at 10:28

      The reason is the one reported by Ugur. It's about the situation in Turkey, indeed. Full change of consideration about Meler by committee, but due to the chaos of the Turkish federation and not him. Very unpleasant, and we can draw conclusion he will no get anything good as long as this will last... a pity for him, he had shown quite good performances in past. But you can see how much difficult is when there are external circumstances.

      Delete
    3. f28 January 2025 at 11:36

      Thats too bad, I really enjoy his enforcer style, he is not afraid to show a lot of early YCs if they are correct

      Delete
  3. Elliot27 January 2025 at 10:23

    Elite referees in all but two games is a little bit surprising imo, but is also most likely a consequence of most appointments already having been made before last week. Committee couldn't really know for certain which games would be important and which wouldn't and therefore decided not to take any risks

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oliver27 January 2025 at 10:25

    I’m sure that’ll be an experience for Sam Barrott on the sidelines with Simeone!! Surprised to see Massa get one of the key games too after his car crash last week

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elliot27 January 2025 at 10:29

      He's Italian, no previous problems with PSG... all that seems to matter to Rosetti & Co

      Delete
    2. Chefren27 January 2025 at 10:39

      Yes, given the last performance, this assignment was indeed rather "finding a suitable name for PSG" than "making a technical choice based on previous assessments".

      Delete
  5. hadad27 January 2025 at 10:37

    good

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chefren27 January 2025 at 10:38

    Almost all Elite referees, unless Balakin and Kabakov.
    Both can be rather content with the league stage they had, for the Bulgarian a comeback at a good level, while there was a certain development by the Ukrainian, but I think we should rule out one or two games in which he wasn't that good like the other performances.
    Very often the last matchdays are more used for debuts but as we can see it was not possible for this set due to the very close dates, with only a week in the middle. For domestic assignments, that's a rather long time, but it is short for international ones.
    Most surprising assignment is indeed Massa in Stuttgart after a rather not good perfortmance in Madrid, with the OFR and the missed second YC, but it seems as now he has the trust and the focus by committee. Today we could say he is ahead of Guida, but the latter is injured and we must wait for all he rest.
    No debut for Sozza: time will come but surely a disappointment, his step was expected before the start of league stages and there were all the clues. Not good times overall for Italian refereeing after Orsato retirement, but this wasn't hard to predict. Sozza finally with a good game yesterday in Udinese - Roma, though.
    Taylor with a Spanish team, Atlético, is another extremely important signal. Committee could do that because the known mistake was in favor of Spain, but it will be hard to see him with German teams. Nevertheless, I didn't expect him with Spanish clubs and that's surprising as for now. Against Salzburg, should be one of the easiest possible games.
    Rather a disappointing appointment for Pinheiro in Munich. The German side must win, OK, but this was a game for a debut, in this particular case I think committee was afraid of making a less experienced assignment, but to me the Portuguese is exaggerated.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jake27 January 2025 at 10:51

    Just discovered your blog and wanted to pop a comment to say what a fantastic resource you have created and many thanks

    ReplyDelete
  8. Chefren27 January 2025 at 10:53

    Missing Elite referees (not appointed so far in 2025 games), expected in Europa League tomorrow:

    Gil Manzano ESP
    Sidiropoulos GRE
    Grinfeeld ISR
    Kruzliak SVK

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MH_svk27 January 2025 at 17:45

      According Slovak FA referees committee official weekly report Kruzliak is unavailable for domestic competition, probably injured/ill

      Delete
  9. Unknown27 January 2025 at 10:59

    Some strange choices.
    Tobias Stieler with an important observer, while the game doesn't really matter.

    Sánchez in a crucial game for City. I would have made a different and more established choice.

    Pinheiro with former Refcom member Dallas in a meaningless game. Call it strange.

    Nyberg with a relevant (Italian) Observer, back in focus.

    Oliver has a more important observer than Taylor (has he finally surpassed Taylor in Europe?)

    Letexier, a good and deserved appointment in Croatia.

    Vincic gets big game after big game in the earlier stages (MD1-MD6) and then MD7-MD8 all of a sudden is kept away from the spotlight in lower profile stuff. Protected by the Slovenian powers inside UEFA?

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    Replies
    1. Chefren27 January 2025 at 12:55

      Strange observers in some cases, I agree.
      But maybe this time without knowing before, it wasn't easy for committee to make it like the other matchdays.
      About Sanchez Martinez, just remember it's City - Crugge, very big team at home. They can be in crisis, but still, they are at home against a medium club not coming from top leagues, so here you have the choice of the Spanish. Committee still expects a win by English side. It's more interesting to discuss about Gil Manzano current situation...

      Delete
    2. Lincoln27 January 2025 at 17:06

      There is no doubt that the committee's preference for a PL referee is Oliver. Barça v Atalanta will be a highly technical match, given the way the teams play, and Oliver will need to let the game flow and flow well.
      As for Taylor being appointed for Salzburg v ATM, that doesn't mean anything to me. He already angered a grumpy Mourinho over the controversy surrounding the UEL final in Budapest, and I wouldn't be surprised if he does the same to a highly-rated manager like Simeone.

      Delete
  10. Hans27 January 2025 at 11:36

    Is Stieler possibly a candidate for the Club World Cup in 2025 or even for the World Cup in 2026

    ReplyDelete
  11. referee observer27 January 2025 at 11:54

    Vincic was the referee for the Greek classico Olympiakos - Panathinaikos yesterday. He made 2 crucial mistakes which were corrected by VAR.

    Let's hope he is better on Wednesday.....

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ferd27 January 2025 at 12:38

    Chefren,can I get a referee prediction for the Europa League Ajax-Galatasaray from you?I saw people saying Kruashvili(GEO) on the block.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren27 January 2025 at 13:03

      Very crucial game for Galatasaray, here I think you could also expect an Elite referee. Gil Manzano, missing in Champions League, is possible for this game.
      Also possible to see an Elite referee that officiated last week in Champions League: there are some options like Siebert and Schaerer but maybe the Swiss is not possible with Turkish team after the famous incident.
      If not an Elite, I think a very trusted Category 1 and here there are other possible choices such as: Rumsas, Petrescu...

      Delete
  13. Lincoln27 January 2025 at 13:50

    Wow. I think the Bosnian referees' chairman should erect a statue to Peljto in Sarajevo lol. The guy got five nominations in this early phase of the Champions League, maybe even more than Letexier. Do UEFA have plans for him in a possible continental final this season? I don't know. But this growth of the Bosnian shows the committee's confidence in a referee who may not have much experience in games even sanctioned by FIFA. Interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  14. mcvans51127 January 2025 at 15:41

    Oliver is a top referee but he has made a decision which was obviously wrong and is now become a big controversy in England. His VAR Darren England takes very little time to clear it and lets Oliver down in this case IMO. Initial point of contact is side of the foot; studs graze the ankle yes but the force and contact is not at the threshold for serious foul play. When talking of supportable decisions, one in which no one would have batted an eye had it been a correct yellow for reckless cannot be supported; especially when an arguably worse challenge by Gomes in the second half is given as a yellow.

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    1. Arthur3328 January 2025 at 08:33

      Not sure it is a wrong decision, sure decision is totally with the spirit of the law. It's so close to a DOGSO (+ dangerous tackle) that I'm very confortable with the decision.

      Delete
    2. K Thomas28 January 2025 at 10:36

      Not close to DOGSO (it was about 70 yards from the goal!!) and not SFP. Completely wrong decision from Oliver, even worse from Darren England on VAR not to overturn. This is the opinion shared by every pundit and ex-referee covering the game.

      Delete
    3. Arthur3328 January 2025 at 12:32

      70 yards from the goal with no defender closer than that, so DOGSO on my opinion.

      Delete
    4. K Thomas28 January 2025 at 22:55

      Well, you'll be pleased to know it's been overturned by the FA and the red card was deemed incorrect :)

      Delete
    5. Arthur3328 January 2025 at 23:02

      As pitch referee took this decision and VAR referees didn't overturn this, that has not been considered as an obvious mistake.

      FA, afterwards, have considered it's a mistake, seeing how much criticism it has created.

      Not a good decision for football as this will allow more big cynical fouls...

      Delete
    6. Chefren29 January 2025 at 09:17

      Oliver decision was not 100% wrong and indeed not a clear and opbvious mistake.
      I could write a very long post but once again I want to underline how absurd it is that in a match with a referee and VAR, in England they still feel authorised to intervene to change a decision. So what did they introduce the technology for, this would be unimaginable in Italy, unless there was a clear incident not seen by the VAR and then OK, but it doesn't make sense like this, as if they decided according to their will on every call. Also for this reason, English refereeing unfortunately remains very far away from modern standards and will hardly make progress, referees are not seen as they should but only as puppets, frankly.

      Delete
  15. Euro Soccer Ref27 January 2025 at 18:59

    I didn't see anybody sharing this info but Turkish Football Federation decided to appoint only foreign VARs starting from 17 January. It's interesting that only 'main' VARs are employed, imo. Were there any big mistakes by Turkish VARs last matchdays that would legitimize such a move? I also wonder whether UEFA will use this as a test field for not so experienced FIFA-listed video match officials or it's only TFF's invitation to some chosen federations.

    Matchday 20
    Jan Boterberg, Sandi Putros, Adrián Cordero Vega, Tamás Bognár, Hélder Malheiro

    Matchday 21
    Paweł Raczkowski, Victor García Verdura, David Rafael Oliveira da Silva, Christian-Petru Ciochirca, István Vad

    ReplyDelete
  16. juan28 January 2025 at 02:34

    https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/33035161/david-coote-cocaine-sexuality-referee/

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Chefren28 January 2025 at 04:21

      Video that makes you reflect on the human tragedy he experienced: it's very sad in this regard, getting out of it is extremely important.

      Delete
    2. Unknown28 January 2025 at 11:17

      Very tragic, I understand how he must have felt. Hopefully, this openness offers insights to UEFA/FIFA as well. I hope that some day, one of the active referee within the top flight “dares” to be an example. But that is far away, given all the abuse in the stadiums and the negative consequences it can have for their careers.

      Isn’t it strange to see positive discrimination towards female referees (Frappart), but not towards gay referees? Honestly, I would prefer the latter, to strike a blow for everyone inside and outside this sport who feels the way Coote did.

      On the bright side: in my country there is a new generation referees who dare to be open about their sexuality (age 28-32); imo a sensible decision to open up before they become (more) famous, because right now it doesn’t get any attention. It is normal as it’s supposed to be. I won’t mention names, because it shouldn’t be a big deal at all. But these are good developments.

      Delete
    3. Mikael W28 January 2025 at 14:11

      I'm sorry for David Coote about the things that happened in his personal life. However, overall I don't feel sorry for David Coote. In time people will see it the same way as me.

      Delete
    4. Unknown28 January 2025 at 14:26

      @Mikael:
      We can talk about "he could have made different decisions" and all that. But you know what... We are outsiders and we haven't been in the same situation (i.e. reaching the top flight and having to hide your sexuality). The only thing we can do is being empathic, because I think it must be really tough if you can’t be yourself in a macho world. And at the same time, there are footballers and referees now, going through the same suffering. We shouldn't close our eyes for that.

      Delete
  17. Unknown28 January 2025 at 10:31

    I listened to a podcast with a performance coach, who trains many football players to improve their scanning, anticipating and optimal use of spaces on the FoP. He had some critical remarks about István Kovács after his display in Crvena zvezda vs. PSV. To be fair, he mentioned the performance “Champions League unworthy”, which is quite harsh, but it triggered me to re-watch the final minutes of the game.

    The situation is 11 vs 10. Crvena zvezda is 2-3 behind and tries to push to make the equalizer.

    What happened from the first minutes of injury time:
    - Players run on Kovács’ heels twice;
    - But even worse, he blocked a cross-pass of Crvena zvezda which would have ended into the PSV box, if Kovács didn’t make the interception.

    The coach pointed out that Kovács is turning his back to the ball near a box too many times. By doing so, a referee can’t anticipate where the ball is. And by blocking pass lines, he’s influencing the game massively.

    It is actually odd that most people mainly focus on referee decisions (penalty or not, RC or not) and media headlines, and that these kinds of things are not mentioned or underlined at all. Kovács is often criticized for his disciplinary, but in all fairness his anticipation and positioning have been a much bigger issue for a longer time.

    ReplyDelete
  18. nikart29 January 2025 at 11:20

    OT
    Greek Super League
    PAOK - AEK: Zwayer (Perl, Zambalas)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zwayerbrazil29 January 2025 at 13:18

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Chefren29 January 2025 at 19:41

      Well, first of all it is not possible to say that he appointed himself for that match, so in the end I don't understand why for this reason he should be a genius, then in my opinion it is a coincidence, with so many appointments that international referees receive abroad, this time it happened in Greece close to the UEFA course. Could have happened to another referee, but you wouldn't have written such post :)

      Delete
  19. hugostiglitz29 January 2025 at 21:11

    Inter - Monaco penalty decision seemed very soft to me.

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    1. Chefren29 January 2025 at 21:20

      Classic situation in which attacker puts himself in the path of defender and then he gets touched. Penalty you have to support, but created by attacker. The kind of penalties I don't like, but VAR can do nothing.

      Delete
    2. hugostiglitz29 January 2025 at 21:26

      Right, never VAR stuff

      Delete
  20. Chefren29 January 2025 at 21:17

    Absolutely clear red card by Peljto.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Chefren29 January 2025 at 21:36

    In the end the game in Stuttgart was an easy one...

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  22. Chefren29 January 2025 at 21:41

    Clear second YC by Letexier in Zagreb, holding outside the box (and very stupid because player would have never reached ball). Also YC for protest to Milan GK. Very challenging game.

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    1. Oliver30 January 2025 at 00:32

      First yellow is wrong. He missed a foul initially which led to a confrontation, but that was not caused by the Milan player imo

      Delete
  23. hugostiglitz29 January 2025 at 21:43

    Kabakov had an OFR but i couldnt see the incident.

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    1. Chefren29 January 2025 at 21:49

      UEFA:
      VAR review complete
      Decision overturned: no penalty
      Penalty cancelled - no handball offence.
      Ball did not touch left arm of Sparta Praha's player, No30.

      Delete
  24. GRef29 January 2025 at 21:49

    Good decision from Mariani. Correct PK awarded. Tripping.

    ReplyDelete
  25. hugostiglitz29 January 2025 at 21:51

    Steiler with the correct penalty. Very good decision.

    ReplyDelete
  26. OJS1429 January 2025 at 21:55

    Sören Storks is definitely not the fastest VAR. Some tight offside decisions tho, all correct.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Modric29 January 2025 at 22:02

    Good performance by Letexier so far in heated game. The 2YC is rather harsh, especially if we consider that the first YC came after an unnecessary scuffle.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Unknown29 January 2025 at 22:06

    Stieler with a not so strong appearance in the final minutes of first half. Right before PSV’s equalizer in 43. he obstructed a Liverpool defender which in turn lost the ball and in added time a couple of calls which were not accepted well (e.g. 45+2. allowing a holding after which a two Yc’s followed for Spa and dissent).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown29 January 2025 at 22:30

      However in 65. a dive very well spotted and sanctioned with a Yc.

      Delete
  29. Chefren29 January 2025 at 22:12

    Letexier gets absolutely everything right... it's incredible.
    2-0 disallowed for a previous handball. Correct decision.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Modric29 January 2025 at 22:17

      Indeed very impressive, a lot of penalty appeals as well, very demanding gamey but he gets everything right with ease.

      Delete
  30. Modric29 January 2025 at 22:27

    Great job by VAR, I must say I completely missed this, looked like clear penalty to Milan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hugostiglitz29 January 2025 at 22:27

      Maybe also a yellow card for Leao?

      Delete
    2. Modric29 January 2025 at 22:36

      I agree with Chefren, not enough contact for YC to Leao IMO.

      Delete
  31. Chefren29 January 2025 at 22:29

    And here an OFR for Letexier.
    A penalty call (would have been correct), removed after VAR intervention for a previous illegal use of arm / elbow by Milan attacker. I think that Croatian made a big scene but, honestly, the contact arm/elbow with face can't be denied, so one can easily assess it as careless. We can add that UEFA pays a big attention to those situations, indeed for Italian fans this can be a wrong decision.
    One can praise Letexier because he didn't book Leao, for me no more than careless as said.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren29 January 2025 at 22:32

      Here the previous second YC decision:
      https://streamin.me/v/4c082e3a

      Delete
    2. Cassius29 January 2025 at 22:48

      perfect decision, no question about the YC and the player should only be angry at himself. also good that Letexier booked one of the protesting players, the goalkeeper in this case.

      Delete
  32. hugostiglitz29 January 2025 at 22:48

    Villa penalty is softer than Inter penalty. Turpin is lucky that he missed it.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Euro Soccer Ref29 January 2025 at 22:49

    RC for DOGSO in Inter-Monaco
    https://www.streambug.io/cv/8d11ed

    Penalty for handball overturned after OFR - no handball in Leverkusen-Sparta
    https://streambug.org/cv/f0e899

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hugostiglitz29 January 2025 at 22:57

      This penalty decision can't be accepted in this level.

      Delete
    2. Chefren29 January 2025 at 23:05

      Thanks for these clips!
      Very clear DOGSO by Peljto.
      Kabakov: a clear case of whistle based on perception but without watching an existing handball. One could write a book about that. He saw the raised arm and he just thought ball was there. The easy advice I always want to give is that this shouldn't be enough for thinking about a foul, a referee should always have in his eyes a ball hitting arm. We know it's difficult but to me such assessments could be avoided.

      Delete
    3. Euro Soccer Ref29 January 2025 at 23:05

      Hmm, easy to be deceived, imo. A shot from a short distance and hand position should be assessed as punishable.

      Delete
    4. Ref 830 January 2025 at 01:40

      Really it's easy to misjudge such possible handball.
      Except that situatin, top class advanced befor the first goal of Leverkusen by Kabakov.

      Delete
  34. Jojo29 January 2025 at 22:53

    RC for DOGSO in PSV-LIV by Stieler
    Supportable decision IMO and fully accepted by players

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Euro Soccer Ref29 January 2025 at 23:09

      https://streambug.org/cv/eefcb4

      Delete
    2. Chefren29 January 2025 at 23:11

      Supportable but nothing more, there was the other defender, YC would have been accepted as well, but OK by VAR to stay silent.

      Delete
    3. usaref1 February 2025 at 20:20

      He kicked him straight in the testicles with force from behind, nowhere near the ball.

      He's lucky if that's classified as DOGSO and SFP.

      "Supportable but nothing more?" It's far, far more.

      Delete
    4. Unknown1 February 2025 at 22:18

      Bullocks as far as the SFP is concerned, nothing more than a reckless challenge, actually he did approach the ball. If no DOGSO a simple yellow card.

      Delete
    5. usaref2 February 2025 at 00:47

      I'm sorry, what? He fouled him directly from behind. He's kicked between his legs and kicked his opponent's testicles with the same force that he was trying to play the ball. He does not touch the ball, nor come all that close (sure, he attempted to play it, which is why it is potentially SFP and not VC). What is the argument in defense here? Where is the mitigation? Is the argument that it wasn't studs to the penis so it's okay?

      We've lost the plot if we're not at least *considering* SFP here. There is not one standard carbon-copy type of SFP. It wasn't that long ago that this would be a stonewall red card anywhere on the field.

      Delete
  35. Michael29 January 2025 at 22:58

    Turpin insisting that a free kick to Celtic for offside is taken 10 yards in the Celtic half when the Aston Villa player was active (touched the ball) in his own half - probably the most controversial decision all night!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Euro Soccer Ref29 January 2025 at 23:08

      https://streambug.org/cv/5f66dc

      Delete
    2. MT29 January 2025 at 23:40

      Yup, apart from obviously inefficient management, nowadays also incorrect.

      Delete
    3. Eric van Marwijk31 January 2025 at 11:35

      don't see anything wrong here.....assistant signals clearly for offside, the player is taking free kick from wrong position, so Turpin send him back to the right place, from this video we can't see the position where the offside was, so maybe the assistant told Turpin where it was......

      Delete
  36. Euro Soccer Ref29 January 2025 at 22:59

    Penalty decision in Inter-Monaco
    https://streambug.org/cv/36c396

    Penalty decision in Aston Villa-Celtic
    https://streambug.org/cv/ce073f

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren29 January 2025 at 23:09

      Turpin, very clear foul. Incredible reaction by defender saying "no" to referee. Interesting that this game ended without cards, with this one assessed as genuine SPA and not DOGSO, one can agree. A fully British game.

      Peljto: for me hard to accept the call, one can't like the fact that attacker invaded at first defender's space and then only after, he was touched from behind. A sought penalty.

      Delete
  37. Chefren29 January 2025 at 23:10

    Very positive last matchday for CL league stage.
    Some crucial games were not that challenging after all, Stuttgart - PSG and Lille - Feyenoord among them.
    I tried to follow everything but I don't know if I missed anything.
    Apart from offside corrections, we had two OFR, in Zagreb and Leverkusen.
    One of the most challenging games for Letexier, busy start for Peljto as well in Milan. As you can see, when Italian teams are involved, this can indeed happen more frequently.
    No issues for Taylor in Salzburg, as one could have easily guessed.
    I also followed a bit of Oliver, normal game for him, just offside "normal" issues.
    Maybe somebody can say more about Nyberg and Pinheiro, these games in Germany were the least shown on TV here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Euro Soccer Ref30 January 2025 at 01:25

      Not the easiest game for Glenn Nyberg. In several cases, players with bad attitude against opponents, but the Swede went through it without problems. Good awareness and management of some cynical challenges. Some more cards possible (e.g. two SPA-like fouls) but rather nothing mandatory has been missed. I will upload some clips when possible. In general, a (very) good performance by Nyberg.

      Delete
    2. Philipp S30 January 2025 at 15:55

      Easy game for Pinheiro, no talking points, expected level.

      Delete
  38. K Thomas30 January 2025 at 03:52

    As an English PL viewer, I must say what a pleasure it is to watch the majority of the referees in UEFA competitions. Whilst bad decisions/mistakes are part of the game, overall, it is refreshing to watch the consistency and accuracy of the refereeing in these competitions. (Admittedly, I am comparing this to the situation in England so the bar is probably low :) )

    Sure, it makes sense, given that in theory we see the top officials from all of the various countries in action. But the way they referee the game is so much better than in England, in my opinion.

    Also a huge fan of the semi-automated offsides, cannot wait for that to be introduced in the PL (wasn't it suppose to have already been introduced..?).

    Referees & VARs - Bravo! Interested to see who gets the big upcoming games.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Chefren30 January 2025 at 04:40

    There was another OFR in Balakin game, an interesting one.
    Video:
    https://streambug.org/cv/bdde3f
    Decision overturned: goal disallowed
    Goal disallowed - foul.
    Sturm Graz's player, No20, used his arm in a reckless manner towards the opponent's head in the build-up to the goal.

    OK, you have the clear foul with arm, but what before? The holding by defender. Should we consider this one clear and obvious mistake?
    Here only solution to solve all doubts would have been to see a whistle and an assessment by referee on the incident, without VAR being forced to intervene. While you can understand reason for the call to monitor (arm to face), you should also wonder how the previous holding was worthy of being analyzed.
    And again, afer OFR, not the best signal by Balakin, he should have made clearer he had whistled that foul, people thought about the confirmation and the allowed goal.
    To me once again it seems like the Ukranian, a quite good pitch referee, doesn't like too much VAR.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philipp S30 January 2025 at 10:49

      It would be unusual, but I think within the frame of the protocol, to give an attacking free kick for the holding. The general principle is to take the best possible decision during an OFR.

      But yes, once you have a foul by the defender here, one can wonder, how much the strike by the attacker was actually careless or only a consequence of being fouled.

      Delete
  40. Chefren30 January 2025 at 10:30

    Three incidents from Letexier game.

    30' Management, first YC to Musah
    https://streambug.org/cv/99d17a

    39' Second YC
    https://streambug.org/cv/48578a

    62' Penalty annulled for previous foul, careless arm / elbow
    https://streambug.org/cv/4da086

    ReplyDelete
  41. pirri30 January 2025 at 11:44

    Some comments on Oliver performance? Expecially on goal ruled out for offside by var. It is very controversial, it seems defender touched the ball back and that's never a VAR stuff IMO.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chefren30 January 2025 at 13:21

      Video of the incident, deflection or deliberate play by defender?
      Were officials aware about the possible deliberate play when they disallowed the goal?
      https://streambug.org/cv/47e0e5

      UEFA says:
      Decision overturned: goal disallowed
      Goal disallowed - offside.
      Atalanta's player, No77, was in an offside position and played the ball before scoring the goal.

      So, no info about this particular, and indeed in my opinion they didn't consider this one at all.

      Delete
    2. hugostiglitz30 January 2025 at 13:34

      Maybe after BAR player kicked the ball, it touched ATA player's foot. Otherwise there should be an OFR, no?

      Delete
    3. hugostiglitz30 January 2025 at 23:05

      as i guessed,

      https://x.com/FutOffsides/status/1884716479586750563

      Delete
  42. Chefren30 January 2025 at 13:05

    Stieler, the mentioned incidents.

    45' Positioning, interfering with a player and then goal scored by the other team.
    https://streambug.org/cv/f8843f

    45'+3 Possible foul, holding, play on, then YC for SPA and another for dissent to PSV.
    https://streambug.org/cv/32d87e

    65' Simulation, very good decision
    https://streambug.org/cv/17724c

    ReplyDelete
  43. Euro Soccer Ref30 January 2025 at 17:51

    Highlights of Glenn Nyberg's performance in Borussia Dortmund - FK Shakhtar Donetsk

    https://files.fm/u/7y6w5npm9b

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kapetan30 January 2025 at 19:41

      Maybe the uniform selection could have been different for Nyberg? Blue possibly?

      Delete
    2. Chefren30 January 2025 at 21:12

      Indeed, no explanations for this kit's choice. OK, yellow and black shirts not possible, but why not the blue?
      It seems sometimes referees don't have all colors of kits available, this should be only explanation.

      About the performance, I watched the full video, classic Nyberg as we know, allowing a certain physical play, booking players only when strictly needed and being consistent on that. Sometimes this can't work in different games but it was OK in Dortmund. He relies very much on communicating with players. One important note about fourth official: he could have expected an immediate reaction by Shakhtar who had been pushed to Borussia's bench by opponent in 24'. More alertness in such situations is important, it was poor to watch the player coming from behind where fourth official was standing with that fury against opponent.

      Delete
  44. Euro Soccer Ref31 January 2025 at 14:56

    Highlights of João Pinheiro's performance in FC Bayern München - ŠK Slovan Bratislava

    https://files.fm/u/7svdn4ffmg

    ReplyDelete

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